IMBOLC February 2nd Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha, Imbolc: (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.
The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.
Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Meaning: Honor of the Virgin Goddess, First signs of Returning Light, Festival of Light. Lore: It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house- if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honor of the Sun's rebirth. Alternately, light a kerosene lamp with a red chimney and place this in a prominent part of the home or in a window. If snow lies on the ground outside, walk in it for a moment, recalling the warmth of summer. With your projective hand, trace an image of the sun on the snow. Other Names: Imbolg, Oimelc, Candlemas, Disting-tid, Feast of Brigid, Festival of Light, Feast of the Virgin, Festival of Milk, Anagantios, Feast Day of St. Blaize, St. Bridget's Day, Candlelaria and yes, of course, Groundhog's Day Ritual Oils: Jasmine, Apricot, Carnation, Sweet Pea, Neroli, Olive. Incense: Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh. Activities: Candle Lighting, Searching For Signs of Spring, Gathering Stones, Making Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit. Colors: White, Yellow, Pink, Green, Brown
Symbols: Candles, The Bride, Burrowing Animals, Grain Dolly, Sun Wheels.
Taboos: Cutting or Picking Plants.
Animals: Robin, Burrowing Animals, Sheep, Lamb, Dragon, Deer.
Stones: Turquoise, Amethyst
Plants: Evergreen, Willow, Rosemary, Clover, Dill.
Attunement Teas: (Individually or Blended) Chamomile, Red Clover, Rosemary, Blackberry.
Deities: God and Goddess as Children, All Virgin Goddesses
The Goddesses: All Virgin Goddesses, All Flame Goddesses, Anu (Irish), Arianhrod (Welsh), Artio (Gaulish), Athena (Greek), Blaize (Breton), Branwen (Manx-Welsh), Brigid/Brid (Irish), Dahud (Breton-Cornish), Frimia (Teutonic), Gaia (Greek), Inanna (Sumerian), Laufey (Teutonic), Lucina (Roman-Norse), Selene (Greek), Triduana (Scottish), Vesta (Roman).
The Gods: All Dragon-Headed Gods, All Flame Gods, Bannik (Slavic), Braggi (Norse), Cupid/Eros (Greco-Roman), Diancecht (Irish), Dumuzi (Sumerian), Essus (Gaulish), Februus (Roman), Pax (Roman), Trusto (Teutonic)
Food: Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those from the dairy, since Imbolc marks the festival of calving. Sour cream dishes are fine. Spicy and full-bodied foods in honor of the sun are equally attuned. Curries and all dishes made with peppers, onions, leeks, shallots, garlic, or chives are appropriate. Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads. Spiced wines and dished containing raisins- all foods symbolic of the sun- are also traditional. |
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