The
Dragonfly

Imbolc

Imbolc (pronounced "IM-bulk", "IM mol'g" or "EM-bowl/k") is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on February 2nd. In the Celtic tradition it is celebrated on February 1st or the first Full Moon in Aquarius. Other names Imbolc are known by include Imbolg, Imbolic (Celtic), Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonii Tradition, or the Druids), Candlelaria (Mexican Craft), Disting (Teutonic Tradition - celebrated on February 14th) Candlemas (some Pagan Traditions and/or individuals prefer this name), the Feast of Candlemas and St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Oimelc, Brigid's Day, Lupercus (Strega), the Feast of Lights, the Feast of the Virgin, the Snowdrop Festival, or the Festival of Lights.

Symbols

Candle Wheel
Grain Dolly
Sun Wheel
Bridget's Cross

Deities

Virgin/Maiden Goddesses
Fire/Flame Gods and Goddesses
Brigid
Aradia
Anu
Arianrhod
Athena
Branwen
Inanna
Selene
Gaia
Februa
Februus
Pax
Cupid
Eros
Diancecht

Animals

robins
sheep
lambs
deer
badgers
groundhogs

Mythical Beasts

phoenix
dragons
firebirds

Plants and Herbs

evergreens
willow trees
rosemary
angelica
basil
bay
benzoin
heather
myrrh
clover
dill
yellow flowers

"Eye of the Slumbering Snow-Dragon"

Photo courtesy of Gabriella Gabrielle

The name "Imbolc" or "Oimelc", which is derived from Gaelic, means "ewe's milk" after the lactating sheep that are feeding their first born lambs of the new season at this time of year.

This Sabbat is a time of cleansing and newborn lambs, a good time for the Blessing of seeds. It is a festival of the Maiden in preparation for growth and renewal. Imbolc is a time to honor the Virgin Goddesses, along with the first signs of returning life in a frozen Winterland. In many places, the crocus flower is one of the first to show itself popping up through the snow, and so it is also a symbol of this Sabbat. Candlemas is a Festival of Light and is therefore celebrated by the use of many candles.

Symbolically, many Pagans choose to represent Imbolc by the use of Candle Wheels, Grain Dollies, and Sun Wheels - these may be used in ritual or simply as decoration. Candle Wheels are generally round decorated "crowns" made of straw or some type of natural woven substance which is ringed with either eight or thirteen red, pink or white candles and decorated with colored ribbons. In many Imbolc rituals, it is traditional for the High Priestess or the Maiden to wear this "crown" during the ritual at some point.

3 Simple Ways to Magickally Cleanse your Sacred Space

Peter Wood

If you have one among your tools, use the magical broom to ritually sweep away the negative clutter. This in effect is a symbolic action; the bristles of the broom need not actually touch the floor. Sweep rhythmically while visualizing energy sparks or flames shooting out of the broom, blasting all the negativity away. Know and feel it is doing so. You could also set up a rhythmic chant while doing this, using words like: "Sweep, Sweep, Sweep this place. Cleanse and clean my Sacred Space".
If you don't have a magical broom, an alternative is to use a bell. Ringing a bell unleashes powerful energies, visualize its vibrations attacking and demolishing any negative energy. Start at the East point of the circle and work your way deosil (clockwise) through South, West and North ring the bell at each point. Know and feel the vibrations cleansing the area. Any type of bell can be used, but if you can, choose one with a resonant tone.
Another method is to simply burn purifying incense such as frankincense, myrrh, sage, thyme or rosemary. Fumigate the area by walking deosil around the circle and visualize the smoke dispelling any negative energy.

Imbolc Activities

Grain Dollies can be made many different ways, and need not take on human shape unless you desire. They are made of wheat or sheaves of other grains such as straw, corn or barley. The sheaves are formed into some semblance of a "dolly" by folding, tucking and tying here and there. They can then be "dressed" in white cotton or satin and lace to represent the bride. You may even choose to create a "bed" (from a basket usually) for your grain dolly, commonly called a "Bride's Bed". There are many Pagan books available on how to create Candle Wheels, Grain Dollies, and Sun Wheels. Please refer to them for further instructions on making these decorations. Imbolc is also represented by burrowing animals, and the bride.

Banishing Winter

Priestess Thea

The celebration of Imbolg signals the middle of the season of long nights and anticipates the upcoming season of light. By the time we reach the Sabbat of Imbolg, it is time for the banishing of Winter. Gather together all of the Yuletide decorations with which you decorated your home - all of the greens that adorned the house throughout the Yuletide season -- including parts of your Yule tree and any natural decorations that graced its boughs.

As part of your Imbolg Sabbat rite, add the greens and decorations to the Sabbat Fire (be particularly careful doing this, because by now they are dangerously dry!) I suggest that you do this part of the ritual out of doors. Dance and chant around the fire with a time-honored rune such as:

"Say farewell to what is dead, and greet each living thing Thus we banish Winter, thus we welcome Spring!"

As an added touch, and to align myself with the season of purification, I toss a handful of salt onto the fire at the end of the rite to help extinguish the flames.

Imbolc Incense

For Imbolc incense, you could make a blend from any of the following scents or simply choose one: basil, myrrh, frankincense, wisteria, jasmine, camphor, cinnamon, and lotus.

Imbolc recipes

Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those that represent growth, such as seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower) as well as poppyseed breads, muffins, and cakes. Also quite befitting are foods from the dairy, since Imbolc marks the festival of calving. Sour cream dishes are fine. Appropriate meat dishes should contain poultry, pork, or lamb. 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. Spiced wines, herbal teas, honey, and dishes containing raisins --- all foods symbolic of the Sun --- are also traditional.

Eggnog

Heidi Couture

The drink called eggnog in America may be an adaptation of milk punch, an old English drink made with milk, eggs, brandy, sugar, and lemon juice.

6 eggs, separated
½ cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup milk
½ cup bourbon
½ cup brandy
½ cup light rum
nutmeg

Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until thick.
Slowly add the cream, milk and spirits.
Chill.
Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form and add to the mixture.
Chill and let ripen a few hours.
Sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.

Brighid's Bannock

Priestess Thea

Celtic breads were traditionally baked on a griddle. Originally a hot stone suspended over a fire, it was one of the oldest cooking methods known. Today a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan can be used.

6 ounces oatmeal
2 ounces all-purpose flour
1 ounce butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch baking soda
10 ounces water

Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda into the oatmeal.
Boil the water, add the butter until melted, then pour into the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture is a spongy dough. Use extra water if needed.
Turn mixture onto a surface covered with plenty of dry oatmeal, and scatter more on top. Flatten the dough and roll out to ¼ inch thickness, then place a dinner plate on top and trim into a neat circle. Sprinkle on more oatmeal, and rub it in all over the surface.
Score the top in the shape of a Brighid's Cross.
Lift carefully onto a greased, pre-heated griddle or pan. Cook on medium heat until the bottom is golden brown and the sides are beginning to dry out and curl.
Place under the broiler to toast the top.
Serve hot and crisp.

You can use these bannocks as part of your Imbolg celebration, or as cakes to be shared at the end of the ritual. Enjoy!!!

A Blessing for a New Home

Rebirth in a new family, in a new place, in a new life

Rising languid after months in the darkness
Months of the dark Goddess gnawing away
She painfully cutting and rasping and judging what to keep and what to chip away

A union now quickening in the new fertile bed of the spring of your life
Sprouting fresh and young and green and crisp
With promise that goes on to the infinite

May your new home, and your new life
Fill you both, full to overflowing and beyond
With joy and growth, with excitement and security
Fulfill your longings
And bring you peace

The Flame in the Snow
A Desultory Musing on an Imbolg Night

Andras Corban Arthen Director of EarthSpirit.

The hard-packed snow crunches underfoot. More than thirty of us, we wend our way in single file on the narrow trail along the frozen pond. All around, the woods are whisper-still, silent watchers of this curious band of darkling figures inching forward on short, halting steps.

No creaking branches on this windless night; no fallen leaves may rustle under almost-virgin white. Only the sound of trudging feet disturbs the silence, only the tracks of our grim passage mar the snow.

Story continued on it's own page.

We Dance on a Beam of Light

M. M.

Oh, we plant a magickal garden
So choose your seed with wisdom
And till and water and weed with care
For what we harvest is how we fare.

We weave a mystical fabric
So choose your thread with wisdom
Spin silver and gold with strength and care
For how we weave is what we wear.

We sing a song of infinite power
So choose your words with wisdom
Speak love and truth, sing pure and clear
For what we sing is all that we hear.

(refrain)
We dance and dance on a beam of light
The source of all the starry night
Step round and round the sphere of fire
The dance of love and life's desire.

Imbolc Meditation