Imbolic Repost

Symbolism of Imbolc:

Purity, Growth and Renewal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.

Symbols of Imbolc:

Brideo’gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid’s Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.

Herbs of Imbolc:

Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Foods of Imbolc:

Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

Incense of Imbolc:

Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.

Colors of Imbolc:

White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.

Stones of Imbolc:

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Imbolc. Some people focus on the Celtic goddess Brighid, in her many aspects as a deity of fire and fertility. Others aim their rituals more towards the cycles of the seasons, and agricultural markers. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying — and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.

• Setting Up Your Imbolc Altar
  • Imbolc sabbat season is often associated with the colors red, green, and white.
  • Because Imbolc is a harbinger of spring, any plants that symbolize the new growth are appropriate.
  • You can decorate your altar with items that represent the goddess Brighid, such as candles, a corn doll, chalices and cauldrons, or healing herbs.
  • Cauldrons or chalices: she’s often connected to sacred wells and springs, due to her association with healing waters
  • A small anvil or hammer: Brighid is the goddess of smithcraft
  • A Brighid corn doll and Priapic wand
  • Sacred animals such as cows, sheep or swans
  • A goddess statue: you can find some beautiful statuary of Brighid, or of other spring deities in your tradition
  • A book of poetry, or a poem you’ve written: Brighid is the patroness of poets
  • Faeries: in some traditions, Brighid is the sister of the Fae
  • Healing herbs: she’s often connected to healing rites
  • Baked goods, especially those made with eggs and dairy products
  • Lots of candles, or a cauldron with a small fire in it; as the goddess of domesticity and the hearth, she is associated with fire and braziers
• Imbolc Candle Ritual
  • First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc – rebirth and renewal, purification and cleansing.
  • Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you’re done, dress in your ritual attire, if you normally wear it, and begin the rite. You’ll need:
    • Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)
    • Something to light your candles with
    • A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles
    • Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron
  • If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now. Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won’t slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:

Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.

In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.

• Light the second candle, saying:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

• Light the third candle. Say:

This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.

That which is outside, shall stay without.

That which is inside, shall stay within.

• Light the fourth candle. Say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

• Light the fifth candle, saying:

Like fire, light and love will always grow.

Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.

• Light the sixth candle, and say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

• Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.

Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,

cover me in your shining light.

I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am

made pure.

• Take a few moments and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damaged.
• When you are ready, end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.

• Initiation Ceremony for a New Seeker
  • Discussed in January’s lessons
• Imbolc Prayers
  • The goddess Brighid is well known as a keeper of the hearth fires in the home. As such, she is often associated with matters of domesticity, including cooking and kitchen magic. If you’ve prepped a meal and you’re getting ready to dig in, take a moment to bless your food in Brighid’s name.

Brighid is the lady of flame,

the fire that cooks our food!

Hail to her and to the hearth,

and may our meal be good!

• In some modern Pagan traditions, it is customary to offer a blessing before a meal, particularly if it’s being held in a ritual context. At Imbolc, it’s a season to honor Brighid, the goddess of hearth, home and domesticity. Celebrate her role as a goddess of the homefires, and offer this simple blessing of gratitude before your Imbolc feast.

This is the season of Brighid,

She who protects our hearth and home.

We honor her and thank her,

for keeping us warm as we eat this meal.

Great Lady, bless us and this food,

and protect us in your name.

• Although Imbolc isn’t truly the end of winter–and depending on where you live, you might be right smack in the middle of the worst weather of the season–in many traditions, it is a time to look forward towards the spring. It’s a good time to honor the idea that the days are starting to grow a little bit longer and that soon, the harsh cold winter will be coming to an end. Feel free to hold off on this prayer until it’s a little more seasonally appropriate for your area.

The winter is coming to an end

The stores of food are dwindling,

And yet we eat, and stay warm

In the chilled winter months.

We are grateful for our good fortune,

And for the food before us.

• The goddess Brighid was known by many names. In parts of northern Britain, she was called Brigantia, and was seen as a keeper of the forge. In this aspect, she is associated with smithcraft and cauldrons. She was connected to the Roman goddess Victoria, a deity who was the personification of victory in battle, as well as loyalty. In some legends she is invoked as Minerva, the warrior goddess. Although as Brigantia she is not nearly as famous as her Brighid aspect, she is seen as the goddess who bestowed the title of Brigantes upon a pan-Celtic tribe in England’s border region

Hail, Brigantia! Keeper of the forge,

she who shapes the world itself with fire,

she who ignites the spark of passion in the poets,

she who leads the clans with a warrior’s cry,

she who is the bride of the islands,

and who leads the fight of freedom.

Hail, Brigantia! Defender of kin and hearth,

she who inspires the bards to sing,

she who drives the smith to raise his hammer,

she who is a fire sweeping across the land.

• Among her many other aspects, Brighid is the keeper of the flame, and this simple prayer honors her in that role.

Mighty Brighid, keeper of the flame,

blazing in the darkness of winter.

O goddess, we honor you, bringer of light,

healer, exalted one.

Bless us now, hearth mother,

that we may be as fruitful as the soil itself,

and our lives abundant and fertile.

• In many modern Pagan traditions, Imbolc sabbat is a time to celebrate Brighid, the Celtic hearth goddess. Among her many other aspects, she is known as the Bride of Earth, and is the patroness of domesticity and home. This simple prayer honors her in that role.

Bride of the earth,

sister of the faeries,

daughter of the Tuatha de Danaan,

keeper of the eternal flame.

In autumn, the nights began to lengthen,

and the days grew shorter,

as the earth went to sleep.

Now, Brighid stokes her fire,

burning flames in the hearth,

bringing light back to us once more.

Winter is brief, but life is forever.

Brighid makes it so.

• Alexander Carmichael was a folklorist and author who spent nearly five decades traveling around the highlands of Scotland collecting stories, prayers and songs. His most noteworthy work, the Carmina Gadelica, is an interesting blend of early Pagan tradition mixed with the influences of Christianity. Smooring the Fire is from Carmichael’s Carmina Gadelica, published 1900, and is a Gaelic hymn to Brighid, honoring the tradition of smooring, or dampening, the hearth fire at night, and particularly on the night before Imbolc.

An Tri numh (The sacred Three)

A chumhnadh, (To save,)

A chomhnadh, (To shield,)

A chomraig (To surround)

An tula, (the hearth)

An taighe, (The house,)

An teaghlaich, (The household,)

An oidhche, (This eve,)

An nochd, (This night,)

O! an oidhche, (Oh! this eve,)

An nochd, (This night,)

Agus gach oidhche, (And every night,)

Gach aon oidhche. (Each single night.)

Amen.

• Imbolc Cleansing Ritual Bath
  • As you run the bath, you’ll want to incorporate herbs that are associated with cleansing. The best way to do this is to tie herbs into a muslin cloth or bag, and hang it on the faucet so that the warm bathwater runs through it into the tub. Herbs associated with cleansing and purification include but are not limited to:
    • Sage
    • Chamomile
    • Cinnamon
    • Lemon Balm
    • Sandalwood
    • Lavender
    • Rosemary
    • Hyssop
    • Sweetgrass
    • Peppermint
  • Once you’ve filled the bath with warm water, running through the herbal mix, immerse yourself in the tub. Make sure you’re completely relaxed–for some people, this may take a few minutes, but that’s okay. Try to clear your mind completely. Focus on the warmth enveloping your body. Breathe deeply, taking in the scents of the herbal oils in the water. If you’ve got music playing, allow your mind to wander wherever the music may take you–a sandy beach, a forest glade, wherever. Close your eyes, and become attuned to the rhythms of your own body.
  • Visualize, for a moment, all the negative energy in your body. As you focus on this, imagine it being swept out of your body, bit by bit, one particle at a time, through the pores of your skin. See it being released from your body, and diluted into the water. While the negative energy is leaving your body, think about how rejuvenating the bath is. See your body, your spirit, your soul being cleansed and purified by the herbs and the water.
  • When you feel ready, stand up and get out of the tub. After you’ve gotten out of the water, release the plug so that all the negativity absorbed by the water can be drained away.
  • Important note: if you only have a shower stall, and not a bathtub–or if you just don’t have time for a long bath–you can do this cleansing rite as a shower. Hang the cloth bag of herbs over the showerhead, so the herbal water runs over your body while you shower.
• Imbolc House Cleansing Ceremony
  • First, do a complete physical cleaning of your house. Put on some music and thoroughly clean every room, top to bottom. Strip sheets off the beds, turn the mattresses, dust every surface, and vacuum every floor. Sort through those piles of paper on your desk, and get rid of things you don’t need to keep; file everything else. Gather up the kids’ toys and put them in baskets for easy storage. If you need to get rid of things, do it now–set aside a box for charity and put gently used items in it. Set aside another box for trash, and see if you can fill it up!
  • Once your house is clean–and this assumes you did the kitchen as well–it’s time to have some fun. Call up some friends and invite them over for a potluck. Cook up some Imbolc-themed comfort foods, such as Braided Bread or Beer Battered Fish & Chips, and have a small potluck celebration. Ask each guest to bring a small token to bless your house — pebbles, shells, interesting bits of wood, beads, etc.
  • You’ll also need the following:
    • A bowl of water
    • Some sea salt
    • A smudging bundle of sage or sweetgrass
    • A blue candle
    • Some Blessing Oil
    • A bowl or bag
  • Begin at the front door–it is, after all, where you welcome guests into your home–and go through the house in a sunwise direction (clockwise). Ask your guests to help you by smudging the perimeter of each room with the salt, sage, candle flame and water. You may wish to say some sort of incantation as they do this, something like:

With the purifying power of water,

with the clean breath of air,

with the passionate heat of fire,

with the grounding energy of earth

we cleanse this space.

• As you pass from room to room, anoint each door and windowsill with the Blessing Oil by tracing the shape of a pentagram or other symbol of your tradition. This prevents anything negative from crossing into the home. If you like, you can offer a small incantation as you do this, something like:

May the goddess bless this home,

making it sacred and pure,

so that nothing but love and joy

shall enter through this door.

• Finally, once you’ve gone through the house, ask each of your guests to deposit their blessing token in your bowl or bag. Keep it in a place of honor in your home — on the mantel or in your kitchen is a good idea. Gather around the dinner table, break out the goodies, and enjoy a feast with your friends and family!

• Fire Scrying Ritual
  • Light your fire (or candle, if that’s what you’re using) and take some time to watch it. Let the flames grow taller and bolder and brighter, as each bit of kindling catches fire. Breathe deeply and evenly, allowing yourself to relax and become comfortable as the fire blazes. When you have a good strong fire going, focus your vision on the center of the dancing flames. Don’t worry about staring too hard, just rest your eyesight wherever is the most comfortable.
  • Draw the energy of the flames toward you, allowing yourself to feel their power. It can heal or harm, create or destroy. Fire is associated with strong will and power.
  • Watch as the fire flickers and flashes. Do you see images in the flames? Some people see clear images, while others see shapes in the shadows, mere hints of what is within. Look for images that seem familiar or for those that may repeat in a pattern.
  • Do you hear sounds as you watch the fire? You may hear the crackling of wood, the roar of larger flames, the snapping of embers. Some people report hearing faint voices singing or speaking in the fire.
  • Thoughts and ideas may pop into your head, seemingly unrelated to anything you see or hear. Be sure to use your notepad or journal so you can write these things down for future exploration. Spend as much time as you like watching the fire — once you start to get uncomfortable or fidgety, it’s time to wrap things up.
  • Messages often come to us from other realms and yet we frequently don’t recognize them. If a bit of information doesn’t make sense, don’t worry — sit on it for a few days and let your unconscious mind process it. Chances are, it will make sense eventually. It’s also possible that you could receive a message that’s meant for someone else — if something doesn’t seem to apply to you, think about your circle of friends, and who it might be meant for.
  • When you’re ready to end your scrying session, take a few moments to just relax, looking away from the fire. You may feel a high sense of energy, or an unusual sensation of clarity — if you do, don’t worry, that’s not uncommon.
  • You can either leave the fire burning, if it will be safe to do so, or you can extinguish it yourself.
  • Be sure to review your notes later, so you can reflect on the things you’ve seen. If you scry regularly, get in the habit of comparing notes from one session to the next, to see if there are messages or images that appear often.
• Love Magic
  • In some traditions of hoodoo and rootwork, those in love are advised to obtain a piece of their intended’s hair. Wrap it in a piece of cloth and then carry the cloth in your shoe, and you will attract the person’s love.
  • Many magical traditions encourage the use of bodily fluids to attract a person you’re in love with. Like many magical customs, if this goes against your personal code of ethics, then you may want to skip it.
  • In many European countries, apples are considered a great form of love divination. By using the peels, the seeds, and even a few chunks, you can tell a lot about the identity of a potential lover!
  • Animal parts were popular in love potions of days gone by. During England’s medieval period, girls were encouraged to make a liquid including–among other things–hare’s kidney, a swallow’s womb, and a dove’s heart. Blood and wine was added to make it drinkable 
  • Make a love magic bag. Create a small drawstring pouch out of fabric–preferably a piece of your lover’s clothing. Fill it with cinnamon, rosemary, and a piece of rose quartz. Add a magical link of some sort to the person you’re in love with. Wear the bag around your neck or carry it in your pocket, and it will attract the person to you.
  • Some folk magic traditions call for a woman to grind up a piece of her own hair or fingernail clippings into a fine powder, and then brew it into the tea or coffee of the man she is in love with. This will draw him to her.
  • REMEMBER TO NEVER INTERFERE WITH A PERSON’S FREE WILL
• Lithomancy–Divination by Stones
  • By creating a set of stones with symbols that are significant to you, you can make your own divinatory tool to use for guidance and inspiration. The instructions below are for a simple set using a group of thirteen stones. You can change any of them you like to make the set more readable for you, or you can add to or subtract any of the symbols you wish–it’s your set, so make it as personal as you like.
  • You’ll need the following:
    • Thirteen stones of similar shapes and sizes
    • Paint
    • A square of cloth about a foot square
  • We’re going to designate each stone as being representative of the following:
    • 1. The Sun, to represent power, energy, and life.
    • 2. The Moon, symbolizing inspiration, psychic ability, and intuition.
    • 3. Saturn, associated with longevity, protection, and purification.
    • 4. Venus, which is connected to love, fidelity, and happiness.
    • 5. Mercury, which is often associated to intelligence, self-improvement, and the overcoming of bad habits.
    • 6. Mars, to represent courage, defensive magic, battle, and conflict.
    • 7. Jupiter, symbolizing money, justice, and prosperity.
    • 8. Earth, representative of security of home, family, and friends.
    • 9. Air, to show your wishes, hopes, dreams, and inspiration.
    • 10. Fire, which is associated with passion, willpower, and outside influences.
    • 11. Water, a symbol of compassion, reconciliation, healing, and cleansing.
    • 12. Spirit, tied to the needs of the self, as well as communication with the Divine.
    • 13. The Universe, which shows us our place in the grand scheme of things, on a cosmic level.
  • Mark each stone with a symbol that indicates to you what the stone will represent. You can use astrological symbols for the planetary stones, and other symbols to signify the four elements. You may want to consecrate your stones, once you’ve created them, as you would any other important magical tool. 
  • Place the stones within the cloth and tie it shut, forming a bag. To interpret messages from the stones, the simplest way is to draw three stones at random. Place them in front of you, and see what messages they send. Some people prefer to use a pre-marked board, such as a spirit board or even a Ouija board. The stones are then cast onto the board, and their meanings are determined not only by where they land, but their proximity to other stones. For beginners, it may be easier to simply draw your stones from a bag.
  • Like reading Tarot cards, and other forms of divination, much of lithomancy is intuitive, rather than specific. Use the stones as a meditation tool, and focus on them as a guide. As you become more familiar with your stones, and their meanings, you’ll find yourself better able to interpret their messages.

Crafts for Imbolic

• DIY Fire Starter
  • Brighid is a goddess of fire, but let’s face it–sometimes getting a fire lit on a chilly, windy winter evening can be tricky. Put together a batch of simple fire starters to keep on hand, and you’ll be able to get a blaze going at any time!
    • A cardboard egg carton
    • Drier lint
    • Paraffin wax
  • Heat the paraffin wax in a double boiler. While it is melting, roll the drier lint into balls and stuff it into the cups of the cardboard egg carton. Squash it down so that you still have cardboard above the top of the lint ball. Pour the melted paraffin wax over the top of the lint-filled cardboard pockets. Allow to cool and harden. Cut the egg carton into separate cups, giving you twelve fire starters. When it’s time to start your fire, simply light one corner of a cardboard cup. The paraffin and lint will catch fire, and burn long enough to get your kindling going.
  • For another popular method–one that will seem familiar if you’ve had a kid involved in scouting–use a flat, short can, like a tuna can. Take a long strip of cardboard about an inch wide, and roll it into a spiral and then place it inside the can. Pour melted paraffin over it, and once it cools and hardens, you’ve got an easy-to-transport fire starter that you can take with you anywhere.
• Ice Candles and Lanterns
  • Ice candles are a lot of fun and easy to make during the winter months. Since February is traditionally a snow-filled time, at least in the northern hemisphere, why not make some ice candles to celebrate Imbolc, which is a day of candles and light?
  • You’ll need the following:
    • Ice
    • Paraffin wax
    • Color and scent (optional)
    • A taper candle
    • A cardboard container, like a milk carton
    • A double boiler, or two pans
  • Melt the paraffin wax in the double boiler. Make sure that the wax is never placed directly over the heat, or you could end up with a fire. While the wax is melting, you can prepare your candle mold. If you want to add color or scent to your candle, this is the time to add it to the melted wax. Place the taper candle into the center of the cardboard carton. Fill the carton with ice, packing them loosely around the taper candle. Use small chunks of ice—if they’re too large, your candle will be nothing but big holes.
  • Once the wax has melted completely, pour it into the container carefully, making sure that it goes around the ice evenly. As the hot wax pours in, it will melt the ice, leaving small holes in the candle. Allow the candle to cool, and then poke a hole in the bottom of the cardboard carton so the melted water can drain out (it’s a good idea to do this over a sink). Let the candle sit overnight so the wax can harden completely, and in the morning, peel back all of the cardboard container. You’ll have a complete ice candle, which you can use in ritual or for decoration.
  • Don’t have any wax lying around? Pour some water into a container, place a candle inside it so that the top of the candle and wick are above the surface, and let it freeze. Then peel away the container to give yourself a lantern of ice with a candle right in the center!
• Brighid Corn Doll
  • In one of her many aspects, Brighid is known as the bride. She is a symbol of fertility and good fortune, and is seen as yet one more step in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Traditionally, the Brighid doll is made of woven grain such as oats or wheat. This version, however, uses corn husks.
  • If you make a doll at Lughnasadh, you can re-use it in six months, dressing it up in spring colors for Imbolc. This way, the Harvest Mother becomes the Spring Bride. Some traditions, however, prefer not to re-use their harvest doll, and instead choose to start fresh and new in the spring. Either way is fine.
  • To make this simple doll, you’ll need some corn husks—and clearly, in January or February, you probably won’t be able to find a lot of those growing outside. Check your grocery store’s produce section to get husks. If you’re using dried-out husks, soak them for a couple of hours to soften them up (fresh husks need no special preparation). You’ll also need some yarn or ribbon, and a few cotton balls.
  • Take a strip of the husk, and fold it in half. Place two or three cotton balls in the middle, and then twist the husk, tying it with string to make a head. Leave a bit of husk in the front and back, below the head, to create a torso. Make a pair of arms for your doll by folding a couple of husks in half, and then tying it at the ends to make hands. Slip the arms between the husks that form the torso, and tie off at the waist. If you like your dolls plump, slide an extra cotton ball or two in there to give your Brighid a bit of shape.
  • Arrange a few more husks, upside down, around the doll’s waist. Overlap them slightly, and then tie them in place with yarn—it should look like she has her skirt up over her face. After you’ve tied the waist, carefully fold the husks down, so now her skirt comes downwards, towards where her feet would be. Trim the hem of the skirt so it’s even, and let your doll completely dry.
  • Once your doll has dried, you can leave her plain or give her a face and some hair (use soft yarn). Some people go all out decorating their bride doll—you can add clothing, an apron, beadwork, whatever your imagination can create.
  • Place your Brighid in a place of honor in your home for Imbolc, near your hearth or in the kitchen if possible. By inviting her into your home, you are welcoming Brighid and all the fertility and abundance she may bring with her.
• Brighid Bed
  • One of the things many people find most appealing about modern Paganism is that the deities are not distant entities who never interact with those who honor them. Instead, they drop in on us regularly, and Brighid is no exception. To show hospitality to her on Imbolc, her day of honor, you can make a bed for Brighid to lie in. Place it in a position of comfort, as you would for any visitor. Near your hearthfire is a good spot—if you don’t have a fire burning, in the kitchen near the stove is equally welcoming.
  • The Brighid’s bed is simple to make—you’ll need a small box or basket. If you want to keep things basic, just line it with a towel or a folded blanket (receiving blankets are perfect for this). If you want to put a little more effort in, stitch up a “mattress” by sewing two rectangles of fabric together, and stuffing them with down or fiberfill. Place this in the basket, and make a pillow in the same manner. Finally, place a warm blanket over the top, and put the bed near your hearth fire.
  • If you’ve made a Brighid doll, even better! Place her in the bed before you go to sleep at night. If you don’t have a Brighid doll and don’t wish to make one, you can use a broom or besom to represent Brighid instead. After all, the broom is an old symbol of female power and the fertility that Brighid represents.
  • If you want to bring fertility and abundance into your home this year, make sure Brighid doesn’t get lonely in her bed. Place a Priapic wand in there with her to represent the god of your tradition. Remember, fertility doesn’t just mean sexuality. It also applies for financial gain and other abundance.
  • Once Brighid is in her bed, you can gather around the hearth fire with your family, and welcome your guest with the traditional greeting, spoken three times:

Brighid is come, Brighid is welcome!

• Leave candles burning beside Brighid throughout the night—place them in a dish of sand or dirt for safety considerations. If you need inspiration in a matter, or wish to work some divinatory magic, stay up throughout the night and meditate, asking Brighid for guidance.
• If you’re trying to conceive a child, place the wand across Brighid in an X shape. This forms the rune “gifu,” which means “gift.” Another option is to place nuts and seeds in the Brighid’s bed as well.
• Brighid Cross

• The cross has long been a symbol of Brighid, the Irish goddess who presides over hearth and home. In some legends, the girl who became St. Bridget wove the first of these crosses as she explained Christianity to her father, a Pictish chieftain. In other stories, the cross is not a cross at all, but a wheel of fire, which explains why it’s a bit off-center in appearance. In parts of Ireland, Brighid is known as a goddess of the crossroads, and this symbol represents the place where two worlds meet, and the year is at a crossroads between light and dark.
• In Ireland, homes traditionally had a hearth in the center of the house. This was where much of the household activity took place—cooking, washing, socializing—because it was a source of both light and warmth. A Brighid’s Cross was hung over the hearth as a way of honoring Brighid at Imbolc. Most people today have multiple sources of heat and light, but because Brighid is a domestic sort of goddess, you may want to hang your Brighid’s Cross over the stove in your kitchen. A Brighid’s Cross hung over a hearth traditionally protected a home from disasters such as lightning, storms, or floods, as well as keeping family members safe from illness.
• While these can be purchased in many Irish craft shops or at festivals, it’s actually pretty easy to make your own. You can incorporate the creation of your Brighid’s Cross into your Imbolc rituals, use it as a meditative exercise, or just put one together with your kids as a fun craft activity.
• To make your Brighid’s Cross, you’ll need straw, reeds, or construction paper—if you’re using plant material like straw or reeds, you’ll want to soak it overnight so it’s pliable when you go to make your Cross. Your end result will be about the length of one piece of your material—in other words, a bundle of 12″ reeds will yield a Brighid’s Cross just slightly longer than 12″. For a super-easy, kid-friendly edition of this project, use pipe cleaners.
• Once you’ve completed your cross, it’s ready to hang up anywhere in your home, to welcome Brighid into your life.

• Brighid Floral Crown
  • Brighid is the goddess who reminds us that spring is around the corner. She watches over hearth and home, and this craft project combines her position as firekeeper with that of fertility goddess. Make this crown as an altar decoration, or leave off the candles and hang it on your door for Imbolc. You’ll need the following supplies:
    • A circular wreath frame, either of straw or grapevine
    • Winter evergreens, such as pine, fir or holly
    • Spring flowers, such as forsythia, dandelions, crocus, snowbulbs
    • Red, silver and white ribbons
    • Optional: Candles at least 4″ long—tapers are perfect for this – or battery operated lights
    • A hot glue gun
  • Place the wreath form on a flat surface. Using the hot glue gun, attach the candles around the circle. Next, attach a mixture of winter greenery and spring flowers to the wreath. Blend them together to represent the transition between winter and spring. Make it as thick and lush as you can, weaving in and around the candles.
  • Wrap the ribbons around the wreath, weaving between the candles. Leave some excess ribbons hanging off, if you plan to hang this on your door or a wall, and then braid it or tie in a bow. If you’re using it on an altar, light the candles during rituals to honor Brighid.
• Priapic Wand
  • Priapus was a god of fertility, and was always depicted with an erect phallus. In some traditions of Paganism and Wicca, a Priapic wand—phallus-like in appearance—is made, and used in ritual to bring forth the new growth of spring. You can easily make one out of a few outside supplies and some bells. This is a simple project for children as well, and they can go outside at Imbolc and shake the bells at the ground and the trees, calling for spring’s return.
  • First, you’ll need the following items:
    • A stick
    • An acorn
    • Craft glue (hot glue works fine as well)
    • Ribbons or yarn in brown, green, yellow, and gold
    • Small bells (get little jingle bells at your local craft store)
  • Strip the bark from the stick, and create a small notch on one end. Glue the acorn to the end of the stick. When the glue is dry, wrap the stick in the ribbons or yarn beginning at the acorn—leave extra ribbon at the end to hang down like streamers. Tie the bells on to the end of the streamers. 
  • Use the wand by going outside around the time of Imbolc. Explain to children that the wand symbolizes the god of the forest, or whatever fertility god exists in your tradition. Show them how to shake the bells, pointing the wand at the ground and trees, in order to wake the sleeping plants within the earth. If you like, they can say an incantation as they do so, like:

Wake, wake, plants in the earth,

spring is a time of light and rebirth.

Hear, hear this magical sound,

and grow, grow, out of the ground.

• Imbolic Oil
  • Use 1/8 Cup base oil of your choice. Add the following:
    • 3 drops Ginger
    • 2 drops Clove
    • 1 drop Rosemary (you can, alternatively, use a sprig of fresh rosemary instead)
    • 1 drop Cypress
  • As you blend the oils, visualize what the Imbolc season means to you, and take in the aroma of the oils. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.

Imbolic Recipes

Brighid’s seeded Hummus

• Ingredients
  • 2 tbs sesame seeds
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 2 tbs plain, nonfat yogurt
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 (15oz.) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • Dash of salt
• In a 6-8 in. Skillet over medium heat, stir the sesame seeds until golden, about 5 minutes.
• In a blender or food processor, combine sesame seeds, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, cumin, ground cayenne pepper, and garbanzo beans. Whirl until smooth, scraping the sides often.
• Season with salt.
• Transfer to a bowl that saves food well. Hummus can be stored in the fridge for up to a month

Cupid’s Cold Slaw

• Ingredients
  • Dressing
    • 2 tbs granulated sugar
    • 2 tbs freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 1 tbs fish sauce
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • ½ tsp fresh grated ginger
    • ¼ tsp red or black pepper
  • Slaw
    • 4 cups chinese cabbage, sliced
    • ½ cup snow peas, trimmed and cut lengthwise into strips
    • ½ cup fresh bean sprouts
    • ½ cup jicama, peeled and julienned
    • 2 tbs green onions, thinly sliced
    • 2 tbs fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• To make the Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, ginger and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine cabbage and remaining ingredients.
• Add dressing to large bowl and mix well.
• Chill for 30 minutes.

Brighid’s Magical Bread

• Makes 1 loaf; 6 servings
• Ingredients:
  • 1 (¼ oz) package active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cup plus 2 tbs water
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour
  • ⅓ cup chopped red rose petals
  • 2 tbs poppy seeds
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (Optional)
• Preheat oven to 375°
• Blend yeast, water, and honey. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foaming.
• Mix in flour, rose petals, poppy seeds, and oil or other ingredients and knead. Add additional flour if dough sticks to the sides of the bowl
• Mould the dough into a ball. Cover with cloth for 1 hour. Punch down dough in center and knead for approximately 5 minutes.
• Place dough in greased loaf pan for about an hour until doubled. Bake 35-40 minutes.

Blood Orange Mahi Mahi

• Serves 2
• Ingredients:
  • 1 blood orange
  • ½ cup avocado, cubed
  • ⅓ cup chopped red onion
  • 1 tsp cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tsps red jalapeno, minced
  • 2 tsps freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tsps olive oil
  • 2 (6oz) fresh mahi mahi fillets
  • 2 tbs Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Peel orange, separate fruit into segments and place in a bowl. Add avocade, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and stir gently. 
• Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. 
• Add fish to skillet and saute until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes each side. 
• Plate the mahi mahi, spoon the salsa over the fish, sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Imbolic Moon Cookies

• Makes about 5 dozen
• Icing
  • 2 cups sifted confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ tbsp water
• Cookie Dough
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla or peppermint extract
  • 2 tsps grated lemon peel
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups ground walnuts
  • 1 cup butter
• To make Icing, combine confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and water, mixing well until blended. Thin the icing with additional drops of water if glaze is too thick.
• Preheat the oven to 375°.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and light. Mix the lemon peel, salt, flour, and walnuts in a bowl. 
• In increments, add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar. Mix until well blended. Cover and chill thoroughly for at least 2 hours.
• When dough is chilled, roll it to the thickness of ⅛ inch and cut with crescent moon cookie cutter. *If you don’t have a crescent moon, you can use a circular cutter, make a curve, roll the excess dough and repeat*
• Place cookies ½ in apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes.
• After baking, allow cookies to stand for 5 minutes. Spread icing over tops of cookies while they are still warm.

Valentine’s Chocolate

• Serves 4-6
• Ingredients:
  • 4 ½ cups milk
  • 4 oz semi sweet chocolate
  • 5 tbsps granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅛ tsp allspice
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps or whiskey
  • 4-6 sticks of cinnamon, for garnish
• In a large saucepan, combine milk, chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, allspice, and alcohol.
• Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Beat the mixture until it stops boiling and become slightly frothy.
• Serve in mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks
• *This drink can be made without alcohol. Use 1 tsp of peppermint flavoring instead of schnapps or whiskey*

Divinely Spiced WIne

• Serves 10-12
• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups red grape juice
  • 6 cups red wine
  • 2-3 sticks cinnamon
  • ½ tbsp whole cloves
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• In a large saucepan, combine juice and wine. Add the spices and brown sugar and bring to a boil.
• Decrease hat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust the sweetness according to your own personal taste by adding more sugar.