Imbolc is Coming!

[raynelae]

Hello everyone..Imbolc is approaching. February 1st (or 2nd...depending on your tradition) So what plans do you have at this time? I will post more information on this topic and my plans later. I look forward to hearing from you. Blessings...

[Zili]

I plan on dedicating myself to Brighid during Imbolc. I've finally felt a calling I also plan on doing some things that will help with my writing and inspiration dealing with that.

[raynelae]

Some Imbolc Activities from
http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/angelline/ ... vities.htm
General Activities
Place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house, beginning at sundown on Candlemas Eve (February 1) , allowing them to continue burning until sunrise.
Hold a candle-making party and then bless all the candles you'll be using for the whole year.
This is one of the traditional times for initiations and rededications into the Craft.
Take a hike and Search for Signs of Spring.
Decorate a plough and place on your doorstep.
Perform rites of spiritual cleansing and purification.
Weave "Brigit's crosses" from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection.
Make a potpourri for Imbolc by taking a piece of fabric, filling with dried leaves, pine cones, and fruit peels. Tie with a ribbon.




Solitary Activities
Make Candles
Research Fire Deities of your Tradition or pantheon.
Private Meditation and/or Ritual
Place lighted Candles in all the windows of the house




Group Activities
Hold a Ritual with your Group, and mark the perimeter of the Circle with lighted candles.
Make candles together with your group. If you're really ambitious and have the time, try to make enough candles to last you until next Imbolc.




Activities for Kids
Things to do with older kids (ages 9 +)

Make candles together (Make sure you are present at all times. Follow all safety rules whenever doing a potentially dangerous activity.
Bake Imbolc Treats (such as the ones on my Imbolc Recipes! Yum!)


Things to do with your younger kids (under 9)

Do art projects! Use clay, papiér-mache, construction paper or anything you can think of!
Read stories about Groundhog's day, Fire, or even try reading some poetry to your kids.
Check out www.paganparenting.com for more ideas!

[raynelae]

Some Imbolc recipes from the same website. Anything associated with dairy is good for this Sabbat. But here is some inspiration
Boiled Custard
1 quart milk
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Scald milk in heavy pan - do not boil! Thoroughly beat eggs, adding salt and sugar. Beat a little of the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Pour egg mixture hot milk, stirring well. Slowly bring just to a boil until mixture coats a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and beat until cool. Add vanilla and chill well.


Dublin Sunday Corned Beef and Cabbage

5 lbs corned beef brisket
1 large onion, stuck with 6 whole cloves
6 carrots, peeled and sliced
8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 small bunch parsley
1 head cabbage (about 2 lbs.) cut in quarters

Horseradish Sauce:
1/2 pint whipping cream
2-3 Tbsp. prepared horseradish

Put beef in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add all other ingredients except cabbage and bring to a boil with the lid off the pot. Turn to simmer and cook for 3 hours. Skim fat from top as it rises. Remove the thyme, parsley and onion. Add cabbage. Simmer for 20 minutes until cabbage is cooked. Remove the meat and cut into pieces. Place on center of a large platter. Strain the cabbage and season it heavily with black pepper. Surround the beef with the cabbage, carrots and potatoes. Serve with horseradish sauce.

Horseradish Sauce: Whip cream until it stands in peaks. Fold in horseradish.


Baked Custard with Ginger

3 Tbsp. brown sugar
3/4 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Mix brown sugar with ginger and divide evenly onto bottoms of 6 buttered individual custard cups or ramekins. In a medium mixing bowl, blend eggs with milk, sugar, vanilla, and seasonings. Pour evenly into prepared custard cups. Place cups in a large saucepan, then fill with hot water to come halfway up sides of cups ( a hot water bath or Bain-Marie). Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes, or until knife inserted near edge comes out clean. Remove cups from Bain-Marie. Run knife around edges to loosely. Place serving plate over top of cup and carefully invert custard onto plate. Serve warm or cover, chill and serve cold.


Cannariculi (Honey Cookies)

4 cups flour
1 cup Marsala wine
2 large eggs
4 tsp. sugar
1 pinch salt
oil for deep frying
honey

Make a well in flour in mixing bowl or on work surface. Add wine, eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix well, until thoroughly blended. Knead dough vigorously until smooth and glossy. If using processor, continue mixing for at least 1 minute after ingredients are combined. Roll dough to an 1/8" thickness or less. Cut dough into 2" squares, starting with 1 corner, roll each square of dough loosely on the diagonal to form a pastry roll about the thickness of a pencil. Meanwhile, heat oil for deep frying. Fry batches of pastries in hot oil until golden brown, being careful not to crowd pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove fried pastries from oil. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to serving platter. Drizzle honey over top or dip Cannariculi into honey.

Makes 4 to5 dozen.


Liebkuchen (Honey Cakes)

1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup honey
1 cup sour milk* (see below)
2 Tbsp. vinegar
6 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. mace
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Prepare sour milk and mix dry ingredients. Set both aside. Cream margarine and sugar, add egg, beat until light. Add honey, sour milk, and vinegar. Add dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Chill 1 hour. Roll out to 1/4" thickness. Cut into 2"x3" rectangles and place on buttered cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 6 minutes. Frost with plain vanilla frosting.
* For sour milk, add 1 Tbsp. vinegar to 1 cup milk and let stand for 10 minutes.


Noodle Kuchen

7 eggs
1 cup sugar
16 oz. cottage cheese
2 cups sour cream
2 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. broad egg noodles, cooked
Topping:
1/4 cup crushed cornflakes
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
sour cream to garnish

Mix eggs and sugar. Add cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, vanilla, and raisins. In separate bowl, add butter to warm noodles, stirring until melted. Combine noodles with cottage cheese mixture. Pour into 9x13" glass pan. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. To make topping, combine cornflakes, cinnamon, and sugar. Sprinkle over top of kugel. Bake 1 hour. Let dish stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and garnish with sour cream.


Pannekoeken (German Pancakes)

2 Tbsp. butter
6 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400°. Place butter in oven pancake pan. Heat for two minutes or until butter melts. Spread evenly in pan. In large bowl, beat eggs slightly. Stir in flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add milk, beating until smooth. Pour into pan.

Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325°. Bake 40-45 minutes or until it reaches a deep golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately slide pancake onto a serving plate. Fill with fresh fruit and top with confectioner's sugar. Serves 6.

* This recipe is served at the Haddie Pierce House Bed & Breakfast.


Granny's Irish Scones

16 oz. self-rising flour
4 oz. margarine
3 oz. sugar
milk
2 eggs
5 oz. raisins or currants
1 tsp. baking powder

Mix flour and margarine together with your fingers until the mixture is fine; add sugar, raisins and baking powder. Beat eggs and add. Pour in enough milk to make mixture into a sticky dough (not too wet). Lift out onto a floured board and flatten out to 1 1/2" thickness and cut out scones with a biscuit cutter. Place 6 on a greased baking sheet and brush tops wit ha little beaten egg (this helps them to brown). Bake 15 minutes in a preheated 400° oven.

*Granny's Kitchen, St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland.


Irish Soda Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - unbleached, enriched
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour - stone-ground
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Set baking rack in the center of the oven and place a baking stone (if available) on the rack. Preheat oven to 375°.

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix to incorporate. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk. Mix quickly to incorporate the milk evenly. It may be easier to mix with the hands than with a spoon. Form the dough into a loaf shape and place in a nonstick 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2" loaf pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, until well browned and a skewer inserted in the center comes out dry. Remove from the oven and the baking pan. Place on a wire rack to cool.


Mulligatawny Soup

3 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced evenly
3 carrots, diced
1 1/2 Tbsp. curry powder
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken stock
2 Tbsp. long grain white rice
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped.
8 oz. chicken, cooked and diced
1 small apple, cooked, peeled, cored & diced
salt to taste
fresh celery leaves

Heat butter and oil in a saucepan. Add onion, celery and carrots; cook gently 5 minutes. Stir in curry powder and flour and cook 1 minute. Stir in stock and bring to a boil; add rice and stir well. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, chicken, apple and salt. Cover again and simmer 15 minutes. Garnish with celery leaves and carrot strip, if desired, and serve hot.


Bailey's Irish Cream Truffles

1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
1 Tbsp. butter
12 oz. semisweet chocolate pieces
2 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream

Melt chocolate pieces, Bailey's and heavy cream together over very low heat. Whisk in yolks, one at a time, mixture will thicken. Whisk in butter. Refrigerate several hours, or overnight until firm. Make small balls with a teaspoon. Roll in powdered sugar or cocoa.


Rose-Hip Wine

3 lbs. rose hips
3 lbs. sugar
1 gallon boiling water

Wash the rose hips and cut them in half. Put them in large bowl and pour boiling water on them. Stir well with wooden spoon. Cover bowl and leave for two weeks. Strain off liquid into another bowl and add the sugar. Stir until dissolved. Cover bowl and leave for 5 days, stirring daily. Bottle, remembering to cork loosely at first, and store in a cool, dark, place. Push in corks when wine has finished fermenting. It will be ready to drink in 6 months.


White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Crust:
1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Sauce:
1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water

Filling:
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.

In a saucepan, combine raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to boil, and continue boiling 5 minutes, or until sauce is thick. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds.

Preheat oven to 325° F (165° C). In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt white chocolate chips with half-and-half, stirring occasionally until smooth.

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

[raynelae]

Imbolc Magickal Recipes..same website

Imbolc Incense 1

3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Dragon's blood
½ part Red Sandalwood
1 part Cinnamon
a few drops Red Wine


To this mixture add a pinch of the first flower (dry it first) that is available in your area at the time of Imbolc (February 1st). Burn during Wiccan ceremonies on Imbolc, or simply to attune with the symbolic rebirth of the Sun - the fading of winter and the promise of Spring.



Imbolc Oil

5 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Vanilla extract
6 drops Jasmine
2 drops Balsam
Mix with 2 Tbsp. Grape Seed Oil




Imbolc Incense 2

1 part Basil
1 part Bay
1 part Frankincense
1 part Myrrh
2 parts Rosemary
3 parts Cinnamon




Candlemas Ritual Potpourri

by Gerina Dunwich

A small cauldron filled with homemade potpourri can be used as a fragrant altar decoration, burned (outdoors) as an offering to the Old Gods during or after a sabbat celebration, or wrapped in decorative paper and ribbons and given to a Craft Sister or Brother as a sabbat gift.



45 drops Myrrh Oil
1 cup Oak Moss
2 cups Dried Heather Flowers
2 cups Dried Wisteria
1 cup Dried Yellow Tulip Petals
½ cup Dried Basil
½ cup Dried and Chopped Bay Leaves


Mix the myrrh oil with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and then store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

(The above recipe for "Candlemas Ritual Potpourri" is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich's book The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions, and Recipes, page 162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing group, 1994/1995)



Imbolc Incense 3

3 parts Myrrh
3 parts Angelica
1 part crushed Bay leaves
1 part Basil




Imbolc Incense 4

1 part Willow wood
1 part crushed Rowan berries
½ part Periwinkle flowers
½ part Lily of the Valley flowers
2 parts Benzoin
Recipe Created by Anna Franklin



Imbolc Soap

1 cup grated unscented soap
¼ cup hot water
1 Tbsp. Apricot oil
1 Tbsp. Angelica
½ Tbsp. crushed Bay
½ Tbsp. crushed Basil
6 drops Myrrh oil


Place grated soap in a heat-proof non-metallic container and add the hot water and apricot oil. Leave until it is cool enough to handle, and then mix together with your hands. If the soap is floating on the water, add more soap. Leave to sit for 10 minutes, mixing occasionally, until the soap is soft and mushy. Once the soap, water, and oil are blended completely, add the dry ingredients. Once the mixture is cool, then add the essential oils (essential oils evaporate quickly in heat). Enough essential oils should be added to overcome the original scent of the soap. Blend thoroughly and then divide the soap mixture into four to six pieces. Squeeze the soaps, removing as much excess water as possible into the shape you desire, and tie in a cheesecloth. Hang in a warm, dry place until the soap is completely hard and dry.

Recipe adapted from Kate West's The Real Witch's Kitchen Sabbat Soap recipe.



Imbolc Incense 5

3 parts Frankincense
1 part Myrrh
1 part Cinnamon
½ part Sandalwood
½ part Jasmine flowers
3 drops sweet White Wine or Sherry
From The Real Witch's Kitchen by Kate West

[raynelae]

Again I give credit to the same website..
Imbolc Circle Notes

Use a brown altar cloth to symbolize the Earth, and decorate with narcissus, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, or other seasonal flowering bulbs. Anoint white candles with musk oil and place them in ivy-covered candle rings. Burn Imbolc incense (from my incense recipes page!)
After casting the Circle with the wand, use the besom to sweep the perimeter. As you sweep, say:
With this besom filled with power, Sweep away the old and sour. Sweep away the chill of death, As winter draws its last cold breath. Round, round, round about, Sweep the old and useless out!"
After libation, bless the candles for the coming months saying:
"I bless thee creatures of wax and light, and cast out negativity. Serve your pupose, flaming bright, infused with magick, you shall be. Instruments of light and strength, wic and wax though you may be, I give you life of needed length. To aid in creativity!"
Continue circle in the normal manner.



Imbolc Celebration Ideas
Turn on all the lights in the house for a few moments to guide the path of spring. If you like, burn a votive candle in each room instead.
Tie three small ears of corn together with a white satin ribbon, then wrap the bundle in a white doily to represent Brid. Use a clear quartz crystal point to represent the Young Lord. As you place them in the basket, say:
"The Maid and Lord now bring us light, The winter dies, and all is bright! And as They lie in bed so near, The frozen ground does disappear - For Their love brings fertility, To the Earth again; so mote it be!"
Burn all evergreen decorations from the Yule ritual. This ensures good luck in the coming year.
Tie small bundles of straw together with pieces of black ribbon. Name each bundle for something you want to remove from your life, then burn it in the cauldron.
After libation, walk outdoors for a few moments. Remember the warmth of spring. Then trace the male and female symbols (the symbols for Mars and Venus) on the ground and enclose them in a circle, say:
"Encased in Sun, Your light shall shine, And guide the spring toward greening time. And as your hearts both melt in love, To light grows stronger from above."

[raynelae]

And again
Wiccan Lore
In many Wiccan traditions, Imbolc is celebrated as the point in the year when the Goddess recovers from giving Birth to the Sun. The young God grows from an infant to a child. It is a time when the growing light promises the return of springtime. Many Wiccans also tend to focus their rituals on the Maiden aspect of the goddess at this time as well.








Celtic Lore
The goddess, Brighid, is primarily worshiped because of her triple aspect as the patroness of smith-craft (fire associations), healing, and inspiration.




Imbolc Correspondences

Other Names: Imbolg, Oimelc, Candlemas, Feast of Brigid, Festival of Lights, Feast of Flames, Candlelaria, La Feill Bhride.
Colors: White, Pink, Red, and Blue
Symbols: Candles, the Bride, Burrowing Animals, Grain Dolly, Sun Wheels
Ritual Meaning: Honor of the Virgin Goddess, First Signs of returning life, and the Festival of Light
Key Action: Open and Begin
Ritual Oils: Jasmine, Apricot, Carnation, Sweet Pea, Neroli and Olive.
Stones: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, and Turquoise.
Plants: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers
Activities: Candle lighting, Searching for Signs of Spring, Gathering Stones
Taboos: Cutting or Picking Plants.
Animals: Wolf, Snake, Swan, Vulture, Robin, Burrowing Animals, Sheep, Lamb, and Deer
Mythical Creatures: Firebird, Dragon, Berometz
Deities: radia, Arachne, Arianrhod, Athena, Brighid, Blaize, Branwen, Februa, Gaea, Inanna, Lucina, Vesta, Cupid/Eros, Diancecht, Dumuzi, and Februus
Foods: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, and Raisins.
Drinks: Milk, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

[Firebird]

wow dude...you're on fire!!!

[BaeTheWitch]

This is my first Imbolc. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!!! I love making candles so I am going to spend alot of time doing so lol. I plan on hiking, some angel meditation, and flower picking! yay!

[raynelae]

Haha thanks Firebird CherokeeMoon, those a great ideas! I hope I'm able to purchase some more candle wax before Imbolc. *fingers crossed*

[BaeTheWitch]

I heard some groups and people celebrate Imbolc for 1-3 days. Is this just a certain persons family tradition? Or what? I was just wondering because this is my first Imbolc to celebrate.

[raynelae]

My local Wiccan church does a weekend get together for the Sabbats. So they celebrate for 2-3 days. Really it's up to you.

[Firebird]

this year we will celebrate the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, as we have a weekend that Holiday! Yeah!... Friday, Saturday Sunday!!! Celebrate!!! time for Initiations and dedications,ceremonies and candle making, It will be a busy weekend. BB, FF

[raynelae]

Sounds like fun!

[raynelae]

Ya! I'm very excited about Imbolc. I'm going to do a solitary ritual and maybe something with my group. I'm going to make a Brighid's cross, some candles, amd scented oils. Maybe take a walk and search for signs of spring. I have some prayers to Brighid I'll say. There will be food lol...dairy products are traditional at this time. I'll add more of I decide to do something else. I'd love to hear your ideas!
Blessings