Wheel Of the Year Imbolc

[wulfcwen]

Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), literally means In The Belly

Also known as Solmonath (February) 'the month of cakes', 'which in that month the English offered to their gods'. The ploughing of fields and the sowing of seed begins at this time of year. It is a celebration of the earth, and loaves and cakes were planted in the ground to honour the Earth Mother, Nerthus/Erce to bring fertility to the land. Honour was given to the sky in celebration of the Sky Father, who in most ancient days was called Wuldorfadur, or Glory Father.

It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. Symbols that represent the sky, such as the Sigel and Tiw runes can be used to decorate the loaves/cakes.
Other traditions include:

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" this is poured over it and 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.

Deities of Imbolc:
All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus and Erce.

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

Symbols of Imbolc:
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.

Colors of Imbolc:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow, light Green, Brown

Activities of Imbolc:
Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Searching for Signs of Spring, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Making Corn Dollies.
I make a garden of candles by placing Birthday candles in a pot of compost or sand, I also plant a few seeds in a pot and have a bowl of tiny daffodils that I place on my altar.



An idea for a candle garden

Corn Dolly St Brigids Cross


How to make a St Brigids Cross
www.fisheaters.com/stbrigidscross.html

How to make a Corn Dolly
www.1771.org/cd_doll.htm


Why do we celebrate?
Imbolc symbolises new life and new beginings a time to welcome back the sun after the dark of winter days.

Imbolc is a special holiday, sacred to the Celtic Goddess, Brigid. One common rite of the past is for a young girl dressed as the virgin Goddess to proceed through the village wearing a circle of candles on her head. Love for Brigid was so strong that the Church was forced to recognize her, though the Catholics turned her into St. Brigit and Imbolc became St. Brigit's Day.

Spring a time when the world awakens from its long winter sleep and everthing looks fresh and new a time to give thanks to the Earth for she provides for us.

Learn more about Imbolc here:

homepage.ntlworld.com/spiritwolf/imbolc.htm