Imbolc

Imbolc is Celtic for "in the belly".  We Pagans celebrate the lengthening of the days much as secular peoples celebrate Groundhogs Day.   It is a time to plow the fields so that the ground may thaw properly before you plant in the coming spring.  Imbolc is dedicated to the goddess Brigid. 

Brigid works in the labyrinths far below the ground and in the depths of our unconscious, nourishing and keeping the sacred fire by which the soul, on its long journey toward grace, may rest and gain inspiration. Creativity is the gift of the triple aspect goddess Brigid, and it is no surprise that she is the muse of poets, healers, artisans and the domestic hearth.

To our ancestors, Imbolc represented assurance of another winter survived, and the plentiful ewe's milk supplied by the birth of the year's first lambs guaranteed food until the warmer days of summer.

 

Imbolc crafts

Homemade Candles

You can use either paraffin wax or Beeswax whichever you can find and afford.  Melt wax slowly in a double boiler or in a coffee can floating in a pot of hot but not boiling water.  Add crayons for the desired color.  Make sure your wax isnt too hot,  it may even still have some lumps in it, they will continue to melt even after pouring!

Some containers to consider are shells, aluminum tart tins, small cake pans in festive shapes, pint milk cartons, toilet paper and paper towel rolls (these need to be anchored to a saucer with a little wax to close one end!), copper molds, candy molds, glass votive  holders, mini clay flower pots, etc.

I secure a wick to a penny with a little wax then center in your container of choice and wrap wick around a pencil or chopstick across the top of the form.   I pour in the wax about 3/4 full, let cool, finish filling.

When cool, trim the wick and enjoy!

Candle Wreaths

Start with a small wreath form, either grapevine, straw or foam.  Harvest some greens from your yard.  Some that are sacred to this time of year are Yew, Willow and Oak.  Using florist wire attach the greens to the form making a wreath that will sit on a table and sprawl.  Insert some candleholders (these can be found at craft stores)with picks on the bottom.  You may want to secure these with some hot glue.  Add some berries or midwinter flowers if you can find some and put small white or gold candles into the holders and light. Remember to never leave candles burning unattended!

 

 

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