Third Infinity

This bread is super delicious and easy, thanks to a bread machine.

IMBOLG (FEB 2) A. HISTORY Imbolg is the Celtic name for the first Sabbat of the Wiccan faith, as well as some others who fall under the generic name of "witches". Imbolg is often known by other names, such as Candlemas, Brigid's Day, and a host of others. "Imbolg (pronounced `immol'g', with a slight un-stressed vowel between the `l' and the `g') which means `in the belly'. It is the quickening of the year, the first fetal stirrings of Spring in the womb of Mother Earth. Like all the Celtic Greater Sabbats, it is a fire festival-but here the emphasis is on light rather than heat, the strengthening spark of light beginning to pierce the gloom of Winter." (The Witches Bible Complete, hereafter abbreviated to WBC, pg.61-62) Brigid is a classic example of a pagan deity Christianized with little attempt to hide the fact- or, as Frazer put in the Golden Bough (p.177, approx.), she is "an old heathen goddess of fertility, disguised in a threadba...

Yes, if you're wondering, the recipe is that old. It's a family favorite that's cheap and filling, besides easy. You can spice it up, but I really don't think it needs anything more than the spicy breads or Cheese Rolls. After all, some folks just can't take that much heat! If you have coven mates, this is a great Stone Soup sort of recipe. When everyone divides up the ingredients, especially the meat, soup, and beans, the feast is great for everyone and can simmer while ritual takes place.

Imbolc Celebration Small Children Activities Imbolc is the Sabbat that honors the re-union of the Goddess and the God as new, vital, and purified lovers. At Imbolc, the Goddess appears in the Maiden aspect and her consort the God appears as the virile Lord of the Forest. This is their wedding night, and the God lovingly approaches her as she lays waiting upon her Bride's Bed. It is the mid-point of the dark half of the year and their union casts a brilliant light upon the frozen land. Brideo'gas Materials:1-peice Wooden Clothespin, Red, Yellow, or Brown Yarn, 1 White Pipe Cleaner, Several Scraps of White Material, Black and Red Markers, Scissors, Glue, Gold Glitter. Children will enjoy making these little Bride images that can be used later as an alter decoration. Take a scrap of white material, (silk, satin, cotton, etc.), and cut out a 6" circle. In the center of the circle cut a hole large enough to poke the "head" of the clothespin through. Fold the circle in...

Imbolc Celebration Recipes Traditional foods for the Imbolc celebration include those made with seeds (to symbolize growth), raisins (a fruit of the Sun God), pork, poultry, or lamb, with sides of potatoes, cabbage, onions, and garlic. Imbolc is the mid-point of the dark half of the year, and though stored foods are running low, it is a celebration of renewal and preparation for Spring. Please note the copyright below. Always acknowledge the authors. It’s only fair. Maiden Wakes Muffins 2 cups flour 2 Carrots, grated 1/2 cup raisins 1 green apple, peeled, cored, grated 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup almonds, sliced 2 tsp. baking soda 3 eggs 2 tsp. cinnamon 2/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp.vanilla Soak raisins in hot water, in a covered bowl, for 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large non-metal bowl, mix flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in carrots, raisins, apple, and almonds. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until well blended. Stir egg ...

Yeah, I know. It's not the fifth of May. This spicy bread is still appropriate for a fire festival like Imbolg. Don't forget to balance this bread with something creamy like a cheesecake.

The directions come from "Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs", pages 130-131. I highly recommend this book as being fairly comprehensive, not only listing the Latin name of the plant, but in most instances, also some uses for each. Start your herb wreath in the spring when you have an abundance of young plants to choose from. The wreaths become circular herb gardens one happens to hang on the wall. During the summer, they thrive hanging outside. When they come in for a visit, lying on a tray of stones, a hurricane lamp in the center, they make a fragrant centerpiece. 1. Soak several handfuls of sphagnum (not milled!!!) in water until wet throughout, about 15 minutes. Cut a strip of 1/2-inch mesh chicken wire 12 inches wide and 30 inches long with tin snips. Bend the long sides of the wire, so they curl up to form a trough. Squeeze enough water out of the sphagnum, so it won't drench the table while y...

Drying is actually easier than it sounds, if you have a gas oven. Lay the flower on parchment paper. Yes, I specified baker's parchment paper for a reason. It's embedded with silicon, so the flower won't stick to the paper. Turn the oven on very low, 200 degrees F or less. Check every 15 minutes or so. In the humidity of Florida, the flower may take as long as an hour to dry. If you don't have a gas oven and happen to live in a cold climate, put the flower in a paper bag and stick it near a furnace where warm air constantly blows on it. I've actually used painter's tape (Yeah, the blue stuff) to secure the bag opening over part of the vent here in my office. That little flower was drier than the desert in three days! Probably was dry sooner, but I forgot it. (Hey, I'm honest!) Remember, I have a link to Earth Gifts on this blog, so you can get the rest of what you need to make incense. Except the wine, of course.