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The Sabbat of Imbolg

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...

Imbolg Recipe-- Ranch Stew

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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.

Imbolg Crafts to Do-- Children's Activities Included

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...

Robes and Decorations

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If you do not already have robes, it is suggested that you think about one white robe in a light, summer weight fabric (i.e., cotton or muslin), and one black robe in a winter weight fabric (duck, fleece, denim). No one will think badly of you if you can't do this, and must choose one or the other. Those who hope for initiations/elevations/dedications in the near future should especially consider this. I personally go for the simple in robes. Here's the pattern I've used for years. It has everything you need, even for the HP/HPS. Robes, over-robes, cloaks, shawls, and even a belt. What more could you ask for out of one pattern? http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=4795 Simplicity's Costume section has plenty more if you want to go fancier. For those into sewing, you can really have a ball. Decorating your robe depends on your skills, your traditions, and your personal preferences as to what you might want for decoration on your sleeves and hems. Let us assume ...

Pagan Gardening, Part Three-- Vertical Gardening for fun, food, and privacy

This dissertation is about Vertical Gardening. Nearly all my information in this dissertation comes from "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew. This book is not the only source for square foot gardening techniques, but it is what I have that you can get right now. :) We will be starting with vertical gardening because it is a technique not exclusive to square foot gardening and is therefore more familiar. Everyone is familiar with tomato cages and staking, if they have done any gardening at all. We will be going beyond those simplistic techniques and into more elaborate uses of the vertical space in your garden. You will find that you begin to think in 3-D after a certain point. There are many vegetables and flowers that benefit from vertical gardening. Tomatoes are just the most famous. Pole beans, peas, summer squash, melons, and cucumbers can be grown this way too. All benefit from being off the ground and in the air where disease and pests are less prevalent. After w...

Quick! On sale for Beltane

I just found a great candy mold on sale! These would be great for Beltane! http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=12&sku=3/751&prodCatId=377384&mode=Browsing&erec=185&No=0&Ne=90000&sp=true&sp=true&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&N=377384&tabId=PartySupplies&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sd=Wedding+Bell+Molds

Imbolc Celebration Recipes

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 ...