Imbolc info

[Edana]

as the pagan festival of lights approaches quickly, I figured I would give everyone some information on the wonderful holiday.

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: Aradia, 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.

here are some great Imbolc reciepes...

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.


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.

Some activities for Imbolc...

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.

[Storm]

Wonderful information. Thank you for the post!!