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Imbolg/Imbolc is pronounced EM-Bowl-ig or ic, it also known as
Midwinter, Candlemass, Oimelc, Lupercus, Lupecal, Disting, Brigatia (Brigid's
Day), Lady Day and Groundhog Day. Imbolg translates, according to McCoy,
to ewe's milk. Though McCoy does not say from which language this
translates from, she does say it is because the ewes at this time of the
year were pregnant and would start lactating. (McCoy, page 88) Like the
other Great Sabbats of the Witches' year, Imblog celebrated on it's
astrologically determined by the sun's reaching 15-degrees Aquarius.
This date varies from year-to-year. Though it usually falls with in the
first week of the month.
Imblog has become to be known as a time for ritual purification, and
is one of the four major Celtic Fire Festivals. It is thought to have
gained the name Candlemass, due to the poor weather at this time of
year, making it almost impossible to have a Bonfire festival. Candles
were thought to have been used as replacement to move the ritual
indoors. Thus it gained the name Candlemass. (McCoy, page 88-89)
However, there is no evidence to back up this claim and while it makes a
better story than the truth, it is false.
Another name for the holiday is "Brigit's Day" or Lady's
Day after the Irish Goddess Brigit. The kindling of sacred fires chiefly
marked Brigit's holiday, since she symbolized the fire of birth and
healing. The Catholic Pope, Serguis I (reigned 687 to 701 AD) was not
happy with the Goddess worship that still thrived in many Catholic
communities. Unable to stamp out the holiday, Serguis incorporated it
with the Church. Renaming Brigatia to the Feast of the Purification of
the Blessed Virgin Mary or Candlemass. It was believed that women were
impure for six weeks after giving birth. Since Mary gave birth to Jesus
(historically) on the Winter Solstice, she wouldn't be purified until
February 2nd. Pagans can translate this as the Great Mother once again
becoming the Young Maiden Goddess. This allowed the Church another
foothold in and already shrinking religion by not only making their
choice become the focus of the holiday, but by replacing the Mother,
with the Mother of God. Subtlety, changing the focus of Goddess worship
with that of God. (Henes, page 27)
Imbolg is the halfway point between winter and spring. A time when
animals are stirring from their hibernation and plants are beginning to
bud, even much of the earth is still under a blanket of snow. This
concept of waking, and of being noted as a halfway point is further
emphasized by the USA custom of Groundhog's Day.
Groundhog Day tells us that if the Groundhog, also known as
Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow we will have six more weeks of
winter, if he don't, spring will be here in six weeks. Thus connecting,
this holiday to weather lore. This custom is very old. An ancient
Scottish rhyme tells us that:
If Candlemass day be dry and fair,
The half o' winter to come and mair
If Candlemass day be wet and foul.
The half o' winter gane at Yule
.This says that if it is nice on Candlemass, expect
six more weeks of cold weather, if it isn't nice on Candlemass, the
weather will be a little nicer. (Henes, page 28-30)
RITUALItems needed:
3 Candles: 1 White, 2 Yellow
Milk
Chamomile
Olive Oil
Jasmine Incense
Parchment paper.
Divination tools, Runes, Tarot Cards, etc, which ever you feel
comfortable with Other ritual items, cauldron, chalice, and bell.
As Imbolg has some association with forecasting, i.e.: Groundhog Day,
we will have a ritual to forecast.
To begin start by extinguishing all candles and other lights in the
house. Decorate the altar with early spring flowers. Chamomile and
Jasmine are on the altar and the Cauldron is nearby. The bell is on the
altar, as is the Chalice filled with milk. Divination tools placed in
front of the White candle, making sure that they are face down. White
candle in the center, flanked by two yellow candles. Rub the oil into
the candles.
Open circle per your tradition.
Sit in front of the altar, speaking aloud light the white candle.
SAY: From darkness the Goddess is stirring, waking from frozen
dreams, She brings her promise of coming Spring. Ring bell one time.
Lighting the Yellow candle on your left
SAY: I call upon your guidance to assist me. To help me
maintain my focus, energy and alignment for your divine purpose and
work. Ring bell one time.
Lighting the yellow candle on your right.
SAY: I have come to honor the fertility of the Maiden. I honor
the Mother and the Crone for sharing their wisdom. I give thanks to the
time of renewal.
Ring bell one time.
Lighting incense express needs out loud, gently spreading the smoke
over your choice over divination tools. Taking the parchment and write
down your question, and repeat it aloud. Take a pinch of Chamomile herb
and place it in the cauldron. Take parchment and light each corner of it
with the yellow candles, place in cauldron along with the herb.
Meditate for a period of time that is comfortable for you.
After mediating reach and take a rune, card etc, Focus on its meaning
and how it relates to your question. If necessary mediate while focusing
on the object.
Taking the chalice, take a sip, thanking the Goddess for her wisdom.
SAY: I thank the Goddesses, for watching over this ceremony of
Imbolg. I thank you for your guidance and your wisdom. I honor Thee,
Maiden, most blessed Bride. As your candle burns through this night And
thank you for the renewed life you offer us all
As you emerge from the dark to the light.
Close circle. Take white candle to light other candles in the house.
Leave white candle to burn throughout the night.
FOODS
Traditional foods are from dairy products and spiced
with onion, leek, garlic, shallot, and/or olives. The wine may be spiced
and the food may contain raisins. Bread puddings and creamy soups are
typical.
FAERY WINE
1-1/2 cups milk per serving
1 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp.vanilla extract
cinnamon
Warm milk, being careful not to boil. In each glass or mug, add honey
and vanilla. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon.
MAGICKAL CREAM PUFFS
For the puffs:
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1-1/4 cups flour
4 eggs
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Lower heat and add flour. Stir
on low heat until batter forms a ball shape. Remove from heat. Add eggs
and beat until smooth. Drop, using a tablespoon, onto greased cookie
sheet. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown at 375 degrees.
For the filling:
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbl. cornstarch (ruled by the Sun, brings health and wealth)
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
2 egg yolks
2 Tbl. butter or margarine
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Confectioner's sugar
In a saucepan, slowly bring sugar, cornstarch, and salt to a boil,
stirring constantly until thick. Add milk, egg yolks, and boil for 1
minute. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Let cool. Fill
puffs with cream and sprinkle with Confectioner's sugar.
IMBOLG FEAST LAMB STEW
2- 1/2 lb. lamb neck chops
1 tbs. lamb fat
4 medium onions
1 tbs. butter/margarine
4 medium carrots
2 1/2 cups water
4 medium potatoes
1 tbs. parsley, chopped
1 tsp. each salt & pepper
1 tbs. chives, chopped
Don't let the butcher trim the fat off of the lamb chops. Shred some
of the excess fat and cook it down in a large pot or Dutch-oven. Peel
the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Cut the onions and carrots into
quarters, and put all the vegetables aside. Cut the meat into 8 pieces,
and trim away the rest of the excess fat. The bones need not be removed.
Place the meat in the hot fat and brown. Repeat with the onions and
carrots. Add water, salt, and pepper carefully. Put whole potatoes on
top. Cover pot and simmer gently until meat is cooked, approx. 2 hours.
Remove from heat. Pour off the cooking liquid into a separate saucepan,
allow cooling for a few minutes, skimming off grease, and reheating. Add
butter, chives, and parsley to the reheated liquid in the saucepan. Pour
heated liquid back over the stew. Serve hot.
Makes 4-6 servings.
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