IMBOLC Preparations

[starr]

I have started my preparations for Ombolc. My spring cleaning is underway, my kitchen has been nicely redone ( thank you Tiggy), menu prepared, preliminary plan for a three day celebration starting friday and continueing throughout the weekend outlined, candles and incense purchased, new garden seeds on the must get list, a few new plants ready to be added to our garden window, bird seed on the must get list, and I am finishing up the final details.

With the positioning of the moon I am finding balance of content and appropriate timing a little tricky. I was wondering what plans everyone else had and any ideas to share?

[Silvermoon]

tthis is my favorite for Imbolic Candlemass


Cast the circle
Place a small cauldron or other fire proof container in the snow (if no snow is present, just place the cauldron on the altar and perhaps surround it by some crushed ice).
Place an incense brick or powder in it cauldron.
Invoke the gods.
Say the following or similar:

"Great God of the Sun, long have you slept, and now is the time of your re-awakening. Bless me this day, so that I may enjoy your warmth and prosperity during the upcoming Summer. Blessed be!"

Light the incense in the cauldron. As the smoke begins to come out, visualize the God being reborn. See him rising from the sun and coming down.
Meditate for a moment on what he means to you.
Say the following or similar:

"Thank-you, dear God, for all you have given me this day. Thank-you for giving of your life so that the circle may continue. Blessed be!"

Meditate on the circle of life and the rebirth of the God as you watch the incense pour out of the cauldron.
Thank the gods.
Close the circle.
Imbolc Celebration Recipes


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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.

Blessed Bride's Cake


1 cup sugar
1 cup walnut meats, chopped
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup flour
4 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder

Mix all the ingredients together until they are wet. Do not over mix. Pour into a greased and floured 9"x9"x2" square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until knife inserted in middle of cake comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.



Imbolc Ritual Cake


13/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tbs. poppyseeds
1 tbs. grated lemon peel
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbs. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
powdered sugar

This is all done in one pan, so clean up is a breeze! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour, sugar, poppyseeds, baking soda, and salt with a fork in an ungreased 9"x9"x2" baking pan. Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the powdered sugar. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 8 servings.

[silvermoonmare8]

What terrific ideas, ladies! My hubby and I will be doing our 5th in a series of 13 classes on Wicca tomorrow. We will be doing a sacred ritual in celebration of Imbolc and an additional intent segment for the owners of the metaphysical shoppe where we hold the classes. It should be fun, although we won't be doing any traditional foods this time. I will try those recipes, Karen! Thanks for sharing.

BB-SMM )O(

[starr]