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Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 3:15pm

Imbolc with Small Children

blondebutterfly
Imbolc Crafts
http://www.cauldronliving.com/images...gids-cross.gif

How To Make Brigid's Cross

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At Imbolg, the Maiden aspect of the Goddess might be represented in a great variety of ways -- by a simple ear of dried corn, a figure made of grain at Lughnasadh, or straws or wheat braided into an intricate design. One representation of the Goddess is Brigid's Cross. Although the original design may well have been made from rushes, wheat versions have been recreated for centuries. Make a cross for each room in the house to invite the blessings of the Goddess into them.

METHOD ONE

Materials:

28 long, large diameter wheat straws without heads

Soak straws in a tub of cool water for half an hour before starting, then wrap in a towel for another 15 minutes.

Make the core first by positioning two straws to make a plus sign, placing the horizontal straw on top. Pull the upper section of the vertical straw down on top of its other half (Fig. 1). Turn the weave 90 degrees counterclockwise. Repeat to fold down the straw that is now vertical. (Fig. 2)

Turn the straws 90 degrees counterclockwise again. Add the next straw by placing it to the right of the vertical folded straw and under the horizontal folded straw, as shown in Fig. 3. Fold the added straw, turn the straws once again, and add the fourth and final straw to this round in the same fashion.

Continue to add folded straws. Avoid letting them bunch up or lie on top of those in a previous round. Instead, build the weave outward, resting the straws side by side. At first, you may find it difficult to hold the arms together and at right angles, but as the weave gains substance, this will prove easier. Just remember to watch for gaps and fill them by repositioning and tightening the straws as necessary.

When all 28 straws have been incorporated, tie each arm off about 4 inches from the center of the design. Trim the ends of the straws and threads.

TOP

METHOD TWO

Materials: Nine long, large diameter wheat straws without heads

1. Soak straws in a tub of cool water for half an hour before starting, then wrap in a towel for another 15 minutes.

Tie nine straws together at their ends.

Spread them as shown with the tied end facing down (three to the right and two each other direction.

2. Fold the front straw of the three under the other two.

3. Bring it up and over to be alongside the two at the nest corner.

4. Completed!!!

http://www.cauldronliving.com/images...gids-cross.gif

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 3:14pm

BRIGID'S CROSS RITE
from Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura

Make a cross for each room of the house. Place a red pillar-sized candle center to the front of the door, with cross in hand, light the candle,open the door, and say:

We welcome in the Goddess and seek the turning of the wheel away from winter and into spring.

Close the door, take up the candle, and go to each room of the house. Say:

Great Lady, enter with the sun and watch over this room!

Leave a cross in each room and proceed thusly throughout the house. The last room should be the kitchen, and here you say:

Mother of the Earth and the Sun
Keep us safe and keep us warm,
As over our home you extend your blessing.

01-29-2007, 05:30 AMblondebutterfly
Re: Imbolc Crafts
Symbols of Imbolc:
Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 3:13pm

CORN DOLLIES

I know that many think of corn dollies as a harvest craft, however making the bed for your corn dolly is a Imbolc craft. If you do not yet have a corn dolly you can make on by following the instructions below:

You can make your own corn dolly by following these simple directions:
• Corn husks, fresh or dried, about 6-8 pieces.
• String
• Cotton balls, about 4
• Scraps of cloth, yarn, beads, and pipe cleaners (optional)

(If you are using dried husks, soak them in water to soften them. Fresh husks need no special preparation.)
Step 1: Take a strip of husk and place a few cotton balls in the middle, twisting and tying them with string to make a head.
Make some arms by folding another husk and tying it near each end to make hands. Slip the arms between the husks that extend under the head. Tie the waist with string.
Step 2: Arrange enough husks around the figure's waist so that they overlap slightly. Tie them in place with string.
Step 3: Fold the husks down carefully. For a woman wearing a long skirt, cut the husks straight across at the hem. To make a man, divide the skirt in two and tie each half at the ankles. Let the figure dry completely.
Step 4: You can leave you figure as is, or give it a face, hair, or even some fancier clothes. Use a fine-tipped marker to draw facial features. Glue some fuzzy yarn on for hair. Add some tiny beads for buttons, and bits of fabric for aprons or vests. A pipe cleaner staff or cane will help the man stand upright.
If u need pics to help go to http://www.earthwitchery.com/cornhusk.html

HOW to make an Imbolc Corn Dolly Bed

Well now this isn't so difficult u can do this any old way, so long as it looks like a bed. Use natural items, bits of cloth, or doll items.

01-29-2007, 05:36 AMblondebutterfly
Re: Imbolc Crafts
Corn dolly bed examply from druidry.org

http://www.cauldronliving.com/images...ruidry.org.jpg

Make an acorn wand with bells attached to jingle outside and beckon back the light, this is fun for kids :)

Materials:
Small Tree Branch
Acorn
Thin Brown String or Thread
Yellow, Green, and Gold 1/4" Ribbon
Small Gold/Silver Jingle Bells.

Select a small branch about 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter. Cut top end flat. Approx. 1/2" below top score a groove (parents only) with a sharp knife. Take 1' long piece of string/thread and tie in groove. Take another 1' piece of thread and tie in groove on opposite side of branch. Place acorn at top of branch (flat end) and adhere with some glue. Now pull the string up over the cap and wind once around acorn. Repeat with all 3 other pieces of string. Pull strings back down to the groove in the branch and tie off. This will hold the acorn in place. Decorate the branch by wrapping it with the ribbons, leaving enough length at top for streamers. Tie gold/silver jingle bells to the ends of the ribbons. For smaller children, thread the bells onto the ribbon while wrapping the branch. Tell the children about how the acorn-wand is a symbol of the Lord of the Forest, and how this magical wand helps the sleeping plants and animals wake up and prepare for
01-29-2007, 05:46 AMblondebutterfly
Re: Imbolc Crafts
IT is also fun to make an imbolc wreath. Buy battery operated taper candles to put in the wreath and decorate the wreath with all kinds of fun things. berries, herbs, wintery flowers etc.. Place it as a centerpiece on your altar or table!

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 3:13pm

My Imbolc animation I made with all kinds of fun crafts in it including a candle wreath.
http://www.cauldronliving.com/images..._ANIMATION.gif
01-29-2007, 05:48 AMLINN
Re: Imbolc Crafts
Excellent, BB !
I love your work. [wink]
01-29-2007, 05:49 AMblondebutterfly
Re: Imbolc Crafts
A door wreath is another fun idea. Place a pentacle through the middle or a pentacle charm on the bottom center of it. tie it with ribbons that remind you of imbolc.

Place candles in the windows to beckon the sun to return.

Do a sweeping ritual with your larger besom, and sweep all of the negative energy out of your home in preperation for springs and it's new beginnings.

I have more somewhere that I will add when I can hunt them down : )
01-29-2007, 05:51 AMblondebutterfly
Re: Imbolc Crafts
Thanks Linn!!! : )
01-29-2007, 07:23 AMthelma6954
Re: Imbolc Crafts
Great stuff you posted, Blonde Butterfly. [smile]

There's also some articles with Craft ideas for Inbolc in the Cauldron Living articles archive. Here's one on Imbolc Crafts and Activities: http://www.cauldronliving.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=viewnews&...

Here's one focusing on making a Bride's bed and corn dollies: http://www.cauldronliving.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=viewnews&...

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 3:12pm

Kath Green 10:12in the mornin' Jan 22
Making Brigid's Crosses - the symbol for Imbolc
(Feb 1st -2nd)
Hang a woven cross over your door, above the bed or by the hearth at Imbolc for protection
and as a sign that you give thanks for the quickening of the year. It should be left in place until the following year.
The correct time to collect and plait the rushes is
St. Bride's Eve, or Jan 31st ready for Là Fhėill Brighde.
You will need 16 rush stems, cut in equal lengths. Wheat straws could be used instead. (Extra ones are usually needed in case of casualties!)
It's traditional to use rushes since one of the many legends of Brigid or Bride, or Bridget, tells us that she visited a pagan chieftan (some say her father), either at his deathbed or in a prison. The floor was strewn with rushes. As she sat beside him, she picked some up and wove them into an equal armed cross, which she held as she prayed for him.

Rushes are cut to about 30cms - 12 inches, and make a finished cross of about 16cms when trimmed.

Instructions:
* Fold 15 rushes at their centre point and crease well.
* (Fig 1 - the white cross denotes the original stem). Take one strong stem, and holding it vertically, fold another stem across it at its centre, facing right.
* Holding the stems firmly together, turn them 90° to the left, so that the folded stem is now the vertical one.
* (Fig 2) Fold a new stem across this one, pulling it tight. Hold under your thumb and turn all 90° to the left.
* (Fig 3) Fold a new stem across the two which are now at the top. Hold tight and turn 90°to the left.
* Continue, pulling quite tight as you go and always turning to the left until all 16 stems are used.
* You should be able to let go and place the weaving on the table. Choose flexible strips of rush to bind round the ends of each arm.
* Slide the binding a little to make each arm of an equal length, and trim the ends with a diagonal cut.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 2:49pm

(Imbolg) Ritual
Materials: Cloths, ale, oats, bread, milk, a chalice or drinking horn, several bowls or cauldrons, three candles, salt water, a cooking cauldron or stove.
Before the ritual, you might want to go outside and look about, calling those who would attend the ceremony with you in frith and heartfelt friendship with the Gods.
Say: "Come those who wish to come; stay those who wish to stay; and fare those who wish to fare."
Begin the ritual by invoking the Three Realms.
Sprinkle salt water around the ritual area and ask that the Sea not burst its bounds.
Turn to face the world and ask that the Land not open to swallow you.
Light incense and ask that the Sky not fall upon you.
Say: "Now I'm lighting Sacred Fire" and light three candles.
Say: "Land Spirits, draw close and hallow and hold this hall. What we have been given we have prepared and return to you. Accept our offerings this night." Pour milk into a cauldron or bowl.
Say: "Ancestors, Fathers and Mothers of us all, draw close and hallow and hold this hall. What we have been given we have prepared and return to you. Accept our offerings this night." Place the bread on the altar.
Say: "Tonight we prepare for the visitation of Br�de. She comes tonight to bring us tidings for the rest of this year. We are gathered here to honor the Goddess of Poetry, Healing, and Smithcraft. She is daughter of the Dagda, guardian of our hearth and home, an inspiration to poets and a healing Goddess who hangs Her cloak on the rays of the sun."
Start a flame beneath the cooking cauldron. If you're cooking the oats on the stove, light a candle instead.
Say: "As I kindle the flame upon my hearth, I pray that the flame of Br�de may burn in my soul, and the souls of all I meet. I pray that no envy and malice, no hatred or fear, may smother the flame. I pray that indifference and apathy, comtempt and pride, may not pour like cold water on the flame. Instead, may the spark of Br�de light the love in my soul, that it may burn brightly through the day. And may I warm those that are lonely, whose hearts are cold and lifeless, so that all may know the comfort of Br�de's love."
Boil the oats in the cooking cauldron or on the stove. When finished, say: "Br�de, come to visit us, to inspire us, to heal us, to prosper us, to bless us with good luck. We offer these humble oats to you." Pour the oats into a bowl or cauldron.
Pour the ale into a chalice or drinking horn. Say: "May this ale be filled with the brightest blessings of Br�de."
Drink from the chalice. Pour the excess into a cauldron and lightly sprinkle it over everyone present with a branch.
Place the bread, milk, oats, and leftover ale outdoors, somewhere appropriate for offerings.
Tie the cloths from a pole or a tree overnight. In the morning, untie them and use them as you will, for they have been blessed by Br�de.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 22, 2014 at 2:14pm

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 19, 2014 at 2:32pm

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 19, 2014 at 2:32pm

History of Imbolc
By Patti Wigington

Spring is Coming!


Imbolc is a holiday with a variety of names, depending on which culture and location you’re looking at. In the Irish Gaelic, it’s called Oimelc, which translates to “ewe’s milk.” It’s a precursor to the end of winter when the ewes are nursing their newly born lambs. Spring and the planting season are right around the corner.


The Romans Celebrate:


To the Romans, this time of year halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox was the season of the Lupercalia. For them, it was a purification ritual held on February 15, in which a goat was sacrificed and a scourge made of its hide. Thong-clad men ran through the city, whacking people with bits of goat hide. Those who were struck considered themselves fortunate indeed. This is one of the few Roman celebrations that is not associated with a particular temple or deity. Instead, it focuses on the founding of the city of Rome, by twins Romulus and Remus, who were suckled by a she-wolf -- in a cave known as the "Lupercale".


The Feast of Nut:


The ancient Egyptians celebrated this time of year as the Feast of Nut, whose birthday falls on February 2 (Gregorian calendar). According to the Book of the Dead, Nut was seen as a mother-figure to the sun god Ra, who at sunrise was known as Khepera and took the form of a scarab beetle.


Christian Conversion of a Pagan Celebration:


When Ireland converted to Christianity, it was hard to convince people to get rid of their old gods, so the church allowed them to worship the goddess Brighid as a saint -- thus the creation of St. Brigid's Day. Today, there are many churches around the world which bear her name.


Purification and Light:


For Christians, February 2nd continues to be celebrated as Candelmas, the feast of purification of the Virgin. By Jewish law, it took forty days after a birth for a woman to be cleansed following the birth of a son. Forty days after Christmas – the birth of Jesus – is February 2nd. Candles were blessed, there was much feasting to be had, and the drab days of February suddenly seemed a little brighter.


Love & Courtship:


February is known as a month when love begins anew, in part to to the widespread celebration of Valentine's Day. In some parts of Europe, there was a belief that February 14th was the day that birds and animals began their annual hunt for a mate. Valentine's Day is named for the Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's edict banning young soldiers from marrying. In secret, Valentine "tied the knot" for many young couples. Eventually, he was captured and executed on Feb. 14, 269 C.E. Before his death, he smuggled a message to a girl he had befriended while imprisoned -- the first Valentine's Day card.

Serpents in the Spring


Although Imbolc isn't even mentioned in non-Gaelic Celtic traditions, it's still a time rich in folklore and history. According to the Carmina Gadelica, the Celts celebrated an early version of Groundhog Day on Imbolc too – only with a serpent, singing this poem:
Thig an nathair as an toll
(The serpent will come from the hole)
la donn Bride
(on the brown day of Bride (Brighid)
Ged robh tri traighean dh’an
(though there may be three feet of snow)
Air leachd an lair
(On the surface of the ground.)


Among agricultural societies, this time of year was marked by the preparation for the spring lambing, after which the ewes would lactate (hence the term "ewe's milk" as "Oimelc"). At Neolithic sites in Ireland, underground chambers align perfectly with the rising sun on Imbolc.

Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on January 19, 2014 at 2:31pm

The Goddess Brighid


Like many Pagan holidays, Imbolc has a Celtic connection as well, although it wasn’t celebrated in non-Gaelic Celtic societies. The Irish goddess Brighid is the keeper of the sacred flame, the guardian of home and hearth. To honor her, purification and cleaning are a wonderful way to get ready for the coming of Spring. In addition to fire, she is a goddess connected to inspiration and creativity.

Brighid is known as one of the Celtic "triune" goddesses -- meaning that she is one and three simultaneously. The early Celts celebrated a purification festival by honoring Brighid, or Brid, whose name meant "bright one." In some parts of the Scottish Highlands, Brighid was viewed in her aspect as crone as Cailleach Bheur, a woman with mystical powers who was older than the land itself. Brighid was also a warlike figure, Brigantia, in the Brigantes tribe near Yorkshire, England. The Christian St. Brigid was the daughter of a Pictish slave who was baptized by St. Patrick, and founded a community of nuns at Kildare, Ireland.

In modern Wicca and Paganism, Brighid is viewed as the maiden aspect of the maiden/mother/crone cycle. She walks the earth on the eve of her day, and before going to bed each member of the household should leave a piece of clothing outside for Brighid to bless. Smoor your fire as the last thing you do that night, and rake the ashes smooth. When you get up in the morning, look for a mark on the ashes, a sign that Brighid has passed that way in the night or morning. The clothes are brought inside, and now have powers of healing and protection thanks to Brighid.

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