How to celebrate Imbolc?
I would like to celebrate Imbolc however I have started my studying in Wicca very recently and do not have special tools neither know how to run a ritual. I would appretiate any ideas how to celebrate Imbolc in very basic way, without full ritual.
Hi, Cervida! You don't need
Hi, Cervida!
You don't need tools or fancy rituals, don't worry! Why not say, "I'm going for a nature walk in honour of Imbolc", then go out and observe what hints of spring you see; what birds, what plants, what changes since Yule. If, for example, there are snowdrops and lots of them, why not pick a few for a bouquet on your altar or kitchen table? Then have a mini-feast of dairy and grain, as both are associated with this festival. Fresh-baked bread with butter soaking into it, your favourite cheese, oatmeal cookies, whatever grabs you fancy, on a table set in white, or by the light of a white candle. Then let Brigid inspire you to write a poem. Tuck it away as a memento of you first Imbolc celebration!
Just ideas.
Imbolc in north, Lammas in the south
Hi Cervida,
for you folks up there it's Imbolc but down here we're celebrating Lughnasadh or Lammas. For anyone new to the path and who wants to celebrate Imbolc I have a suggestion for you. If you go here you'll find a ritual and article about the festival. It's a simple little ritual and involves the Stone Soup story which is one of my favourites. The article and ritual is in the Useful articles section. In that sections there's an absolute tonne of articles about different topics for folks. :)
With smiles and blessings,
Amethyst
Oak and Mistletoe Founder, Elder and Chair
MM Cervida I would just
MM Cervida
I would just like to agree with what Juneberrywine said - Some very good ideas there, and I particularly liked her suggestion of dedicating a poem as part of your ritual.
I remember when I was starting out, so conscious of wanting to do things the 'right' way. While there are strengths in sharing ritual practices; (a feeling of community and affirmation for one). The key thing is Intent.
Once you have formed your intention to celebrate Imbolc, whatever you decide to do to realise that intent - will be YOUR Imbolc ritual, and as valid for you on that day as anyone elses. As you learn more about the history and background of the festival you can change your practice to reflect your experience and understanding.
Peace and blessings
Josephus
Imbolc
Merry Meet Cervida,
You have received some sound and sage advice. What ever you decide to do, you must know that the Goddess and God always know what is in our hearts. Enjoy your frist ritual, that's what it's all about.
Take Care
Blessed Be
Stone Bear
Hi Cervida
My first sabbat with O & M last year was Imbolc. My celebration was based on making a brigids cross. It turned out quite well for my first one, you keep them until next Imbolc and then replace it with your new one. Mine hangs on my front door and I have a picture of it in my computer at work which I will post here for you tomorrow. I really enjoyed making it and it felt right for me so maybe just making a cross is a good idea? I didn't want to overcomplicate it either :)
Just popping back in to add : I tried to insert my picture and forgot how to get it going through flicker so I need to go over my old notes, lol sorry about that but it doesn't really matter anyway, it's quite ordinary really :) Blessings xxx
Thank you for all the ideas,
Thank you for all the ideas, I will go for a long walk then prepare some small feast, and will try to make Brigit's cross and write a poem.
A video on how to make a Brigid's Cross
Here's a video I made on how to make a Brigid's cross for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGHetszK4Jo
With smiles and blessings,
Amethyst
Oak and Mistletoe Founder, Elder and Chair
I always take a nature walk
I always take a nature walk personally and usually collect something for my alter bowl, making sure to thank the goddess each time I take something from her.
Not ordinary-it's beautiful!
Your new pic isn't ordinary, it's beautiful!
You can see Butterfly Spirit on the Coven Council page folks here http://www.oakandmistletoe.com.au/content/coven-council-members
She's adorable!
With smiles and blessings,
Amethyst
Oak and Mistletoe Founder, Elder and Chair
Doh!
hehe, now I'm embarassed!! but that's ok !! thanks.