Imbolc Traditions Page 3
Once you have made your bride doll and cross there is a ceremony you may wish to enact to bless your home and life for the new year.
To be done on February 1st:
The oldest woman in the house takes the Brighid doll outside through the back door. She circles the home twice. Then, the youngest woman or girl, carrys Brighid's cross and a lighted green candle, through the front door and joins the oldest woman outdoors. Together they circle the home one more time. When they reach the front door again, they stop. The older women passes the Brighid doll to the younger, and the younger gives the candle to the elder. The two then enter the home together.
Inside the family welcomes the returning bride with great cheers. While they crone and maiden have been outdoors, thos inside have been busy. Bride's bed has been made ready, preferably by the hearth. A grand feast is laid out in celebration of her return. The crone and maiden enter each room of the home together. They bless each one room. Then they bless each family member. When all this is done, it is time for the feast.
You may serve a simple meal or a more elaborate one. Your recipes should include those which feature milk. The menu is up to you. Brighid sits at the head of the table. The green candle is to her left and her cross to her right. She should have her own plate of food. Stories and poetry, songs of love and hope can be shared. Remember this is a celebration of continuing life, glow in it.
After the meal it is time for Brighid to retire to her bed. Everyone thanks her once again for her blessings. The maiden lays the Bride doll gently in her beautiful bride bed. The youngest boy or man can lay a small piece of cord or rope in with her for luck. He also brings the green candle over, setting it to the right of the bed. It will help light her way. Allow the candle to burn out.
Brighid's crosses used to hang from the rafters of roofs in many old homes. Today few of us can get anywhere near the rafters of our homes. So, the youngest man or boy can hang Brighid's cross on the inside of the front door. It will bless everyone who walks through the door and ward of bad luck.
On this night, no lamps should be lit, no glowing candles or light of any sort, except the Bride's candle. Just before dawn, go through the house and turn every light on and light every candle. Each member of the family, taking a candle, goes outside to watch the sun rise. You will have never seen anything so beautiful and hope filled. It is a brand new day.
Imbolc marks the beginning of the winter thaw. It is a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. Plan new projects and prepare for the coming season. It is a time to clean and bless your tools. Cleaning home and hearth are good jobs to be done. It is time to take stock of your life, what you have and who you are. Three cheers for the Maiden. With her everything can be renewed and redone. Thank-you my lady.
References
Book Sources
Cunningham, Scott & Harrington, David, Spell Crafts - Creating Magical Objects, St. Paul, Llewellyn Publications, 1997
Matthews, Caitlin, The Celtic Tradition, Rockport, Element Books, 1991
McCoy, Edain, Celtic Myth & Magic - Harnessing The Power Of The Gods and Goddesses, St. Paul, Llewellyn Publications, 1995
Rees, Alwyn & Rees, Brinley, Celtic Heritage, New York, Thames and Hudson Inc, 1978
Telesco, Patricia, Folkways - Reclaiming the Magic & Wisdom, St. Paul, Llewellyn Publications, 1995
Web Sources
1 http://www.ontariocorn.org/husk2.html
2 http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/vines/5863/cmethod1.html
3 http://www.chalicecenter.com/imbolc.htm
4 http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/vines/5863/bcs.html#collection
5 http://www.local.ie/content/53363.shtml/history/historical_people
6 http://www.iol.ie/~scphadr/makecross.html
7 http://www.freenet.carleton.ca/~er719/thesaint.html
8 http://www.geocities.com/angsher_the_witch/Imbolc.html
9 http://technovate.org/web/whiteoak/imbolc-ritual.html
Imbolc Traditions, copyright (c) 2002 by Daisymoon, all rights reserved.
Kimberly Anne Fraser, known as Daisymoon to the Faery kind, is an old age healer, crafts person, poet and journeyer of life. She is a member of The Society Of Celtic Shamans. She is a practicing Faery Shaman and recently has become a new initiate into Brighid's Hearth. In 2002, she became the moderator of The Oak Grove e-group. Finally finding the right path for her, she has dedicated her life to being a Faery Friend.
Copyright (c) 2002 by author. All rights reserved. International copyright laws prohibit reproduction of or distribution of this page by any means whatsoever, electronic or otherwise, without first obtaining the written permissions of the copyright holders. We retain legal counsel to protect our copyrights.