Imbolc For the Eclectic Pagan..

On the 1st - 2nd of February, we celebrate Imbolc, the beginning of Spring.

The time of birth.

As historically, Imbolc has roots in Irish literature, Brighid is the Goddess many think of first, but there are many other Spring, hearth or fertility Goddesses/Gods you could focus your rites on, (if YOU do indeed need a deity).
You can call upon Aphrodite, Bast, Gaia, or Cerridwen, to name but a few. The Gods, well let me see, Pan, Faunus, Eros…the lists go on and on.

(Go on, go look!)

A beautifully interesting link with crafts! - http://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/imbolc-candlemas

Colours Used in Imbolc Rites.
Red, white, pink, yellow, green and brown – all very Spring like, with the red representing the sun. So, candles and such are easily found around most homes and can sit happily on your altar throughout the Sabbat; Altar Cloths are easily found too – think scarves, shawls, sheets, flowers (the delicate snowdrop, surviving beautifully through the harsh, cold weather come to mind!!), paper or card.
Flowers and seasonal bulbs are perfect.

Nothing needs to cost a fortune – unless you want it to!

Crystals for Imbolc.

If you fancy something more themed, try looking for gems in the colours mentioned above? You don’t have to go out with a shopping list, try buying intuitively. See what looks back at you; you might be surprised at the crystal shop-counter once you stand there lol!
Crystals that are recommended on various Pagan sites are, Garnet, Amethyst, Bloodstones, Turquoise, Peridot, and quite a few others. It’s easy to research if you’d rather look for specific gems.

Here’s a link :-
http://whitemagickalchemyblog.com/imbolc-blessings-setting-up-an-al...

(Art by, Anthony Meadows – Llewellyn)

Food. Offerings and meals, for yourself and your loved ones.
Milk, spiced teas, wines, and juices are good beverage choices. Dairy is very fitting…yoghurts, milky puddings, and desserts. It’s also the start of the lambing season so ewe’s cheeses would be another good choice. Any hearth and home related food, grains – breads, muffins, biscuits, and you can add seeds such as Pumpkin, and Sunflower.

Useful Imbolc related recipes links –
https://www.thoughtco.com/recipes-for-the-imbolc-sabbat-4125902
https://honestmum.com/roasted-pumpkin-and-sunflower-seeds/

So, on Imbolc day, cleanse your home, and yourself. Clean through, tidy away, and in the evening, as the sun sets and the moon is rising, reflect on new beginnings and, the new life in the world around us.

Spring is pushing up her green fingertips toward the sunlight, through Winter’s heavy mantle………………
Blessed Be!

Elspeth