My Imbolc 2012

Merry meet folks,
I hope you all had a blessed Imbolc. This is a bit on the late side I know,  but this year's been so hectic that I've decided to break it down into pictures for you. Normally I'll write a ritual for a sabbat, have a little ceremony and Bob's your teapot. This year I've done things a bit differently, in the form of  a series of mini rituals; Imbolc is my big one, having 4 years ago dedicated at this time, so I wanted to make it special. In recent weeks, more than ever before, Brigid has been there for me, and to her I dedicate this.

01/02/12

On the 1st February, the Swansea University Pagan society, which has been growing quite considerably since the end of last year, held the first of the Wicca 101 sessions, a talk about the altar and the current season of Imbolc. Imbolc means 'in milk' and was traditionally the time when the cattle started calving and lambing, and thus giving milk. It is a time of returning of the light, as the evenings get longer and the first whispers of Spring are in the air. 
We introduced to the group the main features of an altar (giving as general an overview as possible given the hundred and one ways of setting one up!), followed by a talk on Brigid, Imbolc traditions from around the world and the significance of Brigid's crosses, which we then made from some colourful pipecleaners.
The Brigid's cross was made by the ancients of Ireland from reeds or sheafs of corn from the previous harvest, and hung over the hearth to protect the home and its inhabitants and ward off evil. The hearth was the central point of the home where the cooking and socialising took place. It represents the solar turning wheel, and also the crossroads, sacred to Brigid. It shows us where we've come from and gets us to think about where we're going. We had a few newcomers to this session and it was enjoyed by all!


03/01/12
My first mini ritual was that of Brigid's crossroads ritual:
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolcfebruary2/a/Imbolc_DivRite.htm
I found a secluded spot in the park and set about crafting this Brigid's cross (made from strips of thick paper, which came out better than you'd think.) The past year has been a bit of a rough one, and thinking back to this time last year gives me the shivers. But move forward we must, and this ritual reminded me of that - we don't know where we're going, but the road goes ever on and on....


05/01/12
The next mini-ritual was the Libation to Brid at the Sacred well by Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, taken from a delightful little book called 'Wiccan Wisdomkeepers' arranged by Sally Griffin. For lack of a well I made do with the stream in the park, and collected water in a small ceramic bowl to use. It involves carrying three stones and some pebbles to the well, kneeling before the well and anointing your forehead, throat and heart with the water, and laying the stones, one by one with an invocation, in a triangular shape. The stones are rinsed in the well and placed within the triangle, with a final prayer. To finish, a nearby tree is decorated with ribbons in thanks.
The privacy wasn't fantastic I must say, but this was very much enjoyable all the same, Brigid being a favourite goddess of mine. I can't find the text online but message me if you'd like it. I also gave some milk to the stream in honour of Brigid. 


Next was the nail-biting moot ritual.
The priestess pulled out due to illness a few days before, and told us the ritual would be cancelled unless someone stepped in as a replacement. So gallantly did I wave my little paw in the air saying 'III'll do it!'
And then there I was, in Pagan Standard Time, frantically printing out ritual guides about 20 minutes before we had to leave for Caswell Bay, and getting myself into the most unnecessary of flaps. Alas, so I was told afterwards, all was indeed hunky dory; I didn't invoke Fire in the North, I didn't go arse over heels casting the circle, no-one set fire to themselves doing the wonderful candle dance, the cakes (seedy buns from the Spar, best I could do on two days notice) remained perched precariously on their paper plate, and I didn't choke over my own words during the Bardic circle.
Phew. All in a day's work. 


09/01/12
My Imbolc celebrations would not be complete without the re-dedication ritual, which I do every Imbolc to reaffirm where I'm going on my path. This in fact coincided with lunar Imbolc, or the nearest full moon to calendar Imbolc, which made it extra special for me. I also announce my magickal intentions for the year, which differ from new year's resolutions because you really are supposed to stick to these! I also consecrated my beautiful Pagan liturgy book which I've dedicated to Brigid, and held a mini ritual. Ahh, sublime.

Until next time folks, merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. xxx )O(