Horoscope For February

Wicca of the Month

Inbolc

(Feb 2nd)

Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, St. Brigits Day, Brides Day, or Groundhogs Day. The word Imboc means "in the belly". It is the celebration of the return of the maiden of spring. During this time we see the first stirrings of life and spring. The Celtic Goddess Brigit/Brigid, pronounced "Breed", is honored on this day. She is the triple muse Goddess who brings fertility of the upcoming spring. She is also a fire Goddess who rules over healing, inspiration, poetry and smithcraft. One tradition is to make Brigit a bed. This entails making a corn dolly to represent the Goddess in her maiden form and making a phallic wand and placing them side by side in a basket. The corn dolly is called a biddy. Another tradition is that a Priestess should wear a crown of 13 candles. Some do this to represent the young maiden bringing forth the light of spring and some traditions use this to represent the Mother, because it is the Mother Earth who is quickened at Imbolc.

Lore -
It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, tolight every lamp in the house, even if only for a few moments. Or you can light candles in each room. This is to honor the Sun's rebirth. If snow lies on the ground outside, walk in it for a moment and recall the warmth of summer. With your projective hand, trace an image of the sun on the snow.

Colors -
White, Yellow & Pink

Symbols -
Candles, The Bride, Burrowing Animals, Grain Dolly& Sun Wheels.

Deities -
God and Goddess as children, All Virgin Goddess'

Stones - Turquoise & Amethyst

Ritual Oils -
Jasmine, Apricot, Carnation, Sweet Pea, Neroli & Olive

Food -
Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those from the dairy, since Imbolc marks the festival of calving. Spicy and full bodied foods in honor of the sun are equally attuned. Also peppers, onions, leeks, shallots, garlic and chives are appropriate. Spiced wines and dishs containing raisins, any food symbolic of the sun are traditional.

Craft of the Month

Craft ideas for kids of Imbolc

*Make a toilet paper roll candle. Have your child paint or cover a toilet paper roll in construction paper. Have them cut a large flame from orange, then a smaller one from yellow, and and even smaller one from red. Layer them, and glue together. Staple, tape or glue the "flame" to the toilet paper roll.

*There are many candle making kits for sale at craft stores. Keep in mind the age of your child, and select an appropriate kit to make candles. I love the beeswax candles.

* Plant seeds with your child. Seed starter mixture is the best to use. Peat pots can be plated directly into the ground.

*Make jeweled candle holders. First make the clay: Put 2 cups of salt and 2/3 cup water in a saucepan. Heat and stir for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of cornstarch and 1/2 cup water. Mix thoroughly. Het more if it needs to be thickened. This recipe takes a strong stirring arm. Let cool a bit, then store in airtight container until you're ready to use. Second: shape into a candle holder. Put the candle in to make the hole, then take out to dry. I found "jewels" in the local discount store's crafts section. Put those on the candle holder. Let dry. You may have to glue the jewels back on after the clay is dry. This can also be painted and covered in shellac if you wish.

*Banana Candles
1 banana for every two "candles," 1 pineapple ring for each "candle," 1 cherry for each "candle," 1 toothpick for each "candle," Peel the banana. Cut the banana in half. Put a pineapple ring on a plate. Put one end of the banana into the middle of the pineapple ring. Stick the cherry on the top of the banana to look like a flame with the toothpick. Make sure people know there's a toothpick in this when you serve it.

For More ideas visit https://members.tripod.com/paganparent-ivil/imbolic.html