Imbolc 2014

February 2nd marks an important Celtic holiday, Imbolc.

It is now the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Our days will now slowly gain more light for longer periods of time. I very much look forward to this!

On this day we honor the fire Goddess Brigid. Many will arrange an alter and invoke the Goddess through prayer.

Imbolc signifies a celebration of fertility, reproduction and the young -- all overseen by the Goddess Brigid.

Soon the snow will melt and we can once again welcome Spring. The Imbolc folklore is that if it is cloudy on the morning of February 2nd then Spring will come early. But if it is sunny, then we will have six more weeks of Winter ahead of us.

Burning candles, and other fire during this day is said to encourage the lengthening of our daylight hours. Planting a seed in a pot is also used to encourage Spring to visit sooner.

My alter dedicated to Brigid. Red candles for one of her preferred
colors as well as the element of fire, and a statue that represents her,
a shell for the element of water. I will also be offering her a
piece of the cake from the recipe below, and a glass of milk.

This is the time of year that I start spring cleaning and getting rid of the old stagnant air that winter has trapped in my home. Living in Northern NY doesn't exactly allow me to open my windows just yet, but I will prepare for the days when I can. It has been a rough winter, and I look forward to some warmth from the sun.

Here is a wonderful cake recipe to bake and celebrate the day with your little ones.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups water
1 cup quick oats, uncooked
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
Frosting of your choice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º F. Heat water until boiling. Add oats and stir. Cover, remove from heat, and let stand 20 minutes. Melt chips. Stir and set aside. In a small bowl, mix flour, soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend oats and chocolate into creamed mix. Add flour mix.Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 1 1/2-inch pan. Bake 35-40 minutes. Remove and let stand 5-10 minutes. Then turn out onto a flat surface. When cooled, frost as desired.

NOTE: It looks particularly spectacular when iced with white icing only on the top, and dusted with cocoa!

Yield: 1 13 x 9 cake.

If you would like to know more about the Goddess Brigid, you can do so Here and Here.

If you would like to hear a song dedicated to Brigid, you can do so Here.

If you would like to hear a song didicated to Cernunnos, you can do so Here.

If you would like to learn more about Imbolc, you can do so Here.

Have a blessed Imbolc everyone! 

Blessed be!