Imbolc, Fire Festival of Brigid

Imbolc was derived from the ancient Pagan celebration of the transformation of the Goddess from the Crone, to the Maiden . It has been traditionally associated with the onset of lactation of ewes, soon to give birth. This day belongs to the ancient Celtic Goddess Brigid, a fire Goddess of hearth and home, who later became known by the Christians as St Brigid. It was seen as a celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring.

There are many different ways to celebrate Imbolc and to pray to Brigid. Many traditions included making candles, different types of breads and cakes or Brigid dolls( Brideog's). I tried my hand at making a Brigid doll, and its very simple and fun to make. On Brigid's day, women of the household or the village would make corn dollies to represent Brigid, adorning them with shells and ribbons and a wand. They would also make a bed for the Brigid doll to lie in. On the eve of Imbolc, Brigid is said to walk the earth . Before going to bed that night, the head of the household will smother the fire, and rake the ashes smooth. In the morning, they look for some kind of mark on the ashes, a sign that Brigid had passed that way in the night .

The next day, the women carry the Brigid dolls through the village , from house to house, where this representation of the Goddess is welcomed. To give your hand a try at making a Brigid doll, check out About.com, the instructions are clear in step by step format. You can pick up corn husks at your local grocery store.

For your altar on Brigid's day, you will want to have a form of fire, with a yellow or orange candle and some yellow or orange stones. The warm colors represent the color of the warmth of the fires burning on Brigid's day. Make sure and bless your Brigid doll with sage and infuse it with
your energies and those of Brigid's.

For more information on Imbolc and Brigid, check out Cauldron Living.

Have a wonderful Imbolc!

Blessings )O(


Photo courtesy of : Belladia Blog