Imbolc Ritual

A symbol of the season, such as a representation of a snow flake, a white flower, or perhaps some snow in a crystal container can be placed on the altar. An orange candle anointed with musk, cinnamon, frankincense or rosemary oil, unlit, should also be there. Snow can be melted and used for the water during the circle casting.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle of Stones.
Recite the Blessing Chant.
Invoke the Goddess and God.
Say such words as the following:

This is the time of the feast of torches,
when every lamp blazes and shines
to welcome the rebirth of the God.
I celebrate the Goddess,
I celebrate the God;
all Earth celebrates
Beneath its mantle of sleep.

Light the orange taper from the red candle on the altar (or at the Southern point of the circle). Slowly walk the circle clockwise, bearing the candle before you. Say these or similar words:
All the land is wrapped in winter.
The air is chilled and frost envelops the Earth.
But Lord of the Sun,
Horned One of animals and wild places,
unseen you have been reborn of the gracious Mother Goddess,
Lady of all fertility.
Hail Great God!
Hail and welcome!

Stop before the altar, holding aloft the candle. Gaze at its flame. Visualize your life blossoming with creativity, with renewed energy and strength.

If you need to look into the future or past, now is an ideal time. Works of magic, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast. The circle is released.

http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/sabbats/sabbats.html

Imbolc Lore

It is traditional upon Imbolc, at sunset or just after ritual, to light every lamp in the house - if only for a few moments. Or, light candles in each room in honor of the Sun's rebirth. Alternately, light a kerosene lamp with a red chimney and place this in a prominent part of the home or in a window.
If snow lies on the ground outside, walk in it for a moment, recalling the warmth of summer. With your projective hand, trace an image of the Sun on the snow.
Foods appropriate to eat on this day include those from the dairy, since Imbolc marks the festival of calving. Sour cream dishes are fine. Spicy and full-bodied foods in honor of the Sun are equally attuned. Curries and all dishes made with peppers, onions, leeks, shallots, garlic or chives are appropriate. Spiced wines and dishes containing raisins - all foods symbolic of the Sun - are also traditional.

Beautiful Sunset

I have to say there is nothing more lovely than a good sunset and you can see why. I took this picture about 5:30pm as the sun was slowly disappearing over the horizon. It had this magical pink tinge to it that looked so wonderful and I just had to take a picture. This was taken to the south west, and the colours are just phenomenal. I love dusk, it's the best time of day!



Here are some gathering storm clouds in the east, they were coming in about the same time I was taking the picture of the sunset. As you can see, over the top of our shed, it was just beginning to darken. We've been have some wild rainy weather lately, it's fab, my foxgloves are starting to grow really well. The rain is the gardener's best friend!

My Yule Altar

I'm of the firm belief that Sabbat Altars don't need to be so serious and absolutely decorated to represent every little detail of a holiday. I take the more fun approach I have to admit. This year I chose to have a little fun and so as you can see above, I have one of those little troll toys to represent the magical creature aspect of Yule. I also added:

Pinecone
Chunk of Frankincense Resin
Chunk of Myrrh Resin
My Bast Statue
Yule Fairy Ring
My Bell
Myrrh incense stick
Bloodstone
Carnelian
Emerald
Shiny Gold Xmas ornament
A fun plastic holly/ivy pot I bought last year at Xmas
Metallic Silver, Red and Green Candle

I have to say I think it looks great, it represents what Yule means to me, wintery fun and excitement. I haven't done the family altar yet, I usually do that closer to the holiday. We live in a small country cottage so space is limited.

If you haven't created your Yule or Litha Altar (for our northern hemisphere counterparts), I would advise to have a little fun, after all, your altar should represent how you celebrate the holiday.

Here is my family Yule altar, in respect for tradition, I thought why not give it a Xmasy feel. I think it looks fun and fab and captures the mood of Yule!

Soft Mead

1 quart water, preferably spring water
1 cup honey
1 sliced lemon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Boil together all ingredients in a non-metallic pot. While boiling, scrape off the rising "scum" with a wooden spoon. When no more rises add the following:

pinch salt
juice of 1/2 lemon

Strain and cool. Drink in place of alcoholic mead or wine during the Simple Feast.

Eggnog

12 eggs - separated
1 cup sugar
2 cups bourbon
1 cup brandy
1/2 tsp salt
1 qt milk
1 pt heavy cream
(nutmeg)

Beat the yolks with the sugar. Add bourbon and brandy and chill. Beat the salt and egg whites until stiff. Stir the milk into the yolk/liquor mixture, fold in the egg whites and cream. Chill. Serve cold, optionally top with nutmeg.

Wassail

6 bottles ale
12 small apples
3 whole cloves
3 whole allspice
3 broken cardamom seeds
1 broken 3" cinnamon stick
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups sugar
1 fifth dry sherry (1 750 ml bottle)

Bake the apples at 350 for 20 minutes, or until tender. Tie the cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and cardamom into a cheesecloth bag, place it with 1 bottle of ale, the ginger and nutmeg, into a kettle and heat gently for 10 minutes. Remove the bag, pour in the rest of the ale, the sugar, and the sherry. Heat for 20 minutes. Pour into a large bowl and float the apples on top. Serve hot.

http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/recipes