[Vision2020] pot luck

Tue Jan 24 11:04:19 PST 2006

Wayne

Actually the Wiccan holiday is 2 February and not 4 February.

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/1614/Celtwicc/Wicca/Wicca04.htm

Or from http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/imbolclore.htm

Imbolc Lore
(February 2nd)

Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, 
("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is 
derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals 
have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs 
are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It 
is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. 
It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival 
of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare 
for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth 
Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many 
places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth.

The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn 
dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with 
white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, 
and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the 
traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies 
to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if 
the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned 
from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in 
the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is 
place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the 
new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the 
re-birth of the Sun.

Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is 
the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A 
decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children 
following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the 
household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other 
areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the "water of life" is 
poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the 
newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered 
taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.

Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia 
(Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus 
(Strega), St. Bridget's Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), 
the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. 
All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.

Deities of Imbolc:
All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and 
Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.

Symbolism of Imbolc:
Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, 
Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.

Symbols of Imbolc:
Brideo'gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid's Crosses, Priapic 
Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.

Herbs of Imbolc:
Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, 
Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Foods of Imbolc:
Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and 
breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines 
and Herbal Teas.

Incense of Imbolc:
Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.

Colors of Imbolc:
White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.

Stones of Imbolc:
Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Activities of Imbolc:
Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of 
Spring, Making of Brideo'gas and Bride's Beds, Making Priapic Wands, 
Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires maybe lit.

---Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys for all her friends and those of like mind
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection www.wicca.com. 
All rights reserved.

>From: "Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>
>To: "Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] pot luck
>Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2006 10:37:49 -0800
>
>Debi,
>
>Perhaps all the Godless on V 2020 are unaware, but the potluck is scheduled 
>on the eve of the most important religious holiday in America.  Some people 
>take the entire eve's day to prepare for it.
>
>W.
>----- Original Message ----- From: <debismith at moscow.com>
>To: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
>Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 9:34 PM
>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] pot luck
>
>
>>Oops, doesn't work for me---religious holiday. Wish you all fun and  great 
>>conversation! I'll be
>>there for the next one!
>>Debi Robinson-Smith
>>
>>_____________________________________________________
>>List services made available by First Step Internet,
>>serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
>>               http://www.fsr.net
>>          mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
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>>
>>
>
>_____________________________________________________
>List services made available by First Step Internet, serving the 
>communities of the Palouse since 1994.                 http://www.fsr.net   
>                              mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
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