[Vision2020] St. Brigid or "I win! I win!" (was Pot Luck)

[Joan Opyr]

Where were you, Phil, when Aaron Rench was rabbiting on and on about 
how there was no relationship WHATSOEVER between the Christ Church 
Trinity Fest's "St. Brigid" and the great Irish Pagan goddess herself?  
It's syncretic, Aaron, syncretic!  Jeez-o.

I was right again; so there.  Quick someone -- I want a trophy.  A 
great big gold one with my name engraved on the plaque and perhaps a 
figure of St. Brigid playing softball or some such.

Joan/Auntie
www.joanopyr.com

On 24 Jan 2006, at 11:04, Phil Nisbet wrote:

> 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.
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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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>
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Joan Opyr, Northern Idaho Editor
New West Magazine
www.newwest.net