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Microferk

Well-Known Member
Blessed Imbolc everyone!

The beginning of an amazing journey through the year, and the Wheel of Life!

As we step back in time, we look to the Ancient Ways of our ancestors who walked the earth and learned its seasonal rhythms.
According to the old ways, the year was marked by not only the solstices (the longest and shortest days) and the equinoxes (the 2 days each year where a perfect balance between day and night, dark and light was achieved); but by the "cross-quarter" days. Falling in between Imbolc (Winter Solstice) and Ostara (Spring Equinox) is the cross-quarter holiday, Imbolc. Imbolc, (pronounced 'im'olk' also known as Oimelc), is said to mean "in the belly"- and relates to the stirring of new life deep within the earth itself at this time of year! It falls at the time of the lambing, when ewes give birth to the new flock. It's the time when the tools that are used to sow the seeds of the harvest are blessed and consecrated. It is also the celebration of the maiden, who prepares for her growth and renewal before the Spring Equinox, or Ostara. At this time, people begin to notice the lengthening of the daylight hours, and thusly, this festival is marked by with the essence of that light and that of candles.
Legends abound relative to St. Brigid of the Church and the earlier manifestation of Brigid, the old Irish Goddess of Fire, Healing and Fertility. Brigid's Cross is a customary symbol of this day, its history extending back into the Neolithic age when it symbolized the seasons. These crosses are woven on Imbolc and hung above the doorway to protect the home and its inhabitants all through Ireland. There's one in this kit for your enjoyment as well!
The colors of this hopeful holiday include white, pink, red, blue, yellow, gold, brown, silver and green. Symbols include candles, the sun, the wheel of the year, seeds, St. Brigid's cross, spring flowers and brides. Stones and crystals used in conjunction with the festivities of this holiday include amethyst (for calming one's mind, protection), bloodstone (for courage, healing and balancing the energies), garnet (to draw people and bring friendship, and balance your energies), black onyx (for determination, it is a grounding stone, good for centering) and turquoise (for seeking the truth within, self-realization). Traditions of this day not only include making Brigid's crosses, but lighting candles and burning fires, blessing seeds and preparing for our gardens, and cleaning the home in preparation for this day.
Themes: Renewal. Starting fresh. Purification. Initiation.Dedication. Beginnings.

In "Ancient Ways ~ Imbolc" by Microferk Designs, you will find a mix of the darker colors of the winter with plenty of brighter, lighter and fresher colors coming in to stand side by side. I find Imbolc to be a holiday on the cusp- so you will have a mix of contradictions- some browns, and greens and blues- in both lighter and darker shades, rich red, and plenty of pinks, whites, silvers, and yellow to symbolize fresh starts and new hope. You will find emerging signs of spring in a crocus and the next day the snow of ferocious winter weighing down the branches of your evergreens! Thus the mystery and marvel of Imbolc!

Ancient-Ways-Imbolc-Composite.jpg


http://tinyurl.com/MFERK-AW-Imbolc
http://tinyurl.com/MFERK-AncientWays
 
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