The colours of Imbolc (February 1st to 2nd) are white and silver for purity and green for the burst of Life. Snowdrops are a symbol of Imbolc, and Brigid’s Cross. Snowdrops are considered the first gift of Spring. The Brigid’s Cross is for protection and fertility and good fortune in the home. The sprig of the Rowan tree is worn for protection. Candles are lighted at this time to celebrate the increasing light of the coming Spring. The herb blackberry is used to attract hospitality and healing. Coltsfoot is used to engender love and promote peace and to remove any emotional or physical stagnation.
Ginger is used to revitalise and stimulate the fire within. Simple Seed Cake is eaten at this time.
Activities at this time include house cleaning and purification as well as taking a ritual bath to get rid of negativity. Crafts made at this time include making a Brigid’s Cross and making soap, Brighid was the patron of poets and bards. Poetry and storytelling are done at this time.
Crystals Used During Imbolc
Crystals used as Imbolc are silver for purification, it also enhances and acts as a conduit for other crystals. A crystal essence can be made my soaking a silver nugget in clear spring water in the sunlight for two hours. Silver is used to combat infections. This can be preserved as a tincture with seventy percent proof or above vodka or apple cider making thirty-percent of the mixture. Clear quartz is useful for healing and is called the master healer. If you put a crystal point on each side of the pain it focuses the healing power of this crystal. Green Jade promotes longevity and health.
Ostara, Festival of the Spring Equinox
Ostara (March 21st to 22nd) is the Festival of the Spring Equinox. The symbols include the hare, symbol of immortality, the egg, the balance of male and female and Daffodils. The colours of Ostara are bright green, yellow and purple. The trees associated with Ostara are the Birch (to make new besoms, represent fertility, new life) Ash (life is sacred in the past, present and future) and the Alder (which links the Divine and Earth).
Food eaten at this time include: Ostara Bread which is scored in half to represent light and dark and Vernal Equinox Cake made with vanilla and lemons. Eggs are coloured in Spring colours and cards with packets of seeds are popular gifts to give at this time. It is a time of starting to plant the garden.
Crystals associated with Ostara are Aventurine, for new beginnings and motivation. Citrine and Tiger’s eye for self-empowerment and sun energy and Amethyst, purple, for healing and the link to the Divine. For headaches, four amethyst points can be used. Put one point facing downwards on the forehead and one facing upwards further down. Then place two amethyst points facing upwards at the throat. This focuses its healing powers.
Cara Moore - Cara E. Moore is an author, poet, playwright and writer who has written for internet sites, newspapers, magazines, theatre and ...
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