IMBOLC
 
I. The Altar and Circle
        1. Symbols of the season, such as representations of snowflakes,
white flowers, or snow in a crystal container can be on the altar. The
snow can be melted and used for the water. A solar wheel on the altar
asks for the wheel of the year to continue to turn.
        2. Cauldron should be in the north quadrant of the circle with
firewood laid within. The besom should be beside it. Alternately, the
cauldron can be filled with earth. Unlit candles, one for each covener
and guest, are piled beside it. One candle stands upright at the center
of the cauldron.
        3. Altar cloth and candles should be brown, symbolizing the
earth. Alternately, there can be an orange candle, symbolizing the
renewing vitality of the sun and anointed with musk, cinnamon,
frankincense or rosemary oil on the altar. Alternate colors: white,
green and white, or blue.
        4. Crown of Light (Crown of Candles or Lights) on altar. There
is a nice Crown of Lights craft project in "Sabbats: A New approach to
Living the Old Ways" by Edain McCoy IBSN #1-56718-663-7, page 89.
        5. Have ready grain dollies. There are several techniques for
making them. See "Spell Crafts: Creating Magical Objects" by Scott
Cunningham and David Harrington ISBN #0-87542-185-7, "Sabbats" (see
above reference) and "Ancient Ways:Reclaiming Pagan Traditions" by
Pauline Campanelli ISBN# 0-87542-090-7. Remember that they should be
dressed as brides. Have a priapic wand or the dominant male's wand
suitably decorated, ready as well. In a pinch, any phallic symbol will
do.
 
II. Rituals
 
        1. Purification of Homes after Shut-in Winter, also Sweeping out
of Circle using Besom. Each of the members are also invited to "sweep
out" that which they do not need in their lives. The besom may be passed
from covener to covener or between residents of the home, to help the
fulfill this task.
           Note: It is traditional that purely mundane spring cleaning
begin immediately after Imbolg and must be completed by Spring Equinox
in some traditions.
        2. Fires of Illumination, Warmth, Inspiration and Light. See
"Spiral Dance" by Starhawk ISBN# 0-06-067535-7 for a fire ritual using
candles and cauldron filled with earth. I have simplified it to be that
each covener takes a candle and dances around the circle visualizing
what inspiration and creativity they wish in the coming season. Then,
one by one, they put their candle in the cauldron. Circle power is
grounded into the cauldron to fuel the visualizations into reality.
        3. Crowns of Lit Candles or Lights on female wiccans.
        4. Traditional time of initiation.
        5. It is traditional at sunset or after ritual, to light every
lamp in the house if only for a few minutes. Alternately, light a
kerosene lamp or oil lamp with a red chimney and place this in a
prominent part of the home or in a window.
        6. 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 in the snow.
        7. Foods: Dairy products, such as sour cream, should be
prominent since this is the festival of calving. Spicy and full-bodied
foods in honor of the God. Curries and all dishes made with peppers,
onions, leeks, shallots, garlic, chives and raisins are also
appropriate.
        8: Drinks: spiced wines, and all dairy drinks.
        9. Burn all evergreens which have adorned the house including a
branch of the fir tree (if you used a real tree). Be careful! They are
very dry! The evergreens of the Yuletide season (which traditionally
must not be removed before Imbolg, or hobgoblins/witches/bad luck- pick
your tradition- will haunt you! giggle) are burned at this time. This is
symbolic of getting rid of the past year and preparing for the new. See
"Magical Household" by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington ISBN#
0-87542-124-5 for notes on other things to do, including spring
cleaning. (I personally like burning the old calendar with the
evergreens.)
        10. Make a Bride's Bed with one of the corn dollies you made
last year (or as soon as you read this, right? grin) Dress the doll in
bridal attire, then place her in a basket or on a square of white linen.
Lay the priapic wand across her to form an "X". Light candles, one on
each side of the Bride's Bed. After the ritual, extinguish the candles.
Leave all this set up overnight. In the morning, hang the bride up on
the front door, where it may remain until Samhain. Return the doll to
the earth at that time, and make another one. Store the doll under the
altar (or near where you circle) until Imbolg, where it can garner
power.
 
III. Symbolism
 
        1. Marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the
God. The Sun (the God) warms the Earth (Goddess) and the lengthening
periods of the light awaken her and seeds begin to sprout. See story of
"Snow White" and "Rapunzel" told in "Ancient Ways" (see above for
references. I'm tired of typing)
        2. Sabbat of Purification after Shut-In Life of Winter. Your
house has been closed up psychically as well as physically. It needs
"cleaning", right?
        3. Festival of Light and Fertility. Light, as in fire, warmth,
lengthening days, and fertility does not mean having babies
specifically, but also any other form of creativity. We are still in the
depths of winter, so this is a good time to learn or do crafts. Many
crafts, such as spinning, embroidery, quilting, cooking, are magical
acts in themselves. A good resource is "Wheel of the Year" by Pauline
Campanelli ISBN# 0-87542-091-5, or any of the above-mentioned books.