✫☼ ~Imbolc~ ☼✫ Day 1-3 | Pagan Holiday Celebration

Candle, bay leaves, sugar, salt, new life, new season.

We are, halfway to the Spring Equinox! 
I know it seemed like Yule was so long ago, 
however - don't worry, we are arriving at 
Imbolc! 
(Or Candlemas, if you prefer)

I love this Sabbat. This is the time of year where we can welcome the sun, celebrate nature, wish for new growth, and bake and bake and bake!
Such a comforting holiday, isn't it?

Now, I am not a full fledged Pagan and I do not claim to be one. I do, however, appreciate every Pagan holiday as they are all centered around nature. Also, I have a very rich heritage and celebrating certain aspects of the double handful that makes up my list of nationalities brings me ultimate joy. I love learning about each one and finding that one thing (or set of things) that connects me personally to them.

For this, I consider myself an Eclectic Unicorn. ❇

Every Sabbat I've celebrated in the past (aside from this years Yule) I've done so alone.
Well, alone gets pretty lonely after awhile!
The world is changing and so am I. I'm no longer worrisome of what people think of me,
that comes with age I believe, so I'm going to lay it all out there!
I already know that my husband and children think I'm nuts, but
at least my wee ones enjoy my special kind of madness!

In fact, these very wee ones joined me in decorating a Yule tree! After our tree was completed, we sprinkled birdseed all around it and planted a candle in the snow. With its flame, we burned our wishes for the new year.

Decorating the Yule tree for our Imbolc celebration


For Imbolc this year, February 2nd, I decided to give it a full week instead of just one day. Why?
Because I'm an adult and I do what I want...just like that time when I ate a handful of chocolate chips. Also, I'm a very busy woman and there are many traditions I don't want to pass up. Stretching it out is the most reasonable and rewarding plan.

**Photo Feature at the very top: three bay leaves stood upright in a bowl of sugar with a pale green tealight candle to signify the returning sun shining on new growth sprouting up through the snow. This mini altar will be lit everyday this week to welcome the sun and help make a smooth transition into Spring**

On Monday the 29th, my daughter and I planted lavender seeds for our spring garden!
I thought it was a perfect start to a holiday centered around the arrival of natures renewed life and growth. I didn't get a picture in, which I'm a little sad about, but it would have portrayed the two of us holding a big pan of dirt - so you're not missing much!

beta fish photo shoot for imbolc day 3
On Tuesday the 30th - after a fun photo shoot with my fish - I spent the day decluttering and donating!


The thrift store got a hefty load of gently used goodies and there is still more to come!

Spring cleaning is so much easier when you get a head start.
beer cheese soup and home made breadThen it was all about the dinner.

Beer cheese soup and french bread night, can't go wrong there!

I also readied the bread dough for Wednesdays baking extravaganza.




braided bread, imbolc braiding tradition, brigid's braid


Today the 31st has been a little busier as I spent the morning working on my braided bread loaves.
The top left features my braided, egg-washed and seasoned, rising loaves!
Top center loaf is a Brighid's braid.
Bottom left is my very amateur attempt at a braided bread flower and
Bottom middle is a traditional 4 strand braid.
The right column has some "work in progress" shots!


avocado trees, grown from seeds, twins

When all was said and done with my beautiful breads, I potted my separated Siamese avocado trees!

These avocado twins grew from one seed, were separated around two inches of stem growth, and now they've graduated into their own earth-filled pots!

Look at them grow!
Tomorrow will come with more celebrations and more rituals of my choosing. There are many ways to celebrate Imbolc, you just have to find the ones that suit you!
I had planned to burn our Christmas tree (Yule tree is planted firmly in the ground and very much alive) for Friday's celebration, however - my love burned it a few weeks ago. So, a small fire in my tabletop firepit on the back porch (weather permitting) may have to do!

If you would like to follow me through this holiday in real-time, you can do so on Instagram at:
www.instagram.com/momma_marys/

And for Teacup Tilly's shenanigans, you can find me on Tumblr at:
https://teacuptilly.tumblr.com

Thanks for stopping in!



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