First Imbolc Ritual

Oh herro...

So almost a month has passed since I last wrote on here. Mhmm. Slacker. Truth is... been insanely busy...

I have been on prac since the 16th July, (which is almost over - sadness) as well as trying to complete uni assignments. Now prac teaching is full on. We are expected to plan lessons, teach the lessons, do lunchtime duty, do sport and in reality become a full-time teacher for 4 weeks. While we are doing this, we are also expected (by the university) to keep up with our unit work and do assignments. Plus, for those of us who have jobs, we are expected to come back for shifts.

Now after doing this continuous run around for 4 weeks..... is it any wonder us teaching students want a break from it all? Lucky me, I am getting a great break afterwards... I will be spending 1 week back in my lovely little unit and then I will be jetting off to Bali!!!

I am just a bit excited, and can not wait. Of course, I wish all my dear friends were coming with me however, that does not seem like it will happen. I've invited them all and said the cliche phrase "Just come in my suitcase!" Alas, to no avail. I will just be traveling with my family. Which will still be lovely anyway.

What else has happened in my hectic life? I celebrated my first festival. It wasn't a huge celebration, ritual, dancing around an outside fire deal, just more of a change the altar cloths-put the coloured candles up - use the incense associated with the festival - and just spend some time reflecting on what this festival is about. The festival was Imbolc and was on the 2nd of August this year. Now because I am staying with my grandparents through the week for prac, I did not perform it on the 2nd of August. I did, however, wait a couple of extra days and did it on the following weekend. Still felt right to me, and still felt like honouring the festival in all it's glory.

Imbolc is celebrating the beginnings of spring. It is located between the winter and spring equinoxes. Traditionally, it is around the time of lambing season. Many lambs have popped up on my grandparents property (with a few early ones). It also known as one of the 'fire' festivals.

In honour of this, I had white and red altar cloths, two green candles signifying the birth of spring, one floating candle in water and myrrh incense. The floating candle was to add to the fire and water elements, and the incense is to represent the air element. I did not have any earth representation as I felt the green candles were enough to illustrate what I was honouring. Myrrh, cinnamon and jasmine are traditionally associated with Imbolc. I felt that Myrrh was the best in this case. I did not ask for anything out of this ritual. This was just a basic one, as I felt it was time for me to celebrate one of the festivals and to keep my focus on Mother Earth's movements.

*Slight disclaimer* This is what worked for me. This is how I enjoyed my ritual. You might find something different that works for you. The point is to explore your own path and to not feel that you're doing it wrong.*

Blessings and moonlight )O(
Rosalinda.