Imbolc Dream Pillow Ritual

Crows and their smaller cousins under the birdfeeder

 Imbolc is a holiday full of contradictions. It celebrates the first stirrings of spring growth deep beneath the surface of the earth at a time when for many of us, winter is still in full force. And it celebrates the returning of the light when the dark still holds us firmly in its grip. But that is the point, really. Imbolc reminds us to look forward with hope, to look for the small signs that spring really is coming, slowly but surely, just as the light grows a tiny bit every day.

If you go outside at night, you will notice that the sky seems different. The day dawns a few moments earlier and the sun sets a few moments later. There may be snow on the ground in many places, but deep below us, the earth IS stirring.

For us, it is still the time of the darkness; time to plan, and set plans in motion, but not yet act on them. In short, it is time our to dream. Imbolc is the perfect day on which to create a dream pillow to hold those dreams safe as we take slow, careful steps to reach our goals.

 If you want, you can start by casting a ritual circle. Or if you don’t feel like being that formal, simply find a comfortable spot, settle in with your materials close at hand, and focus on your dreams and goals for the year.

You will need: Either a piece of cloth or two pieces that can be sewn together to make a square about 2 inches on each side (the size can vary) or if you really don’t like to sew, you can use a drawstring bag. But the act of sewing is a good way to help focus the energy you put into the pillow. Bright colors are good, if they remind you of spring. A needle and thread (if you are doing this where the light will be dim, it is a good idea to thread the needle ahead of time). Small slips of paper and a pen. Something to stuff the pillow with. Optional—herbs that remind you of spring and/or help with dreaming, such as lavender. A white or yellow candle. You can start with the pillow already closed on three sides, so you only have to sew the last side shut after you’ve stuffed it.

Light the candle and greet the gods in whichever way suits you. Take a few moments to think about what your dreams and goals are for the year, then write them down on the slips of paper. All your actions should be slow and thoughtful—don’t rush through this. Stuff the pillow with whatever else you are putting inside, then add the pieces of paper. You may want to say each goal out loud as you place it inside. Then tie a knot in the end of your thread, to cement your intentions. As you sew the last side of the pillow closed (or pull the string closed on your bag), you may want to say “to mote it be” as you place each stitch. Remember that the stronger your focus is, the more powerful the spell. When you have completed your pillow, you can say the following (from my book, Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook, Llewellyn).

Dreams Come True Spell

I wish upon the stars above

And on the moonlight’s gleam

I ask the gods to send their love

And help fulfill my dream

Hard I’ve worked to get to here

This magic time and space

I know my dreams are drawing near

At Fate’s own measured pace

Bring to blossom dreaming’s fruit

I ask from heart and soul

As flowers spring from planted root

Let me achieve my goal

If you want, you can sit for a while, envisioning your dreams coming true. Then thank the gods (open your circle if you have done a formal ritual) and tuck your pillow someplace safe, like your altar or inside your bed pillow.

Magic the Cat living up to her name as she inspects our altar set-up for the ritual.

Happy Imbolc!

Imbolc: Light in the Midst of Darkness

Most folks know February 2nd as Groundhog Day, when a furry critter is hauled out of a hole to predict the length of time remaining until spring, based on whether or not he sees his shadow. Of course, for us witchy types, the 2nd is Imbolc,a quarter-cross holiday (midway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox) that celebrates the first stirring of life under the quiescent earth. Along the way, the day also transmuted into the Christian Candlemas.

What do all these holidays have in common? They are focused on that small light in the midst of the winter darkness. For many of us, winter means cold and dark. Think how much more impact that had on our ancestors, whose only light came from candles, lanterns, and the flames of their fires. By the beginning of February, the food they'd fought hard to preserve for the lean winter months was probably starting to run low, and it may have seemed as though spring would never come.

My cupboards are full, but I know exactly how they felt!

The name Imbolc has Celtic origins, and means (depending on the source) "in the belly," "fire in the belly," or "ewe's milk." The essence of the word is two-fold: the stirring of seeds in the belly of the earth, and the literal milk in the belly that resulted from the arrival of the first lambs, and the milk their mother produced, which often meant the difference between starvation and survival.

These days, we don't need sheep's milk to survive, thankfully. But we can all use a little bit of light when things are dark. For me, the theme of this holiday has always been simple--hope. That little glimmer of a candle's flame in the dim, cold night of winter.

Imbolc is a good time to look inward and choose the seeds to nurture in your own metaphorical belly. Sit in the darkness and think about what you want to work on in the year to come. Where will you focus your energy? What changes can you make to bring the most light into your own world? I like to pick three focus words that I can come back to over and over in the coming months. This year, my words are these: Balance, healing, and success.

What three words would you choose? If you need some guidance, this is a good holiday to use quick and easy divination [I blogged about that earlier, if you need some suggestions]. Light a candle and sit quietly, emptying your mind as much as possible. Then ask the gods/the universe what you should be focusing on in the coming year, and pull a couple of rune stones or tarot cards. Alternately, if you have some ideas but can't narrow them down to three, put all the words or phrases on individual pieces of paper and pull three of them out of a bowl.

Of course, you don't have to use three words. You could use one, or two, or four. The idea is to plant the seeds for your own growth in this quiet time, before the energy shifts and we have to start moving forward more dynamically. Don't limit yourself to small goals either. Think about what you really want, really need to grow and prosper in the year to come. Be your own light of hope, no matter how dark things might be.

And here's hoping that spring comes soon!