Improvised Imbolc

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Look, I admit it...I'm a bad witch. I have been forgetting to charge my crystals and skipping self care rituals that I know I need. I've been cutting corners and rushing. But I'm still making time to practice, and even in times with little time and energy to spare, a witch is still a witch. All of our Sabbats have been lowkey this year, and I knew I could not handle making Imbolc any different. That being said, I still wanted it to be special. Imbolc is one of my favorites, and it's significant for my patron goddess: Brigid.

Imbolc marks the beginning signs of spring, even though where I live the world is still heavily blanketed in snow. We celebrate it halfway between the winter and spring equinoxes. The name means "in the belly" referencing the early stages of pregnancy. We are expecting spring, even if it barely shows. For many of my ancestors, it was also the beginning of the lambing season, and a time of hope that the harsh winter would pass.  

We start our Sabbats at sundown. That takes getting used to, for someone who has celebrated the Christian holidays most of their life! I frequently find myself asking friends and google "Which sundown do we start???" I was planning at the last minute, and on a shoestring budget. I knew I wanted to cook something, but I did not have the energy for a cake, and pancakes just didn't seem right. Luckily, my friend sent me the recipe to her famous pop-overs. They were our coven's Sabbat staple when we met in person. 

As night fell (the right one, I checked) I lit a candle to welcome my goddess, and whipped up some pop-overs for the first time. They turned out well! I had them for breakfast in the morning. After, I tidied my altar and listened to music to help get me in the hopeful mindset. I ended Imbolc by sharing a pot of springy, floral tea with Brigid, candles lit and instrumental music going. I poured a cup for her, and one for myself. Taking this moment with her was calming, and what I needed. I left her tea on the altar until the end of Imbolc, then I poured it over our frozen garden. I hope my offering was well received. 

Popover Recipe:

https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/popovers-recipe?fbclid=IwAR0liY6bwISPpFTgFsogeCtzlZz8h4CVtRh6y1-Iywjtj2fJpLhyj75plXU