Brighid's crosses!

Aaran, Rain Storm, and I met on Feb. 3 for a GSW Portland Imbolc get-together.

We did a brief ritual firelighting, then shared bread, honey, and apples by the fire.

Then we made Brighid's crosses out of wheat! Great fun, and lovely results.

Imbolc is a cross-quarter Sabbat that occurs between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is traditionally celebrated on Feb. 2, but falls astrologically several days later.

During Imbolc, we celebrate the earliest return of life to the earth after the barren darkness of winter. Although it is still the cold, dark time of the year, the days are slowly becoming longer and we prepare to re-meet the world of spring. Small but sturdy signs of new life begin to appear. Lambs are born and new grasses appear. Ravens begin to build their nests, larks sing with a clear voice, and winter bulbs push up through the soil.

Scotland’s Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Brighid, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire. With her snowy white wand, Brighid breathes life into the land and asks Winter to open his eyes.

A Brighid’s cross is made from straw or wheat. The cross-- a powerful solar symbol-- offers a blessing of protection when hung up; it's especially effective in the kitchen, where Brighid's influence can bless your food.