OTHER ACTIVITIES
° Make the Bride's Bed using the Corn Doll made the previous Lughnassadh. Dress the doll in white or blue with a necklace that represents the seasons. Lay it in a long basket adorned with ribbons; light white candles on either side of the basket, and say...
Welcome the bride both maiden and mother; rest and prepare for the time of the seed; cleansed and refreshed from labors behind her; with the promise of spring she lays before me.
Next morning, remove the dress and scatter the wheat outdoors, or if you used corn, hang it up in a tree for the squirrels and birds. This can be seen in terms of the Lady's recovery from the birthing bed and readiness to begin the turning of the seasons anew.
The Imbolc Corn Doll represents the mother nurturing her son, who will grow and become her husband. This is the earth and the sun, which is still weak but gaining in strength. If you did not make a doll last Lughnassadh, do not fret. Make one anew. Just remember NEXT time to do this, and put it away.
° On Imbolc Eve, leave buttered bread in a bowl indoors for the fairies who travel with the Lady of Greenwood. Next day, dispose of the uneaten portions as the "essence" will have been removed.
° Place three ears of corn on the door as a symbol of the Triple Goddess and leave until Ostara. Do this. It brings prosperity and richness to your home; both in finances and in heart. Just remember what I've told you about ENCHANTING magickal items.
° Light a white candle in a window and burn sandalwood nearby.
° Cleanse the area where you will do card readings or scrying with a censer burning rosemary or vervain and say...
By the power of this smoke I wash away the negative influences that this place be cleansed for the Lady and her babe.
° Cleanse the altar and equipment, do a self purification rite with the elemental tools representing earth (salt) for body; air (incense) for thoughts; fire (candle flame) for will, and water (water) for emotions.
° Create a Solar Cross from palm fronds, enough to place one in each room of the house. Place a red pillar-style candle center to the front door, with palms in hand, light the candle and open the door and say...
We welcome in the Goddess and seek the turning of the wheel away from winter and into spring.
Close the door; take up the candle and go to each room of the house and say...
Great Lady enter with the sun and watch over this room!
Leave a Solar Cross in the room and proceed thusly though out the house. The last room should be the kitchen and here you say...
Mother of the earth and the sun, Keep us safe and keep us warm, as over our home you extend your blessing.
