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Summerland Spirit Festival July 14th-22nd. more information can be viewed on there website at: www.SummerlandFest.com

Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.

** Note: although this ceremony is written for one, it can easily be adapted for a small group.

Difficulty: AverageTime Required: VariedHere's How:1.

First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc. You'll also want to have on hand the following:

■ Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)

■ Something to light your candles with

■ A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles

■ Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron

Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite.

2.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won't slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:

Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.

Light the second candle, saying:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

3.

Light the third candle. Say:

This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.That which is outside, shall stay without.That which is inside, shall stay within.

Light the fourth candle. Say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

4.

Light the fifth candle, saying:

Like fire, light and love will always grow.Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.

Light the sixth candle, and say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.

Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, cover me in your shining light.I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am made pure.

5.

Take a few momemnts and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damanged.

When you are ready, end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.

What You Need:■Seven candles, white and red, and something to light them with

■A bowl or cauldron with sand in the bottom

Cornmeal Waffles

1 1/2 cups stone ground cornmeal

1/2 cup white flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbs light brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs, separated

4 tbs sunflower oil

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly, using a fork. Beat together the egg yolks and butermilk, and beat into the dry ingredients. Stir inthe oil. Beat the egg whites stiff and fold them into the batter. Bake according to the instructions with your waffle iron. Serve hot with plenty of syrup or preserves.

Salmon Baked in Foil

• 2-3 pound center cut of salmon
• 4 tbs sweet butter
• 1 tsp each minced fresh thyme, tarragon, and parsley
• 1/4 lemon
• 3 tbs each clam juice and dry white wine
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Smear a large sheet of aluminum foil with a little of the butter and place the fish in the center of it. Squeeze the lemon over the fish and place the rind in the cavity. Sprinkle the herbs over the fish and into the cavity. Season with salt and pepper and dot with the remaining butter. Fold the foil over the fish and crimp one end. Pour in the clam juice and white wine and crimp the other end. Place the package in a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes at 350. Carefully open the foli package and remove the fish to a large platter. Strain the juices into a small saucepan and simmer until thickened slightly. Spoon the juices over the fish, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and serve.

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