So much to do tonight and wanted to share some of the prep--traditional and otherwise--as Imbolc rolls in.

In my world, tonight is Imbolc Eve (some of you may celebrate that tomorrow).  There's still tons to do to really celebrate, so here's a partial list.  I'm sure you'll find all sorts of things to add to it.

--Leave a treat out tonight for Herself and Her Cow as they go travelling through the world, imparting Their blessing. I usually leave a drop of whiskey for Herself and a small bowl of oats for the Cow.

--Take a piece of clean cotton fabric and leave it outside to catch any moisture.  This is the bhrat and it will be used for clouties/prayers flags and for healing throughout the year (especially good for ill or tired eyes).  Most of us still have cold and frost so you won't get any dew. But it's a magical and not a literal act. At least this year.

--Make a Brigid's Wheel/Cross from cornshucks. Place it hear your hearth or above your front door, to protect the house from fire.

--Set out a Bed for Bridey.  This is fun to do with kids.  We used to make it out of a shoe box, stuffed with soft cloth.  All that travelling tonight might make Her tired, so you want to make sure you are doing your best hospitality and give Her a place to rest Her weary head.  We don't make a bed for the Cow, but I guess you could.

--This is the time of year when the house should be given a new broom.  You can leave it out with your bhrat for a nice clean (and cold) blessing.

--Make your soda bread tonight--and don't forget to cut it across the top with a sharp knife before baking. The traditional charm is (as you cut) North to South, West to East--Faeries come out! Faeries come out!  Faeries are not best pleased when baked into a loaf.

--Leave a jar of water out for Brigid to bless.

--In its guise as Candlemas, this is also a good time to bless new candles.

Whew!  Is that enough?  Eat something that's dairy and/or baked in the morning.  Make your prayers and blessed Imbolc to you!