Imbolc is an introspective time of year. Many "I" words come to mind for me: introverted, inside, inquire. If you do not already opt for a solitary ritual on Brighid's special day and would like to mix things up a bit, I would keep the numbers small. An intimate gathering with a few close pals is in order.

If you don't have access to a fireplace to build a cozy one in your home, I am a big fan of lighting many white candles in the main area that you will be entertaining. Line a mantlepiece with several small votives and use a larger candle for the table centerpiece. Keep the lights low and make use of your dimmer switches in other rooms.

Play soothing, yet spiritually invigorating tunes such as the Kirtan sounds of Ragani Buegel. Another of my personal favorite recordings at this time of year is "Music For The Spiritual Tourist," compiled by Mick Brown, which features a really nice variety of artists.

Plan a simple feast of Imbolc foods: Try out the recipes for light and fluffy Angelic Biscuits (from Fay's Kitchen), and Korean Spicy Salad made with ginger and Chinese cabbage, both in Patricia Telesco's "A Kitchen Witch's Cookbook." Arrange a cheese platter of red wax Gouda, a good local Pepper Jack, and some soft creamy Brie. For dessert, serve a nice lemon sorbet such as the Ciao Bella brand with some hot cocoa.

Since our friend Brighid is all about encouraging creativity, plan an artistic activity post din-din. Make sure that you have nice supply of drawing pencils, erasers, oil pastels, pens, paper, heck– even crayons for your friends to use. Sit in a comfortable circle, having some people sit on comfy cushions on the floor. Going in a clockwise direction, have each person turn to the one next to them and create an art form of their choosing. Write a poem, ode or short story. Draw a portrait, cartoon, or paint an abstract blend of colors. The key is to dedicate it to the person you have turned to in the circle, showing them how unique they truly are.

When everyone is satisfied with their piece, have them present it to the person who has been sitting in as their muse. Then share with each other. Please do not be overly critical with yourself or others. Feel free to have some giggles with this, but remember that all art is ideally meant to be received with an open mind, after all. 

Right before the party is ready to break up, give a group thank you for Brighid's blessings this eve, and blow out the candles together. Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again!

Resources:

http://www.raganiworld.com/

"A Kitchen Witch's Cookbook," by Patricia Telesco

Image courtesy of Aleksandr Kutsayev at FreeDigitalPhotos.net