Hiss! Happy Imbolc!

Imbolc is upon us, and for many people, this is the time when they honor the goddess Brigid, who is a harbinger of spring.  Like most deities there are several different animals associated with her.  Cows, sheep, pigs, and roosters are often connected to her in myths.

A different kind of kine.

Snakes are also often associated with her.

It’s thought that the original “groundhog” was definitely not a groundhog at all because they don’t live in Europe, but that the animal eagerly anticipated every year was probably a snake.  Some of you at this point may be thinking, “Snakes and Ireland don’t mix.  That’s an oxymoron.”  Don’t think too hard about it or you’ll miss the point.  The point is that snakes, a symbol of fertility and sexuality, start emerging shortly after Imbolc in some places and represented the promise of the season.

And the snakes Patrick drove out of Ireland?  Those were Pagans, not reptiles.

Last Imbolc, I suggested tons of interesting ways to celebrate.  http://barbedpentacle.com/2012/01/candlemas-light-my-ass-up-baby-and-eat-whipped-cream-from-my-pussy/

This is still my favorite option from last year.

This year for Imbolc I’m going to be making a rubber snake scourge.  If you want to incorporate live snakes into your ritual, that’s cool, but rubber snakes from the dollar store are all you’re going to need for this project.

From other posts, you may remember something called “swish factor,” which is the difference between swish and sting or thud in a S&M toy.  If you want to make an implement that has a lot of swish and sting (a 10), then purchase very rubbery and slinky snakes.  If you like more of a thud, buy snakes that have more plastic in them and that are slightly more rigid.  Likewise, if you want more sting, have the snakes’ tails be at the end of the scourge falls and bind up the snake heads for a handle.  If you want more of a thud, then the snake heads will be making contact with flesh.  My snake scourge is going to be low tech and cheap; so for my handle, I am going to wrap a number of rubber bands around the rubber snakes just below the head (because I’m in the mood for some swish).  If you want, you can also use duct tape for the handle.  It’s slightly textured and comes in lots of funky colors now.  Of course, if you want to be fancy and make something like a cord-wrapped handle, go for it.  When choosing your snakes, also keep in mind length.  If you’re going to be working in a tight space, buy shorter snakes.  If you have plenty of room, buy longer ones.  If you’re looking to color coordinate, Brigid’s colors are typically white, red, and black, but other colors for other magics can be incorporated.  Scourges are usually used for fertility blessings or cleansings, so keep that in mind when selecting colors.

Make sure to charge these up in a sunny window prior to ritual.

A twist on the traditional candle crown.

Now it’s time to get creative and figure out how you want to integrate your scourge into your Imbolc observances.  Brigid is the goddess of inspiration, so listen for ideas while you drink some milk and eat whipped cream.  Your scourge can also be reused for Lupercalia on Feb. 15.


These folks like a snake in the pants:

Mystic Artisans: https://www.facebook.com/mysticartisans

Passion And Soul: http://passionandsoul.com/

Knotjokin Rope Floggers: http://www.knotjokin.etsy.com

Tonia Brown www.thebackseatwriter.com

Check this out!!! http://store.paganmusic.co.uk/track/Brighid



Blessed Be Thy Feet, Part 6: Martina’s Story
