Beeswax Candle Making

Every thought about making candles with your children?  Think it is too challenging?

Well, I much admit that was me too at first, but I am sure glad I decide to give it a try. 

Making beeswax candles is actually super easy and a blast for boys and girls alike.  Both my boys made a candle in less than 10 minutes.  Perfect for their not so long attention spans.

Here's What You Do:

Before beginning, gather beeswax sheets, candle wicks, and any other items you want to use.

Now, select a beeswax sheet in your favorite color.  Fold down between 1/4 and 1/2 of an inch of the beeswax at the top (as shown).  Lay candle wick under this fold and about an inch from the left side of the beeswax sheet.  Begin tightly rolling the beeswax over the candle wick.

Continue rolling until you reach the far edge.  The candle will crack and try to come apart at times.  We just used our fingers to smoosh the cracked pieces together.  This did not effect the finished product. 

Trim the candle wick to about 1/4 inch in height.

Add embellishments if you wish.  We cut out designs on an alternate color of beeswax using cookie cutters.  Then, we pressed the design onto the candle firmly.  This did not effect the candle while burning. 

I would think you could use sequins or small beads to embellish the candles as well.  it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

The finished candles were brightly colored and burned great.  The hardest part was getting the candles to fit into a candle holder.  I found that a tea light holder worked best.  I just added a bit of extra beeswax into the bottom of the holder and firmly smooshed the candle into place.

Do you have an alternate method for candle making with children?

I'd love to hear your ideas.

The Coming of Light

Simple celebration for Imbolc.  I combined aspects from various posts I have read to come up with something that speaks to my heart.

To Prepare for the Celebration:
*This will take several days.*

1.  Clear the nature table of all signs of winter and Yule.

2.  Take a walk to view the earth.  Gather a variety of dead branches that have fallen to the ground.  Trim the branches and arrange in a recycled glass jar.  Adorn the jar with raffia or twine.  Hang various symbols of spring on the branches.

3.  Begin placing new items on the nature table including the jar of branches, a bowl of earth, and a candle garden.

4.  Select an appropriate poem for the occasion.  Below I have provided several I found fitting:

Thus we banish winter
Thus we welcome spring
Say farewell to what is dead
And greet each living thing
Thus we banish winter
Thus we welcome spring

SOURCE

Candle, candle burning bright
Winter's half way done tonight.
With a-glowing we are knowing
Spring will come again.
 
SOURCE
 
5.  Make beeswax candles to use as a table centerpiece until Spring arrives.
 
On Imbolc:
*This part is for my entire family.*
 
1.  Gather round the nature table and light the candle garden.  After lighting the candles, talk about the coming Spring.  Discuss all the glories of the sun... providing us with heat, light, and needed energy.  Discuss our dreams of what is to come during the upcoming season.
 
2.  Take out a piece of paper and create a simple list... maybe three items.  On your list include:

• a way to prepare for planting
• a way to beautify your personal outdoor space
• a way to help the animals.

On the weekend, use this list as a guide for family activities.  Once a week come back to the list and check your progress and come up with a plan on how to work toward your goals. 
 
You will be surprised how much faster warmth will return to the Earth when you are focused on preparing for its arrival.
 
3.  After creating your simple list, snuggle it among the other items on your nature table.  Read the poem you have prepared for this special occasion.  If you have a child that can read the poem, even better.
 
4.  Once the poem is complete say a prayer to the Goddess asking for a swift return to Spring and thanking her for this time of rest that was much needed. 
*As my family is still in the broom closet, we refer to the Goddess as Mother Earth.*
 
Mother Earth, you have allowed the Earth to sleep
To prepare for the coming of the Spring.
With longer days, we dream of the sun's warmth
And birth of new life.
May you bring a swift return to Spring,
So we may vast in your glory once again.
 
*I came up with this prayer in only a few minutes.  I am sure you can come up with something more poetic and appropriate for the occasion.  If you do, please share.  I'd love to hear you ideas.*
 
5.  At this time, allow your children to blow out or snuff the candles.  After the candles have been extinguished, everyone should hold hands and say... Blessed be.
 
A Personal Meditation:

1.  Choose a quiet, darkened place to sit. 

2.  Light a candle and clear your mind.  Take several deep cleansing breaths. 

3.  Take this time to personally talk to your Goddess.  Discuss the coming of Spring and any goals you may have.  Ask for assistance if needed and a bit of focus to help you achieve your goals.

4.  Lay a cloth in front of you on the floor.  Using your favorite tarot deck, seek guidance for the goals you have just set.

5.  After your reading, send a silent thank you to the Goddess for the time you have spent together.

6.  Blow out the candle and speak the words... Blessed be.

That's it.  I foresee the entire family ritual to take about 5-10 minutes with my personal meditation taking an additional 10-15 minutes later in the evening.

What ritual have you created for Imbolc?

Light the Lantern

It's always fun to make a lantern at Imbolc to remind us of the light soon to return.  This is an easy lantern that even a child of 5 could do as long as an adult was nearby making sure the cutting was in the correct location.

1.  Cut a 1 inch strip off the shorter side of your cardstock or scrapbook paper.

2.  Fold you paper in half like a hamburger.

3.  Place the fold toward your tummy and cut 1 inch strips through the fold.  Stop about a half inch from the top of the paper.

This is a picture of the finished paper when all the lines are cut.  I flipped it inside out and crimped the folds  to help you see what the paper really looks like.

4.  Unfold the paper and roll the paper into a tube.  Staple the paper at both the top and the bottom.

5.  Tape or staple the 1 inch strip onto one end of the tube.  I crimp the folds to make the lantern bend more easily.  After a couple of hours, the crimped edges are not as stiff looking.

*If you would like the lantern to look like there is light in it, you can fold a yellow piece of construction paper into a tube and insert it through the middle.  Tape the yellow construction paper in place along the bottom edge.

Megan's Imbolc

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Meagan. She lived with her mommy and daddy, her big brother Corwin and her beautiful cat named Starweaver.


Meagan was waiting for her daddy to pick her up from school one day. It was cold and she was very unhappy. She couldn't wait for her daddy to get her to help her feel better. Soon she saw her daddy standing at the doorway. She ran to hug him. "Whoa there," said Michael, "You almost ran me over! What's the matter honey?" He lifted Meagan's chin and looked into her tear-filled eyes. "Some, some other kids called me names today!" cried Meagan. "Oh, honey," said Michael as he gathered her up into his arms, "Let's go get into the car and you can tell me all about it. It looks like it really hurt your feelings." Meagan nodded and hurried into her coat.


Once she and Michael were in the car she started to tell him about her 'most awfullest day'. She told her daddy how she had been telling her best friend Cindy about making candles for Imbolc. Some other kids overheard her and started calling her 'witch' in very mean voices. On the way home Meagan cried and cried. Her daddy started to look very upset himself.


When they got home, they found Corwin sitting in the living room playing the recorder that he had gotten for Christmas. "There you are!" said Corwin, looking rather disgusted, "Dad, do you know what she did? She went blabbing all over school about being a witch. Two of the guys in my class were talking about it. Why does she have to be such a big blabbermouth?!" Michael looked at Corwin sternly and said, "Meagan was talking to Cindy about making candles for Imbolc, I hardly think that counts as blabbing all over school. Do you remember how hard it was for you to keep from telling everyone about rituals when you were her age? Meagan feels very hurt because some kids don't understand our religion and were making fun of her. As I recall, you felt the same way when the boys down the street teased you about learning to cook even though you like cooking. I think you'd better go up to your room and do your homework while your mother and I talk to Meagan about what happened." Corwin looked at the floor, "Sorry Meagan. I'll tell mom you're in here on my way upstairs." and with that he slunk out of the room.


Meagan's mother Elizabeth came into the room frowning just as Meagan settled onto her daddy's lap in the big armchair by the fireplace. "Oh my," she said as she saw Meagan's teary face, "Corwin said that you'd been teased at school today. What happened honey?" Meagan snuffled her nose and took a deep breath, "I was telling Cindy about making candles for Imbolc and she asked me what it was and I was telling her when some stupid boys overheard me and started calling me a witch!"


Meagan burst into tears again because remembering made her feel bad again. Michael kissed the top of her head. "I know that it's hard when other people say things to try to hurt us," he said, "Why do you think they were teasing you?" "Because they're mean!!" said Meagan. Elizabeth took her hand and said, "I don't think that's it honey. Do you remember when we told you why you shouldn't talk to Gramma Lee and Granpa Scott about rituals?"


Meagan nodded, "Uh-uh, 'cus they're Christian and they're scared that we'll go to hell and so they get really mad when we talk about it." Meagan's parents smiled at each other. "That's right Meagan. They don't understand why we are pagans and when people don't understand things sometimes they get mad instead. Lot's of people are afraid of things they don't understand but they don't like being afraid and so they'll get mad to keep from being so afraid", said Elizabeth, "Do you think that those boys understand what being a Pagan is?" Meagan shook her head.


Michael hugged her close. "Are you feeling a little better?" he asked. "Yeah, I guess so", said Meagan. "Well", said her daddy, "What would you like to do about this? Do you think that we should talk to your teacher, or to the boys?" Meagan thought about it. The boys teasing did make her feel bad but she knew that she was not a bad person and she really liked going to rituals. "No", she said to her parents, "Maybe if we leave them alone for awhile they will not bother me. When Bobby teased me about my hair at day camp I just pretended like he wasn't there and pretty soon he stopped doing it. Maybe these boys will do the same thing." Her parents smiled at her. "That's a really good idea Meagan", said Michael, "Let's leave them alone for awhile and see what happens."


Elizabeth stood up, "So are you in a good enough mood to make candles now?" she asked. "Oh yes!" said Meagan, her face brightening as she jumped up from Michael's lap. Meagan and her mother went into the kitchen. Just then, Corwin came thumping down the stairs with something in his hand. "Here Meagan," he said handing her a small circle of metal, "I was saving this for your birthday, but I thought it might cheer you up. I'm sorry I called you a blabbermouth". Meagan looked at the disc in her hand. It had her name on one side and runes on the other. "Thank-you Corwin", she said, "What do the runes mean?" "Oh," said Corwin, "This one stands for you and this one is for protection and this one is for happiness.


So, mom, are we going to make candles now?" Elizabeth nodded, "Remember to keep away from the stove Meagan, it's going to be very hot!" They all worked hard to make candles for Imbolc. They made green for the earth, yellow for air, red for fire, blue for water and purple for spirit. They also made white candles for the Lady and Her Lord. Meagan helped pick out the scents for the candles. She had been studying oils told her mother to add patchouly for earth. She decided they should add lavender for air and cedar for fire. Meagan wanted lilac for water and sandalwood for spirit. But she couldn't decide which oils to use for the God and the Goddess.


She looked at the list of oils in her parent's Book of Shadows. The Book of Shadows contained lots of information, like rituals and lists of herbs, oils and runes. She saw that carnation and jasmine both stood for Imbolc. Carnation was listed as a masculine herb and jasmine was a feminine herb. When she asked her mother what that meant, Elizabeth told her that masculine meant 'male' and feminine meant 'female'. So Meagan decided they should put carnation and jasmine in the candles for the Lord and Lady.


"Momma", asked Meagan, "Why *do* we make candles for Imbolc?" Elizabeth set aside the hot wax. "Well," she said, "do you remember what I said about what we celebrate at Imbolc?" Meagan nodded, "We're celebrating because Winter is starting to go away and Spring is coming back." "That's right," said Elizabeth, "and we light candles to remind the Sun to come back to us. On Saturday we'll have an Imbolc ritual and light all the candles so that the Sun will know where to come back. If you remember to take a nap on Saturday you can stay up and go to Circle with us." Meagan was excited. She loved to go to Circle and she especially loved to sing the chants to honor the gods.


Just then, Starweaver jumped onto the table. "Oh no!," cried Elizabeth, "Star, get down, you might get hurt by the hot wax! Meagan, you'd better take him outside so he'll be safe. The candles will have to cool and harden now. Corwin can help me clean up." Meagan picked up Starweaver the way her parents had taught her, holding him under his chest and holding his back legs so that he would feel safe. She and Starweaver went outside to play.


Soon, it was Saturday. The boys at school were still teasing Meagan but because she didn't pay any attention to them they weren't finding it as much fun as they had at first. It still made Meagan feel bad and she had written a story about how she felt and that made her feel better.


On Saturday Meagan helped her brother Corwin put the candles all around the family room. In the winter their Coven met in the family room because it was too cold to circle outside. Meagan saw their High Priest Jeremy put a fire extinguisher by the place where the gate to the circle would be. That made her feel better since there would be so many candles lit tonight. Soon it was time for ritual. Meagan took a bath and got into her robe.


When she went downstairs she saw that all the candles had been lit. The regular lights were out and the room looked like a fairyland.


After circle everyone helped clean up. Meagan yawned. She went over to Isabella who had been made an initiate in their tradition. Isabella had been studying a long time to learn all the things that their tradition said a first degree initiate should know. Meagan knew that she had to wait until she was grown up before she could become an initiate. In their tradition a person had to be 18 before they could become an inititate but Meagan's mother told her that she could go ahead and learn many of the things that an initate had to know. She was already learning about oils and herbs and things.


Meagan went to kiss her mother goodnight. Just as she was going to kiss her father she yawned even bigger than before. Michael smiled at her, "Excuse me everyone, I think a little girl needs a proper escort to bed". He picked her up and carried her to her bed.


As Michael tucked her in, Starweaver jumped onto the bed. Meagan cuddled up with him to go to sleep. She decided to dream about the magic land of pancakes where the rivers are made of syrup and all the leaves are different flavored pancakes. When her mother came into check on her she was sound asleep with a smile on her face.


Her week had started out bad, but ended up very, very good.

By: Kathryn Dyer 1996

Imbolc Celebration

I think Imbolc is my favorite Sabbat to celebrate.  It gives the heart a little warm squeeze and says... Spring will be there soon.

This year for Imbolc we will celebrate simply:

• beeswax candle making as a sign of the light to come
• garden planning... The boys and I will look through seed catalogues to decide what to plant in the upcoming weeks.
• painting garden stones to show our appreciation for the beauty Mother Earth has bestowed upon us
• & possibly a nature hike through the woods.

As much of this as possible will occur on Imbolc.  The rest will occur on the weekend following.  It's kind of nice because my hubs and T Man both have a birthday on Feb. 3rd, so it makes it seem like they get a longer celebration.

So, what are you plans for Imbolc?

Kids Crafts for Imbolc

Are your kids going nutty being locked in the house during the cold days of winter?  Remind them that spring will soon be returning with a few fun crafts.

Face the Sun: Using modeling clay create a funky sun to hang for Imbolc

Pierced Sun Catcher: Use cardstock and a push pin to create sun display for your windows.

CD Suncatcher: Recylce old CDs into something amazing.

Bug Suncatcher: Using contact paper and a bit of imagination even a 3 year old can make one of these super cute critters.

CD Disco Ball : Need I say more?.

Sparkling Suncatcher: Glass beads and wire make this suncatcher truly amazing.

Translucent Star Ornament: Crayola has done it again with this fun and simple craft.

Tissue Paper Star: Get messy with tissue paper and glue to make this perfect sunny display.

What is your favorite craft to do during the winter months?

What crafts do you do for Imbolc?

Imbolc: A Fire Festival

I have been researching the association between Imbolc and Groundhog's Day.  I have found some interesting correlations I thought you might like to know. 

Imbolc is a pagan fire festival associated with the coming of Spring and weather divination.  It is the celebration of renewal and growth.  With Spring comes the arrival of new plants and animals.  Also, comes the uplifting of spirits and a return to the outdoors as the sun's light is more abundant and produces the needed heat to warm the Earth.  Imbolc marks the midpoint in the dark part of the year.

During Imbolc, it has been said that Brigid's snakes would burst from her belly to predict the coming weather.  In early times, a hedgehog was the animal of choice in weather divination and here in North America it is the well known groundhog.

I like to think of Imbolc as the perfect time to make life changes.  With sweeping out the old and welcoming the new, I like to open my heart to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.  I use this time to meditate on the direction my life is headed and choose a path in which to travel.  This is the time of year I ready myself for Spring in all its magical glory.

Sources: Suite101

Imbolc Card Exchange

Finally have access to my photos though I lost half of 2008 and all of 2009.

Here is the wonderful card I received. I apologize that I do not remember from whom.  This card adorns the windowsill in my kitchen...  a nice sunny spot which is perfect for Imbolc.

Homemade Butter & Twisted Bread sticks

We decided to make the Twisted bread sticks and homemade butter for our Imbolc dinner.  Making homemade butter is really quick and easy.

Pour heavy whipping cream into a container with a lid. 

Sprinkle a generous amount of salt in to the whipping cream. 

Snap the lid on tightly!!

Take turns shaking the container as hard as you can.

Keep on shaking.  You will shake until you feel the liquid get sloshy.  Open the lid and take a peak.  If the liquid is thicker... about the consistency of a milk shake... you are getting close to being done. 

At this point, take a little lick.  If needed, add more salt.

Be sure to snap the lid on tightly again... BEFORE shaking.  I made a huge mess.

Keep shaking until the whipping cream is a semi-solid state... a little thicker than whipped cream.

Spread on your favorite bread or muffin. 

Place any unused butter in the fridge. 

Will last about 2 weeks covered and refrigerated.

To make the above twisted bread sticks, buy a can of pillsbury bread sticks near the biscuits at your local grocery store.

Pull the bread sticks apart. 

Take 2 bread sticks and smoosh one end together.  Then, twist each bread stick around the other one as if braiding with only 2 strands.

Smoosh the opposite ends together as well.

Bake per package directions.

We made some with cinnamon and sugar and some plain.  The boys loved spreading their homemade butter on these yummy warm bread sticks. 

Sun Catchers

I wanted to make beeswax candles with the boys, but could only find one pound bricks of beeswax.  I was hoping to find the beeswax sheets.  I guess next year I need to plan ahead instead of procrastinating.

Instead of candle making, we opted for making suncatchers.  This was super cheap (about $3 per kid).  I use to love making these when I was little.  Waiting for the oven to finish baking them was always torture for me though.

Below is a picture of the final product.  Very cute.

Here is What We Did...

• We talked about the coming sun and how we so want the weather to warm up.  We talked about where to place the finished pieces, so that we could see them every day and be reminded of the warmth the Earth will soon have once more.
• Then, we opened the packages and laid everything out in front of the boys.
• Each boy had a small brownie pan lined with aluminum foil.  The metal frame was laid flat inside the pan on top of the foil.
• Next, the boys began to pour the colored pieces into the appropriate sections of their frame.  We looked at the picture on the packaging for guidelines.
• I helped the boys fill in any areas that need a bit more "filler".
• Finally, we baked the creations in the oven per package directions.
• The next day we placed the sun catchers in the window by our kitchen table.  We said a quick thank you to the goddess for the coming sun and change in seasons. 

Candle Garden

This is the candle garden we used as our table centerpiece for Imbolc.  We lit the candles before dinner and had a discussion about the importance of the holiday.  We still referred to it as Groundhog's Day, but the intent in our heart was all IMBOLC.

Here are some of the things we discussed:

• being thankful that the sun is going to come out very soon
• the candles as a representation of the sun
• the kind of plants we would like to place in our garden 
• what we need to do to prepare the soil
• things we want to do in the spring.

We allowed the candles to burn out on their own and a made a springtime wish.

Very simple, but effective.

Imbolc Card Exchange

I (like so many of you) have wondered where the months have gone.  It seems every day has been filled, but with what I am not sure.

I did take the time recently to make my card for the Imbolc Card Exchange.  Just thought I would share the finished product. 

I so need to explore my creative side more often.  It was very hard for me to let go of structure and just have fun.  Creating from the heart should be pure joy... not about if it will be as nice as everyone else's.

This has always been one of my downfalls.  Comparing myself to others when it comes to how creative and crafty I am instead of allowing myself to just enjoy the moment. 

In actuality, I guess I really never allow myself to let my guard down.  I would never dare dance for fear of being watched and an immense uncomfortableness about what to do with myself. 

Hmmm... Where did all this come from?  I was posting about cards, right?  Oh, well.  Hope you don't mind a little insight into who I am.

Imbolc Crafts for Kids

Bird Nesting Pouch

Family Fun always has the best ideas for kids.  This bird nesting pouch should help encourage all of your feathered friends to remain close to home.

Bloomin' Buttons

The cutest addition to your house plants.  Made from colorful buttons and sturdy wire.

Bird Bath

One more way to encourage the birds to stay.  Beautiful... yet simple to make.

Clay Toadstools

This is definitely a project for a child that is a bit older.  The effect is absolutely enchanting.

Fairy House

What a fun way to get your kiddos out in nature.  Added plus... all the imaginative play that will happen after the fairy house is constructed.

Rock Your Garden

Gather up all those large rocks that you need to remove from your garden.  Turn them into funky yard art your kids can enjoy.

All of these ideas were from Family Fun.  I know there are many more out there on the web, but these just screamed outdoors and new beginnings to me.

Honey Cakes

author unknown

Little fried cakes, dipped in honey and nutmeg. A delightful sweet Imbolc treat.

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Riesling wine
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tbs sugar
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• Dash of salt

directions:

1. Beat the egg together with the wine.
2. In another mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, sugar and salt.
3. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Stir until blended through. Let stand for 30 minutes.
4. In another small bowl, mix the honey and nutmeg. In a skillet, heat up about a 1/2 inch of oil. Drop a tablespoon of batter into the oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Drain off the oil, and dip into the honey mixture.

Garden Projects for You & the Kiddies

Imbolc is the prefect time to do some gardening with the kids.  Here are three projects that I found on about.com.  Hope you enjoy.

Seed Storage Box: Make this cute little box using decoupage and fabric.

Garden in a Bucket: Make a cute, portable garden in a sand pail or other bucket.

 

Finished Terraruims:  Make a terrarium in a glass jar.

Imbolc: Fun Ways to Get Children Involved

* blessing of seeds for this year's garden

* hearth fires are put out and re-lit

* a besom is placed by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new

* candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun

* stone gatherings

* decorating ploughs

* Help your kids go through all their clothes, toys, and books to find the unwanted and outgrown items. Donate everything to a local charity.

* Go for a walk! Search for signs of spring. Take off your shoes and socks and squish your toes in the mud.

* Open all the doors and windows and turn on every light in the house for a few minutes. Let the kids sweep all the old energies out the doors.

* Lead the family on a parade around the outside of your home, banging on pots and pans or playing musical instruments to awaken the spirits of the land.

* Create a sun wheel out of stalks of grain and hang it on your front door.

* Meditate as a family. Have everyone explore what it would feel like to be a seed deep in the earth, feeling the first stirrings of life. Lie on the floor and put out tendrils. Stretch and bloom.

* Have your children hold some herb seeds in their hands. Talk to the seeds. Bless them with growth and happiness. Fill them with love. Plant an in-door herb garden.

* Decorate candles with stickers, metallic markers, paint and anything else you can think of! Light your candles and give thanks to the Goddess for her inspiration.

* Help your kids make a special feast! Spicy foods and dairy dishes are traditional.

* Set a fabulous dinner table with your candles, evergreen boughs spring flowers, dragons, sun symbols, or whatever says Imbolc to you.

* Make a tiny "Candle Garden" by filling a small aluminum pan with fine salt or sand and "planting" birthday candles or tea lights in the "garden".

* Tie tiny strips of fabric in trees near a stream. Use cotton strips and the birds will use them for nesting or they will bio-degrade over time.

* Meditate as a family. Have everyone explore what it would feel like to be a seed deep in the Earth, feeling the first stirrings of life. Lie on the floor and put out tendrils. Stretch and bloom.

* Help your kids go through all their clothes, toys, and books to find the unwanted and outgrown items. Donate everything to a local charity.

* Have your children hold some herb seeds in their hands. Talk to the seeds. Bless them with growth and happiness. Fill them with love. Plant an in-door herb garden.

* Make a Crown of Light similar to those worn on St. Lucy's Day.

* Buy a "salt lick" block and leave it out for the wild animals.

* Make a window garden with seeds, soil, old glass jars or rinse some tuna or cat food cans, and get ready for spring! Easy items are beans, mints, marigolds.

* Make homemade butter.

All of these activities were gathered through hours of web searches.  I cannot give one source credit as similar ideas were found on a variety of sites.

Beeswax Candles

How to Make Beeswax Candles:
1. Gather your materials: beeswax, cotton wicks, and something to trim the wax.

2. Cut each beeswax sheet to approximately 8X8.  Cut the wicks an inch longer.


3. Lay the wick on the very edge of the wax, and fold over the edge, sealing the wick tightly within. As this is done, you and your children may make spring time wishes and seal them tightly within the candle's center..

4. Roll the wax up evenly and tightly.

5. You are done!

On the night of Imbolc, many say to place a candle in ever window and allow the candles to burn out naturally.  I have a fear of fire, so we will place one candle for each member of the family on the fireplace instead.  I will explain that thisis a symbol of the sunny days just around the corner.