Beautiful DIY Imbolc Candle Craft
What is Imbolc?
Basically, Imbolc [im - blk] is a cross-quarter season on the Wheel of the Year. Cross-quarter means it falls between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is the time of year when winter is at the very beginning of its decline. To learn more about the Wheel of the Year, click [here]
I love the symbolism of this DIY craft in that the ice encompasses the flame of the candle. The ice lantern reminds me that although we are still in the midst of experiencing frosty winter weather, the inner candle represents the warmer days ahead and the promise of the upcoming spring season. Nature is at the very beginning stages of awakening, as are the animals being to stir and the seeds in the ground.
Creating an ice lantern with natural elements is a beautiful tribute and a way to slow down to honor the season of Imbolc.
Below are the steps to create your ice lantern for Imbolc
❅ Step 1
Find a bowl or a bucket to gather some snow. Set the bowl in the sun or bring it indoors and allow time for the snow to melt. (* If you don’t have access to snow, tap water works too.)
❅ Step 2
Gather greenery or other plants available in your area. I used pine and juniper branches and some pinecones and juniper berries.
( *No access to greenery, fresh herbs from the grocery store will also do the trick.)
❅ Step 3
Find two bowls or containers that will form the shape of your ice lantern. I used one big/medium-sized bowl and another smaller bowl. The smaller bowl will create the space for your candle.
❅ Step 4
Place the smaller bowl or container inside the larger one and place the greenery between the two bowls.
❅ Step 5
Next, pour the melted snow water (or water from the tap) over the greenery. * if the smaller bowl starts to float, add something to it to weigh it down. I used some small pebbles.
❅ Step 6
Freeze until solid.
Carefully place your Imbolc lantern in your freezer, OR keep it outside if it’s cold enough to freeze outdoors.
When the lantern is completely frozen, allow it to melt slightly at room temperature for about 10 - 15 minutes or long enough to dislodge the small bowl, and then remove the ice lantern from the giant bowl.
Voilà, you now have a unique ice lantern to bring in Imbolc. Add a tealight candle in the center and take it to a special place outside to celebrate Imbolc and the promise of spring.
** Credit - The idea for the DIY ice lantern craft came from Moody Moons.
