Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Imbolc"

This is what I am preparing to do for my local groups workshop presentation for Imbolc. Priapus, the Roman patron god of gardens, viniculture, sailors and fishermen, was a god of fertility, and was always depicted with an erect phallus. In some traditions, a Priapic wand -- phallus-like in appearance -- is made, and used in ritual to bring forth the new growth of spring. Originally, Priapus was a fertility god from Asia Minor, especially in Lampsacus on the Hellespont, and was the most important god of the local pantheon. He is a son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, and a strong phallic fertility deity. Carved images of Priapus, were placed in the fields and gardens to ensure fruitfulness and protection. He was imported into Rome from Lampascus where Pausanias reported he was supreme among all gods. The Roman Priapus was far more popular than his Greek version. He was introduced in Greece around 400 BCE but not very popular. Let us all share in the splendid glory of Mother Earth and awaken the ground and the trees, calling for spring's return as we prepare to plant our own “seeds” (new projects, changes in our own being, wishes for fertility, garden preparations, etc…) for fruitful endeavors. Here's How: First, you'll need the following items: • A stick • An acorn • Craft glue • Ribbons or yarn in brown, green, yellow, and gold • Small bells 1. Strip the bark from the stick, and create a small notch on one end. Glue the acorn to the end of the stick. 2. When the glue is dry, wrap the stick in the ribbons or yarn beginning at the acorn -- leave extra ribbon at the end to hang down like streamers. Tie the bells on to the end of the streamers. 3. Use the wand outside around the time of Imbolc. The wand symbolizes the god of the forest, or whatever fertility god exists in your tradition. Shake the bells, pointing the wand at the ground and trees, in order to wake the sleeping plants within the earth. If you like, you can say the following incantation: Wake, wake, plants in the earth, spring is a time of light and rebirth. Hear, hear this magical sound, and grow, grow, out of the ground.