Imbolc: New Beginnings & The Vanir Gods
As the first signs of spring appear, we meet the Vanir—gods of nature, fertility, and the sea.
UU Principle Focus
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Meet the Vanir gods: Idun, Skadi, Njord, and Frey
- • Understand themes of renewal, sacrifice, and acceptance
- • Connect fractions to decimals and perform decimal operations
- • Compare mountain and ocean ecosystems
- • Observe early spring signs and begin phenology journaling
- • Start seeds and track plant growth
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Idun and the Apples of Immortality
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Idun keeps the apples that give the gods eternal youth. What keeps you feeling young and alive?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Idun and her golden apples. Write about things that renew and refresh us.
✖️ Math
Decimals introduction: Connect fractions to decimals. 1/2 = 0.5, 1/4 = 0.25.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Early spring signs: What animals are waking up? First flowers and buds.
✏️ Form Drawing
Apple and circle patterns—symbols of renewal
🧶 Handwork
Seed starting—plant seeds indoors for spring
📖 Story
Idun and the Apples of Youth
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Idun Norse Goddess
- Early Spring Nature
Shows:
- Seeds: The Beginning of Life
Audio:
- Norse Mythology—Idun
Week 2: The Theft of Idun
🕯️ Hearth Circle
When Idun was stolen, the gods began to age. What happens when we lose what sustains us?
📚 Language Arts
Read how Loki helped steal Idun and had to rescue her. Write about making things right.
✖️ Math
Comparing decimals and fractions. Which is larger: 0.5 or 1/3?
🗺️ Science & Geography
Bird behavior in late winter: nesting preparation, early songs, returning migrants.
✏️ Form Drawing
Eagle and falcon patterns (Loki transforms into a falcon)
🧶 Handwork
Make bird feeders or nesting material holders
📖 Story
Loki and the Theft of Idun
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Loki's Adventures
- Birds in Winter
Shows:
- Bird Migration Returns
Audio:
- D'Aulaires'—Idun story
Week 3: Skadi—Goddess of Winter and Hunting
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Skadi chose to live in the mountains rather than by the sea. When have you chosen a harder path because it felt right?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Skadi, the ski goddess. Write about strength and independence.
✖️ Math
Adding decimals: 0.5 + 0.25 = 0.75. Connect to measurement.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Mountain ecosystems: How do plants and animals survive at high altitudes?
✏️ Form Drawing
Mountain and ski patterns—angular, strong lines
🧶 Handwork
Winter sports crafts; snowshoe or ski decorations
📖 Story
Skadi and Her Marriage to Njord
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Skadi Norse Goddess
- Mountain Animals
Shows:
- Life in the Mountains
Audio:
- Winter goddess stories
Week 4: Njord—God of the Sea
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Njord loves the sea while Skadi loves the mountains. How do we live with people who love different things?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Njord and the Vanir gods. Compare sea and mountain. Write about compromise.
✖️ Math
Subtracting decimals. Word problems about tides and water levels.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Ocean ecosystems: How is the sea different from the mountains? Marine animals.
✏️ Form Drawing
Wave and water patterns—flowing, curved lines
🧶 Handwork
Ocean-themed crafts; shell art or wave paintings
📖 Story
Njord and the Vanir
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Njord Sea God
- Ocean Life
Shows:
- Blue Planet clips
Audio:
- Sea mythology
Week 5: Frey—God of Fertility and Peace
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Frey gave up his magic sword for love. What would you give up for something you truly wanted?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Frey and his courtship of Gerd. Write about sacrifice and love.
✖️ Math
Multiplying decimals by whole numbers. Connect to planting rows of seeds.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Plant growth: What do seeds need to sprout? Experiment with growing conditions.
✏️ Form Drawing
Seed and sprout patterns—growth and unfolding
🧶 Handwork
Check on seedlings; transplant if needed
📖 Story
Frey and Gerd
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Frey Norse God
- How Seeds Grow
Shows:
- The Private Life of Plants
Audio:
- Love stories from mythology
Week 6: Imbolc—First Stirrings of Spring
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Imbolc celebrates the first signs of spring. What new beginnings do you see around you?
📚 Language Arts
Write spring poetry. Create an Imbolc blessing for the household.
✖️ Math
Decimal review. Calculate growth of seedlings over time.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Phenology: tracking seasonal changes. Start a nature observation journal.
✏️ Form Drawing
Brigid's cross patterns (connecting to Celtic Imbolc)
🧶 Handwork
Make Brigid's crosses; candle crafts
📖 Story
Imbolc traditions and spring awakening
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Imbolc Traditions
- Signs of Spring
Shows:
- Spring Awakening Nature
Audio:
- Spring celebration stories
Week 7: The Light Grows Stronger
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Each day the light grows longer. How do you feel as winter ends and spring approaches?
📚 Language Arts
Reflect on the year so far. Write about growth and change in yourself.
✖️ Math
Review decimals and fractions. Prepare for spring math challenges.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Complete phenology observations. What patterns do you notice?
✏️ Form Drawing
Sun and light patterns—rays and warmth
🧶 Handwork
Spring cleaning and organizing; prepare for Ostara
📖 Story
Stories of light returning
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Lengthening Days Explained
- Spring Cleaning
Shows:
- The Sun and Seasons
Audio:
- Renewal stories
🕯️ Imbolc Celebration
- 🟡 Light candles to welcome the returning light
- 🟡 Make Brigid's crosses from straw or paper
- 🟡 Plant seeds and bless them for the growing season
- 🟡 Clean and purify the home (spring cleaning begins!)
- 🟡 Make milk-based foods to honor the ewes' first milk
- 🟡 Write intentions for the spring season ahead