Embracing the Light: A Waldorf-Inspired Imbolc Celebration with Sun Symbolic Bannock

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Imbolc and Candlemas have always been such a meaningful time for me—a magical midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. This season symbolizes the earth stirring from its long rest, the gradual return of longer days, and the strengthening warmth of the sun. The sun, with its life-giving light and warmth, feels like such a powerful symbol right now

As this beautiful crossroads of the year approaches, I love finding simple, meaningful ways to celebrate with my children.

One of my favorite traditions is making what we call our “Sun Symbolic Bannock”.

It’s a Waldorf-inspired activity that fits perfectly into the nourishing seasonal rhythm we’ve embraced in our family. (If you’re interested in learning more about creating your own seasonal rhythm or finding additional Imbolc and Candlemas celebrations, I’ve shared some ideas here.)

This bannock is so simple to make, yet it feels so special—it captures the essence of this season beautifully.

Imbolc and Candlemas invite us to honor the awakening earth and the growing strength of the sun, and this sun-shaped bannock brings that theme to life.

Bannock is a rustic skillet bread with a texture reminiscent of a scone. It’s delicious spread with butter, honey, or fruit preserves like jam or apple butter. I also love pairing it with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting winter meal.

Recipe: Sun Symbolic Oat Flour Bannock

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk milk (we are dairy-free, so we make a plant-based version by mixing unsweetened almond milk with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and letting it sit for a few minutes. It works really well!
• Cooking oils like Avocado oil or Coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat while you prepare the bannock. Make sure it’s not too hot so as not to burn the bannock before it has cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms, then knead a few times.
4. On a floured surface, shape the dough into a round disc, approximately 1 inch thick.
5. Generously oil the preheated cast iron skillet with a good cooking oil such as avocado or coconut oil, and cook the sun-shaped bannock until it’s golden brown and cooked well through, and then flip it. Cook the other side until it is golden brown. Our bannock takes about 10 minutes on each side to cook.

Savory Toppings:

1. Whipped herb-infused butter: Combine softened plant-based butter or dairy butter with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
2. Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes: Spread pesto on warm bannock and top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for another savory variation.

Sweet Toppings:

1. Honey and cinnamon: Drizzle warm bannock with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple and sweet touch. My kids love it this way!
2. Mixed berry compote: Create a berry compote with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to generously top your bannock.

There’s something so nourishing and grounding about gathering my children in the kitchen for this each year….Their hands shaping the bannock, their laughter filling the air—it’s these moments that make this season feel magical. Together, we embrace the sun’s warmth in more ways than one, sharing not just this delicious rustic treat, but also the joy of connection and creativity.

As you celebrate Imbolc or Candlemas, I hope your home is filled with light, laughter, and the warmth of family. May the strengthening sun guide you into this next season with open hearts and a renewed sense of wonder.