Wheat Weaving

A powerful symbol of the Lord of the Grain and the Corn Mother can be found in Wheat Weaving. These wonderful, natural works of art were often woven by farmers as a prayer for plenty and blessings, and hung upon doorways, barns and so forth.

I have always admired the way they look, but have never quite been able to master the technique for the elaborate ones. A simple, meaningful symbol can, however, be made by anyone who can braid.

What you will need (per weaving) :

3 stalks of wheat or rye or spelt ( if you do not have access to a farm, check out one of the big craft stores in the floral department)

A piece of ribbon or yarn (I like to use green for prosperity)

First, you will need to soak your wheat stalks in water to make them supple. I have found the best soaking place to be the bath tub. Soak the stalks for about 20 minutes, and then begin to work. Starting at the grain head, simply braid until you have reached the end. Then tie this off with the yarn, and bend the finished end to meet the grain heads (forming a loop). Tie these together, and finish off with a bow tied up from the ribbon or yarn. Simple- and looks really artsy .

We hang these in our doorways, in windows, and all over. They remain up until a little after Mabon, and are hidden away at Samhain. I place them on our Yule tree as a prayer for plenty in the coming year, and then at Imbolic they are hung out on our trees - so that the Mother may return (and feed her very hungry little ones at this time of year).

If you choose to do this with your children, you might want to have LOTS of wheat on hand. Kids really get into making things to be displayed. And while you are braiding away, what better time to talk about the cycles of seed and grain and fruit- as well as the eternal return.