Imbolc, aslo known as Saint Brigid’s Day, is a Gaelic tradition and celebrates the onset of Spring, linked to the Gaelic goddess, Brigid. My beloved coven and I had a ritual with burning candles and healing prayers. Here is the ritual:
IMBOLC RITUAL
Is there peace in our circle?
Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply several times and allow your mind to become clear, calm and focused. Feel your tailbone press down into Mother Earth and feel your head extending upward to the heavens. It is in this place that you make your dreams a reality.
Guardians of the East, holder of the element of air, join us here in this circle for Imbolc. Be the keeper of this, the first quarter of our circle on this night! We welcome you with open arms, open mind, and open heart. Welcome and Blessed Be.
Guardians of the South, holder of the element of fire, join us here in this circle for the observance of Imbolc. Be the keeper of this, the second quarter of our circle on this night! We welcome you with open arms, open mind, and open heart. Welcome and Blessed Be.
Guardians of the West, holder of the element of water, join us here in this circle for the observance of Imbolc. Be the keeper of this, the third quarter of our circle on this night! We welcome you with open arms, open mind, and open heart. Welcome and Blessed Be.
Guardians of the North, holder of the element of earth, join us here in this circle for the observance of Imbolc. Be the keeper of this, the final quarter of our circle on this night! We welcome you with open arms, open mind, and open heart. Welcome and Blessed Be.
Keepers of Center and Balance, holders of spirit, the point between all elements, join us here in this circle for the observance of Imbolc.. Help us to further know our own spirituality, and the mysticism which surrounds us. Welcome and Blessed Be.
Great Goddess, mother of all, we call upon you this night. Show us your gifts so that we may fully learn from them. Teach us more about ourselves, by teaching us more about you. We thank you for your presence on this night and we ask you to stay, so that we may celebrate this, Imbolc day. We greet you with open arms, open mind, and open heart. Welcome and Blessed Be.
Gods, father of our existence, we call upon you this night. Show us your gifts so that we may fully learn from them. Teach us more about ourselves, by teaching us more about you. We thank you for your presence this night, and we ask you to stay as we observe Imbolc. We greet you with open arms, open mind, and open heart. Welcome and Blessed be.
By the earth that is her body and the air that is her sweet breath, by the fire of her bright spirit and the waters of her living womb, by all that is above and all that is below, we are between the worlds and what we do between the worlds changes and blesses the world. The circle is cast. Blessed be.
Statement for Imbolc
Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.
Light the first candle. As you do so, say:
Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.
In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.
Light the second candle, saying:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Light the third candle. Say:
This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.
That which is outside, shall stay without.
That which is inside, shall stay within.
Light the fourth candle. Say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Light the fifth candle, saying:
Like fire, light and love will always grow.
Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.
Light the sixth candle, and say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.
Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,
cover me in your shining light.
I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am
made pure.
[Take a few momemnts and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damaged.]
Closing
Guardians of the North, holder of the element of earth, thank you for being the keeper of the final quarter of our circle on this night! Stay if will, go if you must. Blessed be.
Guardians of the West, holder of the element of water, thank you for being the keeper of the third quarter of our circle on this night! Stay if will, go if you must. Blessed be.
Guardians of the South, holder of the element of fire, thank you for being the keeper of the second quarter of our circle on this night! Stay if will, go if you must. Blessed be.
Guardians of the East, holder of the element of air, thank you for being the keeper of the first quarter of our circle on this night! Stay if will, go if you must. Blessed be.
Keepers of Center and Balance, holders of spirit, the point between all elements, We thank you for your presence this night, stay if will, go if you must. Blessed be.
Great Goddess, mother of all, We thank you for your presence this night, stay if will, go if you must, you will be forever in our hearts. Blessed be.
Gods, father of our existence, We thank you for your presence this night, stay if will, go if you must, you will be forever in our hearts. Blessed be.
The circle is open, but never unbroken, may the love of the Goddess be ever in our hearts.
Merry Meet and Merry Part, and Merry Meet again! Blessed be!