| While winter still wraps us in her chilly arms, the | | | | my inner light. Hail and welcome Bridgit!" |
| budding of new life is found throughout nature and in | | | | Recite, "By the earth that is her body, and the air |
| our own lives as well. Take some time for ritual and | | | | that is her sweet breath, by the fire of her bright |
| cleanse yourself to prepare for growth and renewal. | | | | spirit, and by the waters of her living womb, the |
| Imbolc (pronounced "IM-bulk") is the festival of | | | | circle is cast and I am between the worlds. What I |
| lactating sheep. It is also known as Candlemas or | | | | do between the worlds changes the world. The circle |
| Festival of Lights. Imbolc is derived from a Gaelic | | | | is cast, Blessed Be." |
| word that means "ewes milk". This is a time when | | | | Close your eyes and settle into your body in a |
| the miracle of motherhood and the fertility of the | | | | reclining, resting position. Take several breathes and |
| land were honored in this festival through offerings | | | | allow each and every muscle to fully release and |
| to the Irish Goddess Bridgit or Bride. Bridgit is the | | | | relax. As you breathe and go within notice any areas |
| patron Goddess of healthy babies, women, good | | | | of your body or any areas of your mind or emotions |
| harvest and bards. It is said that Bridgit's snake | | | | that are in particular need of healing right now. Bring |
| emerged from the womb of the Earth Mother | | | | the places and things that need to the most healing |
| (Gaea) to test the weather for Spring (which is the | | | | to the forefront of your mind. Hold them there lightly |
| true origin of Ground Hog day). All Virgin Goddesses | | | | in your inner vision. Now, begin to sense the |
| and Gods of love and fertility are also honored during | | | | presence of the Goddess Brigid all around you. One |
| this festival. | | | | of Brigid's main and powerful aspects is that she is a |
| Adorn your altar with items and colors that feel | | | | healing Goddess. Imagine her in front of you with her |
| cleansing and purifying. White flowers, white candles, | | | | presence all around you. See her flaming red hair, her |
| images of snowflakes, myrrh incense and even corn | | | | muscular, outstretched arms, her welcoming bosom. |
| dollies. It is traditional at Imbolc to light a candle in | | | | She speaks to you now, take several moments to |
| every room to honor the re-birth of the | | | | listen to her sacred words...... |
| strengthening Sun. Please have as many candles (or | | | | Now, allow Brigid to place her healing hands on the |
| tea lights) as you need already in place on the altar, | | | | parts of your body, mind or emotions that need the |
| instruction will be given later in the ritual). | | | | healing now. As you breathe, feel the heat emanating |
| Take a comfortable seat and ground and center | | | | from her hands. Feel the vibration that is now |
| yourself in preparation for ritual. Inhale and exhale | | | | shifting, changing and energizing you at a soul level. |
| slowly and deeply several times and allow your mind | | | | Receive her healing and blessings now. You may |
| to become clear and focused. Feel your tailbone | | | | choose to say aloud, "Brigid, I open myself to receive |
| press down into Mother Earth and feel your head | | | | your healing." Repeat this for several moments |
| extending upwards to the starry heavens. It is in this | | | | silently or aloud. Take a deep breath and notice the |
| place that you make your dreams a reality - | | | | change in your being as Brigid slowly removes her |
| grounded in Earth and uplifted to the Gods. | | | | hands and stands to face you lovingly. As her |
| Imagine a golden, protective mist encircling your | | | | anything you like and take a moment of silence to |
| sacred space, moving you into time outside of time. | | | | receive her inspirations... |
| Face the direction of the East and say silently or | | | | Thank Brigid in whatever way feels appropriate now. |
| aloud, "Air of the East, first signs of warmer Spring | | | | Bid her farewell and slowly begin to awaken the body |
| breezes, flow through me and cleanse me of any | | | | by wiggling you toes and fingertips now. Take your |
| unwanted thoughts and feelings. Hail and welcome | | | | time coming back into a seated position in front of |
| Air!" | | | | your altar. |
| Face the direction of the South and say, "Fire of the | | | | Pick up your candles and recite the following chant, |
| East, strengthening Sun and light of my soul, fill me | | | | "Let Bride enter, Bride is welcome." Repeat this for |
| with the power of growth and change as I prepare | | | | several moments and feel Bride entering your sacred |
| for the Spring to come. Hail and welcome Fire!" | | | | circle bringing her cleansing, healing and transformative |
| Face the direction of the West and say, "Water of | | | | powers. You might see an image of Bride in your |
| the West, gentle Spring rain, remind me to connect | | | | mind's eye as a powerful Celtic woman, or you may |
| to my intuition, emotions and dream nature as I give | | | | simply have a sense of her presence. Take a |
| birth to my new reality. Hail and welcome Water!" | | | | moment to receive this inspiration. |
| Face the direction of the North and say, "Earth of | | | | Begin to light your candles one by one slowly and |
| the North, budding new life and fresh, green grass. | | | | mindfully, actually feel your breath combined with the |
| Help me to walk steadfast on my path. Ground my | | | | lighting of the candles. Continue to repeat the chant, |
| being and center my soul. Hail and welcome Earth!" | | | | "Let Bride enter, Bridge is welcome". |
| Breathe into Center, the place of stillness at the core | | | | Once all of the candles have been light, envision the |
| of your being and say, "Center, inner cauldron of | | | | light of Bride cleansing and purifying all areas of your |
| transformation, I go within so that my magic may | | | | life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Move this |
| heal myself and the world. Hail and welcome Center!" | | | | light into any particular areas of your life in need of |
| Welcome in the Great God, all Gods of fertility and | | | | healing attention. Be with this as long as you like. |
| love, Eros, Aengus Og, Februus by saying, "Gods of | | | | Once complete, begin to release your circle with the |
| fertility, reunite with the Goddess this day in an act | | | | following devocations. |
| of love and renewal. Bring me your blessings for the | | | | Thank and bid farewell to the Bridgit, the Gods, |
| coming Spring. Hail and welcome Gods!" | | | | Center, North, West, South and East, by saying to |
| Take a deep breath and invite Bridgit into your | | | | each of them, "Stay if you will, go if you must, hail |
| sacred space, by saying, "Bridgit, Goddess of Light, | | | | and farewell!" |
| you who wear a crown of candles upon your head, | | | | May your inner light shine at this season and always! |
| be with me in my sacred rite this day. Remind me of | | | | |