Ritual

Imbolc ritual
Tools: Candles for the quarters, Goddess and God. Tapers, one each for all attending, any color associated with the God, but preferably all the same.
Imbolc marks the first whisper of spring. The snow (hopefully) is receding, the seeds begin to stir, and we feel the presence of the Goddess and God in our bodies, as we begin to open up to the light, and stir from our own hibernation. It is a good time to be reminded that we all have a share in the Divine. Goddess and God move within us, as surely as they begin to transform the world outside.


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Casting the Circle
Covener:

Guardians (spirits, etc...) of the East
Wind of enlightenment, and inspiration
Lend your powers to our circle this night,
That our minds may open to new ideas

Covener:

Guardians of the South
Fire of passion and transformation
Lend your powers to our circle this night
That our love may sustain the land

Covener:

Guardians of the West
Water of life and purification
Lend your powers to our circle this night
That our hearts may be strong and whole

Covener:

Guardians of the North
Earth from the beginning of time
Lend your powers to our circle this night
That we may take our place in the endless chain of life

Covener:

Goddess of rebirth
You again bring forth the God and the promise of spring
Be with us this night
As we celebrate the young God
and the growing light

Covener:

God of love, and protection
You again lead the ever-changing dance of life
Be with us this night
As we celebrate the rising of the Mother
And the fertility of the Earth

Covener:

We stand between worlds
Where Earth and Sky
Night and day
Life and death are one
The circle is cast
The ritual begun

The Goddess and God stand together once more
May we feel their presence in our hearts and minds
As easily as we see them in the wider world

Covener: Lights taper from God candle on the altar, and proceeds around the circle deosil, lighting each member's candle and directing the following blessing to each in turn.

You are Goddess
You are God
You are the blanket of winter
and the first breath of spring
Be with us, within us
Bless, and be blessed

When finished, returns to her or his place in the circle, now a circle of light.

The light grows strong once more in the land
Under the snow, the pulse of life quickens
Feel the Earth beneath you, the heartbeat of the waking Mother
May we share in the great cycle of rebirth
And blossom with new life and creativity

All:

So mote it be!

Here, all gathered should be free to join in an open discussion. (Communication is always good, and besides, this will give the ritual a timely quality, and keep it from being the same each time it is performed.) Share your plans for the spring. Discuss projects with the group, if desired. The idea is that there is new life rising within you, too. Have fun deciding what you're going to do with it. Be leisurely here, celebrate the company of those close to you. When you're done, the next bit can be used to close. The form is a simple call and response. Assign lines according to your own preference.

Covener:

Night gives way before the growing God

All:

We feel the power alive in the world

Covener:

The Goddess walks the Earth again

All:

And sings us awake with wind and rain

Covener:

The promise of life is newly made

All:

Our winter's debt to darkness paid

Blessed be!


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The Simple Feast
The food and drink are raised in turn, then blessed using the following, and passed around the circle, either beginning or ending with the acting priest/ess, according to group tradition.

Covener:

Goddess of abundance
Bless these gifts as you bless us all
Help us to see the Divine in all we share

Covener:

God of the harvest
Bless these gifts as you bless us all
Help us to see the Divine in all we share

Feast, sing, dance, play music, whatever feels appropriate. Sometimes simple conversation is enough, since you are already with a special group of people. Remember, though, that you are in sacred space.


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Opening the Circle
Covener:

Goddess of the brightening day
We thank you for your presence in our circle,
And ask you to be near us,
While we are apart;
Let your warmth revive us
Your love support us
And your passion inspire us all

Covener:

God of the growing and wild things
We thank you for your presence in our circle,
And ask you to be near us,
While we are apart;
Let your warmth revive us
Your love support us
And your passion inspire us all

Whoever likes can begin in the east. The other directions can then be passed about the circle.

Guardians (spirits, etc...) of the East, South, West, and North
Thank you for your presence and strength
Both here, tonight, and in our daily lives
May we live in peace, with you and each other, always

All:

Blessed be!

It's nice to begin this anywhere, then pass it, line by line, around the circle.

The circle is open,
but yet unbroken
May the love of the Goddess
be ever in your heart
Merry meet, and merry part
and merry meet again.

All:

Blessed be!