Solitary Imbolc Ritual
Supplies
2 altar candles
1 goddess candle
4 element candles
13 candles for the circle
two candles for the cleansing ritual
maize or corn meal
loaf of bread
13 stones
small sheaf of grain
a candle for the sheaf of grain
(23 candles in all. Remember that this is a celebration for the Fire Goddess. Use as many candles as you wish for whatever purpose you wish.)
Set up your altar as normal with two altar candles, left and right, plus one candle apiece for each of the four elements. Now arrange a circle of 13 stones on the altar. Within the circle of stones, make a circle of 13 candles. Within that circle of candles spread some maize or corn meal about as an offering- and in the maize place a female candle to symbolize the Goddess. To the east on the altar, arrange a small sheaf of grain and insert a candle into it.
Do your normal pre-ritual cleansing, but as you do,
picture the water cleansing the soul and spirit, while it cleanses the
body. After drying off, annoint yourself with holy oil. Now sit in a quiet place with only one candle burning for light. Now light a second candle, one that is not being used in the upcoming ritual. Meditate on how at this time of
year the Goddess in her fiery aspect as the Light of the seasons was welcomed back by the people.
Now pick up your candle and proceed to your altar. Place it in the circle of
the 13 candles. Then light the two altar candles and the incense. Then light all the quarter candles, beginning with the one in the east and going
clockwise.
Now Cast your circle in the usual manner and go ahead and Invoke the Goddess by saying this:
"Sacred Lady, Keeper of Life secrets,
Mother of the Universe,
I ask your guardianship and assistance
in my work.
I gather here in celebration of your return.
So Mote it Be"
Next Invoke the God by saying this:
"Lord of Fire, guardian of all that exists in the Universe,
I ask your guardianship and assistance
in my work.
I gather here in celebration of your return.
So Mote it Be"
Now slowly and reverently light the 13 candles and then the Goddess candle and say:
"Warm and quickening Light
Awaken and bring forth beauty
for thou art my pleasure and my bounty
Lord and Lady
Aengus Og AND Brighid"
Reflect a moment on the coming of the light and offer up the incense.
Say this:
"Olde Ones, Wise Ones,
Mother, Maiden, Bride, and
Most Sacred King who
heralds the springtime
be with me now in celebration
Aengus Og AND Brighid
Harvest Giver and Blessed Lady
I give thee thanks.
Next light the candle in the sheaf of grain and then hold it up along with a loaf of
bread and say
As the seed becomes the grain,
so the grain becomes the bread,
Thus the everlasting value of our seasons.
Break a piece of the bread and burn it as an offering in the
central candle.
Then say
Throughout the darkest, icy Winter
The seed of the Earth lies deep within
The Spring brings the warmth of the Father
and with their joining, life begins.
The cycle completes and offers up
food to all the children of the world.
As I feed this body
Allow me to know the wisdom of the cycles
and be blessed with the food of wisdom
throughout my lifetime"
Consecrate cakes and wine as usual, then raise your chalice and say:
"Hail to thee Brighid
Hail to thee Aengus Og
For thou art blessed"
Sit and meditation on the Lord and lady for a while, then
close the circle as usual.
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