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Apythia's Imbolg Ritual

Need: sage and salt water; vanilla and rose incense; White or red altar cloth; Roses and/or lilies for decoration; bowl of snow; silver or white goddess candle; 3 white or yellow candles: 9 white tea lights or small candles; Milk and cheese for feast; illuminator candle (The snow is optional. Can use an ice cube as well. The point is to notice the ice melt as winter slips away.)

Ground and center.

Purify self and space with sage and salt water

Cast Circle

Positions illuminator candle(s) in the bowl(s) of snow/ice and light

Call Quarters

Invoke deity:

Brigit, wise one, I call to you.
Lady Smithy, I invite you here.
Triple Goddess, I ask your presence.
Please be with me tonight
(light candle)
I welcome you, Brigit, on Candlemas,
And ask for your blessing as the old comes to pass
O Mother of Poetry, teach me your art,
That your inspiration many enter my heart.

O Mistress of Magic that stands by the fire,
And shapes the bright to the form you desire;
O Mother of Smithcraft, please teach me your art,
That the power of changing may enter my heart.

You kindle the springtime to quicken the earth,
From under your mantle the old has new birth.
O Mother of Healing, please teach me your art,
That peace and contentment may enter me heart.
(adapted from Brigit's House and Riders of the Crystal Wind Book of Shadows)

Ritual:
Annoint and bless the three candles in Brigit's name.

"Brigit they name me,
and three gifts of fire I bring:
first, the flame of inspiration,
frenzy of poet and anguish of artist,
and passion of lover for union with the beloved; (light one of the candles)
second, the fierce fire of smith-craft,
through whose testing all must pass; (light second candle)
and third, the most precious of all,
which eases the second's pain,
the undying warmth of healing,
the last and greatest gift
of the ever-returning Sun. (light third candle)
(Traditional Wiccan)

Infuse the 9 white candles with your goals for the coming year. (Do as many as you feel necessary but not so many that you become overwhelmed.) Dress as needed or desired. Arrange candles in a circle. Light one after reading each verse of the following poem.

"Mighty Brigit, goddess of the forge, flying sparks and light,
Mistress who commands the strength
of fire and healing sight.

Patroness of poets, healers, and smiths,
Bring thy blessings and gifts.
Holder who balances the delicate forces
of fire's birth and death.

Transformation come,
inspiration flow,
Brigit bless all you know.
Element of fire, may you with Brigit's sacred light always warmly glow.

Priestess of fire and light, open up the forge and let creativity flow.
Visions of magic, muse to bards,
Let the winds of
imagination blow.

Brigit dance in my life and dreams,
The ancient truths reveal.
Share your fires of healing and vibrant health,
And keep my spirit well.

Protectress of mothers and children be,
Always watch over me.
May your fires burn bright in my heart,
And bless each project that I start.

Deep in the earth your wells of inspiration
flow abundant and free.
Come share your overflowing bounty with others and with me.

Mighty Brigit, this I know.
Where your magic is,
So do the wise go.

May I be among your blessed,
Fill my heart and spirit
with all that is best." (By Abby Willowroot)

Take time to meditate and visualize your goals coming to fruition. Also note the transformation of snow/ice to water as the wheel changes.
Chant, dance, drum, sing, etc. to raise energy. Send it into the universe to work toward your goals.

Bless the milk and cheese and enjoy (leaving some for an offering).

Brigit I ask you to bestow your blessings upon this milk and cheese for it is the flow of milk from the ewe that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring. In the name of Brigit, I bless this drink and food.

Thank Brigit. Close the quarters and open the circle.