imbolcritual.html

The altar stands white and pure, like the pure snow, like the fresh cream we now place in a pitcher upon it. We add flowers which we place along side Brighid's Bed. Some choose red roses or carnations, others like an early Spring potted flower such as crocuses. What else will you place on or near your altar? Your besom or a feather duster, symbolizing spring cleaning? A bridal pillow such as is carried by the ring ring bearer? His and hers champagne glasses such as for a bride and groom? What incense will you burn? Some for purification and cleansing, some for romance and fertility? What other delightful and creative things will you come up with? One inspired witch with great cake decorating skills makes a small but exquisite wedding cake for her Imbolc celebration. Another makes a very elaborate ritual focusing around a purification bath. She surrounds her tub and bathroom with candles and incense and casts circle in the bathroom. She scrubs every part of her; toenails, fingernails, behind her ears, etc. Using extensive visualization, she releases negative feelings, thoughts and energies that have accumulated. Then she asks the Goddess and God to regenerate her strength and energy with new creativity and productivity, so that she can be fruitful in her life. Emerging refreshed and renewed and ready to face love and life like a new person!

Filling your home or ritual space with light, candle light, oil lamps, a fireplace or woodstove if you have one, as well as electric lights.....set up your ritual space and altar. If not skyclad, white, light or bright colors are appropriate to wear. An invocation of the Goddess Brighid is often chosen. Here is a possible invocation:
"Oh, blessed Brighid, Goddess of Purity and Fire,
We have cleaned and readied our home and heart,
Be with us now and fill our home and hearts with warmth and light,
that we might prepare for Spring as a fresh new start!"
(light the Goddess candle)
A good choice for The Horned God-Bridegroom is Angus Og. Here is a possible invocation for him:
"Oh glorious Angus Og, God of strength and love, whose youth ever thrives,
Be with us now and infuse our lives with your vigor and power,
that we may be renewed and re-energized to bring forth new fruit in our lives!"
(light the God candle)
We have prepared for new life.
We have readied for new enterprise and growth,
Bless us with your infusion of love and light and renewal!
The light has returned and the season of growth draws near. may health fill our walls, may we succeed and prosper, may love encompass our lives.
Blessed be!

As an offering to Brighid, the pitcher of cream is taken off the altar and carried outside saying;
"Lady Brighid, we honor you and return to you the cream that is life itself.
We ask for your blessing in the coming season.
Blessed be"
from Yasmine Galenorn's "Dancing With The Sun"

Here is a chant to try:
"Fire, fire growing higher, bring to us what we desire.
Fire, fire glowing bright, welcome Brighid and her lover-God this Imbolc night!"
taken from Yasmine Galenorn's "Dancing With The Sun"
Repeat the chant until the power peaks and release it, focusing on the return of Spring, the growth you want to accomplish and the projects you want to complete and/or start during this time.
Magical works can be done at this time if desired.
As part of the "house-cleaning", witches traditionally clean house magickally by burning all the remnants of wax from spells from the previous year on Imbolc night either in a balefire or in their cauldron.
(If you intend to do this, the best and safest way to do it is with a carefully controlled bale or bonfire so that when done the wax and ashes can be turned into the earth again and mixed with water to avoid leaving live coals.)