Imbolc

Description:  The festival of lights (to encourage the suns return.
Date:  February 1st or 2nd.

   Begin by ercting an altar faccing north.  Place before it a consecrated besom.  In the center of the altar place many white candles, on top of a blue altar cloth. (if you prefer none or a usual color, this is up to you).  At each side of the candles place one blue candle.  To the left place a censor of incense (basil, myrrh, or wisteria), and a sprig of evergreen.  To the right place a chlaice of water (fresh rainwater or melted snow, if at all possible), a small dish of dirt or sand, and a consecrated athame.  If desired place torches in various places (if ouside) to light the way even more.
     Cast a circle around the altar.  Sprinkle a bit of salt inside the circle and then trace the circle in a clockwise direction with a consecrated ceremonial sword, or a willow wand, and say:
          With salt and sacred sword
           I consecrate and invoke thee
          O sabbat circle of magic andlight
           In the sacred name of birght
          And under her protection
          Is this sabbat rite now begun.

     Place the ceremonial sword on the altar before the crown of candles.  Light the two altar candles and say:
           O fire Goddess of spring
            I offer thee
           This symbol fo fire
           So mote it be

     Light the incense and say:
           O fire Goddess of spring
            I offer to thee
           This symbol of air
           So mote it be
 
     Take the athame in your right hand and with the tip of the blade draw a pentacle (point up) in the dirt or sand, and say:
           O fire Goddess of spring
            I offer to thee
           This symbol of earth
           So mote it be

     Return the athame to the altar.  Light the sprit of evergreen and visualize in your minds eye the darkness of winter burning away, being replaced by the warm light of the new spring.  Place the burning sprig in the censor and say:
           As this symbol of winter
           Is consumed by the fire
           So is the darkness
           Consumed by light
           So mote it be

     Light the white candles and torches (if used).  Take the athame in  your right hand and hold it over your heart and say:
            I light the candles white
           To shine a light upon my prayer
           For peace on earth and love
           O hear me spirits of the air
           Spirits below and spirits above
           So mote it be