Pam Bustin
creator, editor, story tender
A Simple Imbolc Ritual
Helloo-Hallay it’s a glorious day!
Today is Imbolc — called Candlemas by some — the Feast Day of St. Brighid.
It is the First Rite of Spring – though it never really feels like that ’round these parts.
Those of you who have read Mostly Happy, know that I have a particular fondness for Brighid.
In lore, she is Celtic goddess of fire (the forge and the hearth), poetry, healing, childbirth, and unity.
For me… Brighid brings healing and inspiration. And goats… but that’s another tale.
Imbolc is a time to move TOWARDS Spring. To heal. To nurture that which is growing within. To make plans to bring forth something new.
It is also a day of Weather Divination – as is the perhaps more well known – GROUNDHOG DAY. As with the groundhog – if today is bright and sunny and fair… we can look forward to at least 6 more weeks of winter. SIGH. Ah well…. more snow means more water in the earth come spring, right?
I continue to mark the turning of the year with simple rituals. And so… I share this one with you.
As with my Yule Ritual… the core of this ritual can be adapted to any belief system and range from the simple to the elaborate. You can cast a circle and call the directions to enter your sacred space – or you can just sit and breathe and centre yourself. You can do it outside, in a special room, or at your kitchen table. All you really need is quiet, a pen and paper, a candle (make it white for Brighid if you like, but anything will do), and match or lighter to light the candle.
You will not burn the paper this time. So you don’t need a fire proof container.
You might like to sip a glass of milk at the end of the ritual. To honour Brighid and the season.
At its heart this ritual is about new growth. About welcoming and nurturing inspiration and/or healing.
Again — You can write few words or many – whatever works for you.
This writing will be saved… tucked away in your journal, your Book of Shadows, or pinned up somewhere that you can see it. It is bringing your intention into the world.
Here it is in a nutshell. You can also grab a pdf version HERE.
A Simple Imbolc/Candlemas Ritual Dedicated to Brighid – Goddess of Fire, Patroness of Poetry, Smithcraft and Healing The First Rite of Spring Rejuvenate/Rededicate o Enter the sacred o Connect to the divine – especially to the Creative/Healing essence “Brighid, Blessed Healer, Keeper of the Fire of Creation, be with me tonight.” “Lord of the Light, be with me tonight as I seek our Lady Brighid.” o Light the candle to welcome the returning light o Sit and consider what Imbolc and/or Brigid signify for you this year Is there something you would heal in the coming months? Something you would like to create in your life? Something growing within you that you would like to nurture? o Write down what you would like to heal/create/nurture Write down the steps you could take towards this goal Ask the Lady and the Lord to support your efforts in manifesting these goals in the coming months — as we move towards Spring. o Take some time to rest in warmth and drift into the season knowing that Brighid will be with you until the wheel turns into Ostara o When you are ready, Ground yourself and the power raised o Return to the everyday
May the sun warm you.
Go easy -p
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