How to Hold a Rededication Ritual

By Patti Wigington

Imbolc is a time, for many Pagans, of new beginnings. Spring is looming close by, new life is beginning to stir beneath the surface of the land, and it’s a season for spiritual reawakenings. If you’ve already dedicated yourself to the gods of your magical tradition, why not use Imbolc as a time of rededication? By reaffirming your commitment to the deities of your pantheon, you can reawaken the sense of wonder and magic that may have been lying dormant through the cold dark months of winter. Note: If you’re part of a group that is initiating new members, you may want to try this Group Initiation Rite instead.
This rededication ritual is designed for use by a solitary practitioner, but can easily be adapted to group practice. If you’re a solitary dedicating for the first time, try our Self-Dedication Ritual.
Bear in mind that rededication is a commitment you are making. It is a way of symbolizing that you are dedicated enough to the gods of your tradition to continue honoring them throughout the coming year. The purpose of this ritual is to reaffirm that commitment, and is not something to be done at random or without significant thought beforehand.
You may choose to perform this ritual skyclad; at Imbolc it is often too chilly for ritual nudity, so another option is to wear a simple ritual robe. This will allow you some freedom of movement as needed. Find a quiet place to perform this rite, where you will be free of distractions like cell phones and children. You will need the following items:

• One plain candle for each of the deities you wish to honor
• An offering of some sort, depending on your gods

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so at this time. Begin by grounding yourself. This is a way of focusing yourself and reconnecting. Shut out all the things from your mundane life that are distracting to you – focus on the Self, and your relationship with your gods and goddesses.
Your god/goddess candles should be on your altar or workspace. A brief note here about selecting candles to represent the gods: many Pagans, including Wiccans, honor a god and a goddess, and so would use two candles. If your tradition or belief system honors multiple gods, feel free to use as many candles as necessary. Likewise, if you honor a single divine being, use a single candle. If you wish, you can use colored candles – for many people, the goddess Brighid, is represented by the color green, so you may wish to incorporate a green candle into a rite honoring her. If you honor Mars, the Roman god of war, you may choose to use a red candle. Use whatever color is appropriate; if you’re not sure which color to select, use basic white.
One at a time, light the candles representing your gods. As you light each candle, say:
I call upon you, [deity’s name], as one who walks your path.
I am [your name], and once more I pledge myself to you this night.
I will walk by your side, honoring you as I may, and ask only
That you watch over me as one who pays you tribute.
I thank you, [deity’s name], and again I promise you service.
You may also want to personalize your pledges to your gods – for example, if you were honoring the Morrighan, you may wish to include something about protection and strength. A call to Lugh might include a comment about skills and craftsmanship. Tailor your rededication pledges as needed.
Next, present your offering to the gods of your tradition. This will vary, depending on which gods your tradition honors, and what they demand in tribute. As you present your offering, place it in front of the candle(s) representing the gods. Say something along the lines of:
Hear me, O great gods! I call upon you, [names of deities],
And offer you this gift.
I present to you my tribute of [offering], as a token of my dedication.
Know that I will honor you and ask nothing in return,
Beyond your watching over me.
Hear me, great gods, O [names of deities], and know that
I, [your name], am your servant/ your priestess/ your child/[other appropriate description].
Please, accept my offering.
Take some time to meditate. Feel the afterglow of the ritual, and feel the energy of the gods around you. You have brought yourself to the attention of the Divine, so they will be keeping an eye on you. Be sure you can uphold any pledges you have made to them during this ceremony.

How To Honor Brighid at Imbolc -- Group Ritual

By Patti Wigington

This ritual is designed for a group of individuals, but could easily be adapted for a solitary practitioner. Imbolc is the time between Yule and the Spring Equinox, the halfway point in the dark months of the year. It's the time when the days suddenly seem to be getting longer, and the snow is beginning to melt, showing us small patches of earth and green. At this time of returning spring, our ancestors lit bonfires and candles to celebrate the rebirth of the land.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Honor Brighid at Imbolc -- Group Ritual
Here's How:

1. In many areas of the Celtic world, this was the fire feast of Brighid, the Irish goddess of hearth and home. She is the keeper of the flame, the protector of the home, and a goddess of holy wells and springs. At Imbolc, we acknowledge her many aspects, especially that of her role as a deity of transformation. As the world awakes from the dark slumber of winter, it is time to cast off the chill of the past and welcome the warmth of spring.
2. Set up your altar with the symbols of Brighid and the coming spring -- a Brighid's cross or dolly, potted daffodils or crocuses, white and red yarn or ribbon, young fresh twigs, and lots of candles. Also, you'll need an unlit candle for each participant, a candle to represent Brighid herself, a plate or bowl of oats or oatcakes, and a cup of milk.
   If you normally cast a circle in your tradition, do so now. Each member of the group should hold their unlit candle before them.
3. The HPs says:
   Today is Imbolc, the day of midwinter.
   The cold has begun to fade away,
   and the days grow longer.
   This is a time in which the earth is quickening,
   like the womb of Brighid,
   birthing the fire after the darkness.  
4. The HPS lights the Brighid candle, and says:
   Bright blessings at midwinter to all!
   Brighid has returned with the sacred flame,
   watching over home and hearth.
   This is a time of rebirth and fertility,
   and as the earth grows full of life,
   may you find abundance on your own path.
   Imbolc is the season of lambing, of new life,
   and a time to celebrate the nurturing and warmth of Brighid.
5. At this time, the HPs takes the cup of milk, and offers a sip to Brighid. You can do this either by pouring it into a bowl on the altar, or by simply raising the cup to the sky. The HPs then passes the cup around the circle. As each person takes a sip, they pass it to the next, saying:
   May Brighid give her blessings to you this season.
   When the cup has returned to the HPs, she passes the oats or oatcakes around in the same manner, first making an offering to Brighid. Each person takes a bit of the oats or cakes and passes the plate to the next, saying:
   May Brighid's love and light nurture your path.
6. The HPS then invites each member of the group to approach the altar, and light their candle from the Brighid candle. Say:
   Come, and allow the warmth of Brighid's hearth
   to embrace you.
   Allow the light of her flame
   to guide you.
   Allow the love of her blessing
   to protect you.
7. When everyone has lit their candle, take a few moments to meditate on the warmth and nurturing nature of the goddess Brighid. As you bask in her warmth, and she protects your home and hearth, think about how you will make changes in the coming weeks. Brighid is a goddess of abundance and fertility, and she may help you guide your goals to fruition.
   When you are ready, end the ceremony, or move on to other rituals, such as Cakes and Ale, or healing rites.

What You Need:

• A candle for each member of the group
• A Brighid candle
• A bowl or plate of oatcakes or oats
• A cup of milk

Hold An Imbolc House Cleansing Ceremony

By Patti Wigington

No one really likes to clean, but we all know we feel better when our physical space is tidy. It's one of life's necessary chores. Start your spring off with a good thorough cleaning, and then follow that up with a spiritual cleansing. This is a great ritual to perform at Imbolc -- remember that for many of our ancestors, washing came only a few times a year, so by February, a house was probably smelling pretty ripe. Pick a bright sunny day to do a clean sweep, and then invite friends and family to join you in a blessing of your home.
First, do a complete physical cleaning of your house. Put on some music and thoroughly clean every room. Strip sheets off the beds, turn the mattresses, dust every surface, and vacuum every floor. Sort through those piles of paper on your desk, and get rid of things you don't need to keep; file everything else. Gather up the kids' toys and put them in baskets for easy storage. If you need to get rid of things, do it now -- set aside a box for charity and put gently used items in it. Set aside another box for trash, and see if you can fill it up!
Once your house is clean -- and this assumes you did the kitchen as well -- it's time to have some fun. Call up some friends and invite them over for a potluck. Cook up some Imbolc-themed comfort foods, such as Braided Bread or Beer Battered Fish & Chips, and have a small potluck celebration. Ask each guest to bring a small token to bless your house -- pebbles, shells, interesting bits of wood, beads, etc.
You'll also need the following:

• A bowl of water
• Some sea salt
• A smudging bundle of sage or sweetgrass
• A blue candle
• Some Blessing Oil
• A bowl or bag

Begin at the front door -- it is, after all, where you welcome guests into your home -- and go through the house in a sunwise direction (clockwise). Ask your guests to help you by smudging the perimeter of each room with the salt, sage, candle flame and water. You may wish to say some sort of incantation as they do this, something like:
With the purifying power of water,
with the clean breath of air,
with the passionate heat of fire,
with the grounding energy of earth
we cleanse this space.
As you pass from room to room, anoint each door and windowsill with the Blessing Oil by tracing the shape of a pentagram or other symbol of your tradition. This prevents anything negative from crossing into the home. If you like, you can offer a small incantation as you do this, something like:
May the goddess bless this home,
making it sacred and pure,
so that nothing but love and joy
shall enter through this door.
Finally, once you've gone through the house, ask each of your guests to deposit their blessing token in your bowl or bag. Keep it in a place of honor in your home -- on the mantel or in your kitchen is a good idea. Gather around the dinner table, break out the goodies, and enjoy a feast with your friends and family!
Tips:
* If you don't have Blessing Oil, you can use rosemary oil instead. Make your own by infusing fresh rosemary in grapeseed or flaxseed oil.

How To Hold an Imbolc Candle Ritual (for Solitaries)

By Patti Wigington

Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.
** Note: although this ceremony is written for one, it can easily be adapted for a small group.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varied

Here's How:

1. First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc. You'll also want to have on hand the following:
   
   • Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)
   • Something to light your candles with
   • A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles
   • Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron
   Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite.
2. If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
   Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won't slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:
   Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.
   In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.
   Light the second candle, saying:
   I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
   I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
   I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
3. Light the third candle. Say:
   This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.
   That which is outside, shall stay without.
   That which is inside, shall stay within.
   Light the fourth candle. Say:
   I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
   I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
   I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
4. Light the fifth candle, saying:
   Like fire, light and love will always grow.
   Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.
   Light the sixth candle, and say:
   I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
   I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
   I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.
   Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.
   Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,
   cover me in your shining light.
   I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am
   made pure.
5. Take a few momemnts and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damanged.
   When you are ready, end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.

What You Need

• Seven candles, white and red, and something to light them with
• A bowl or cauldron with sand in the bottom

How To Hold a Farewell to Winter Ritual

By Patti Wigington

Imbolc is typically around the time when we're all getting cabin fever -- it's cold, we're snowed in, and frankly, we're all a bit tired of winter. This simple ritual is a fun one to do with your family on a snowy day, but can also be performed by a single person. The best time to do it is when you have a fresh layer of snow on the ground, but if that's not possible, never fear. Find a big pile of snow to work in.
Try to time the rite so you begin it just before dinner -- you can actually start it while your meal is cooking.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varied
Here's How:

1. Prepare a collection of things to make noise with -- bells, clappers, drums, etc. Make sure each person has one form of noisemaker. You'll also need a candle in the color of your choice (tall enough to stick in the snow), something to light it with (like a lighter or matches), and a bowl.
2. Go outside, and create a symbol of spring in the snow. You could draw a picture of the sun or some flowers, rabbits, anything that means spring to your family. If you have a lot of space, feel free to make it as big as you like. Another option is to have each person make their own symbol in the snow.
   One family member calls out:
   Old man winter, it's time to go!
   Take with you these piles of snow!
3. The other family members stomp around the symbol in a circle through the snow, banging their drums, ringing their bells, and chanting:
   Melt, snow, melt!
   Spring will soon return!
   Light the candle, and place it in the center of the circle. Say:
   A flame, a fire, all the warmth it brings,
   melt the snow, cold be gone, welcome back the spring!
   The rest of the family stomps through the snow once more, in a circle, making lots of noise and chanting:
   Melt, snow, melt!
   Spring will soon return!
4. Leave the candle to burn out on its own. Fill your bowl with snow and take it back inside with you. Place it in the center of your table and eat your meal. By the time you're done, the snow should be close to melted (if you have to, put it near the stove to hurry things along).
   Hold up the bowl, and say:
   The snow has melted! Spring will return!
   Make lots of noise with your bells and drums, clapping and whooping it up. Use the melted snow water to water a plant, or save it for ritual use later on.

Tips:

1. If you have too much snow for the candle to stand in, place it on a stump or rock instead.

What You Need:

• Bells, drums, rattles, noisemakers
• A candle & lighter
• A bowl

Lady Day aka Imbolc

 

short, fun and easy to do

Lady Day * A dark colored robe is appropriate with as much silver jewelry as possible. Place two candles on the altar with a sheaf of grain at the East. You must place 13 candles about the area of the ritual. A cup of wine is place before the Lady's image on the altar. Before beginning, you should take a cleansing bath. When ready, light up the candles on the altar and say: O Goddess of Fire Place your warmth about me I do ask. * Go clockwise about the ritual area, starting at the North, and light all the 13 candles. Then kneel before the altar; take the wand with your right hand and rap thrice, slowly, upon the altar, saying: I give love and greetings To the blessed Lady And to Her consort, The Horned One of death and of life. * Replace the wand and take the wine-cup in your hands. Holding it up before you, give the toast: I drink, O Ancient Ones In your honor... And to the coming seasons Of warmth and love. * Drink of the wine, and replace the cup. Pick up a copy of this rite and, walking slowly clockwise about the altar, read the following: The Lady is come And we welcome Her. The creatures of the wilds Do know She is near For the world shall soon feel life. The season is harsh; The Horned God rules At this bitter time... And this is fore-ordained. But She does return And life shall soon come To forest, field, and glen. * Stop before the altar, saying: Blessed Be! * At this time you may perform meditation, poetry, or whatever is appropriate for this night. To close the ritual, kneel before the altar and spread out your arms, calling: I do ask, O Goddess and God of the Ancient ways, That your blessings may be spread wide So that the world may be led back To your ways of peace and joy. Blessed Be! * Put out the candles around the altar but keep the two on it lighted. As you blow out these last two, say: The rite is ended.

Imbolc Ritual

 

A sabbat ritual

This Ritual should be performed at dawn or midmorning, or it can be done at dusk. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with a white, red or brown altar cloth. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with white flowers (silk are acceptable), many white candles (as many as you can comfortably fit on your altar - up to 13) or a Candle Wheel, and anything else that feels right. You will also need a Grain Dolly/Corn Dolly dressed as a bride, a Bride's Bed, a Priapic Wand and some acorns or other nuts. Place the Cauldron in the center, with a White candle to the left side of the Cauldron and a Green candle to the right. Along with your usual ritual tools and items, have upon the altar: White, Red or Brown Altar Cloth Many White Candles (up to 13, in holders) and/or a Candle Wheel Grain Dolly/Corn Dolly - dressed as a Bride (to represent Brigid) A Bride's Bed (a Basket will suffice) Priapic Wand (acorn-tipped) and some Acorns (or other nuts) White Flowers (in a Vase, silk are acceptable) Cauldron - with a White Candle placed to the Left side (in holder) and a Green Candle to the Right side (in holder) Imbolc Incense - blends of Frankincense, Myrrh, Jasmine, Camphor, Cinnamon or Lotus When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your Ritual Robe or other Ritual attire. Be sure to wear your Magickal jewelry, if you have any. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the Ritual. Cast the Circle... In addition to the God and Goddess candles, light the Candle Wheel. Keep all the other candles out until the appropriate time. Also have the Grain Dolly lying in the Bride's Bed (basket) with the Priapic Wand and the acorns nearby. Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin your ceremony with these words: "Blessed be this season of Imbolc, Blessed be the Goddess, waiting Bride of the returning Sun God. Mother Earth stirs from Her long slumber. The fields and forests hear Her whisper to awaken. The creatures of Her realms answer Her summons. Everything waits in anticipation for Spring." Tap the altar gently, three times with your Wand, and say: "This is the Festival of the Maiden Who gives to all the breath of life. This is a time of waxing light and receding darkness. This is the season of purification, a renewing of life. This is the time of the quickening. At this time and in this place between the worlds, I come into the presence of the Lord and the Lady that I may gain wise and truthful counsel." Now comes a time of silent meditation while you ask the God and Goddess for inspiration and guidance for the future... When you feel ready, tap the altar again gently with the Wand, three times and say: "O Ancient Ones, I know my life's path is within Your keeping. Only with Your help and guidance can I hope to avoid any pitfalls and reach my destination safely." Light the White Candle on the left side of the Cauldron and say these words: "I salute the glorious Maiden Goddess, Preparer of new life out of darkness. This is Her Season of the Wheel of the Year when She spreads Her blessings over the land." Light the Green Candle on the right side of the Cauldron and say these words: "Behold, the Lord of the Forests caresses the dreaming Earth. As there is a renewal within the plants and animals, so shall there be renewal in my life also." Take up your athame and touch the tip of it to the heart of the Grain Dolly, and say: "Groom of Heaven and Earth, come now to claim your waiting Bride." Kneel before the altar, and using the Candle Wheel, light all of the many White Candles that are around you. This symbolizes the young Goddess turning the Wheel of the Year back to Spring. Then say: "From this union comes the Light of the World. Be fruitful, oh Bride, and turn our Earth gently again to Spring." Toss the acorns into the Bed with the Bride. (The nuts are a fertility symbol and are meant to seal the words you have just spoken.) Then gently lay the Priapic Wand across the Grain Dolly, forming an "X", and as you do, saying: "Blessed be the Sun God, coming back to us this day." Lift the Candle Wheel and carry it clockwise around the Circle with you at least three times, to symbolize the coming of the Light. Sit and quietly reflect or meditate on the meaning of this Sabbat to you. When you feel ready, continue by placing the beverage-filled Chalice upon the Pentacle for a few moments, then lift it high, saying: "O Great Triple Goddess and Great Horned God, Make my life fertile with insight, good health, prosperity, and magickal power. Honor to Thee, O Ancient Ones! Merry meet and merry part and Merry meet again. So Mote It Be!" Drink from the Chalice, pour a Libation to the Lord and the Lady and save some to be put outside for the little people. When you are finished, proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony. followed by Releasing the Circle in your usual manner. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/2007/imbolc_ritual.html