Imbolc is one of the Celtic seasonal festivals along with Bealtaine (May), Lughnasadh (August) and Samhain (October). The first of February is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and the festival was celebrated in Celtic Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man to mark the coming of spring. The rituals that took place were in honour of Brigid, the goddess of wisdom, poetry, healing, protection and domesticated animals. On the eve of Imbolc it was believed that Brigid would visit the homes of worshippers who would make her a bed and leave out food and drink. By doing this it was hoped that she would protect the home and any livestock in the coming year. With the coming of Christianity, the festival and its goddess were adopted by the Church and became Saint Brigid’s Day which, in Ireland, is now a public holiday.
Arrange stones (or pieces of wood or branches) in a circle big enough for guests to comfortably stand together inside the circle.
Place objects amongst the stones: flames (candles), snowdrops, sprigs of rowan (Luis, or the rowan, is the tree usually assigned to this time of year and is thought to ward off evil spirits), oak leaves (which symbolise strength, power, and endurance), blackberry leaves (sacred to Brigid, the leaves and berries are used to attract prosperity and healing), ginger (revitalises and stimulates the 'fire within'), and, if you wish, a representation of a sheep.
The first celebrant speaks the following:
“Sacred Ones, spirit of the oak that stands before us, spirits of the heath that surround us, dryads and devas, all you who have heard our intention, we ask with respect that you encircle us now, branch reaching branch, leaf touching leaf, roots beneath our feet entangling, that our Circle may be strong, a nemeton of inspiration, reverence and learning, in the name of the Gods whose power we both breathe, we ask that this be so.”
Have four candles ready and give to celebrants.
The second celebrant lights the first candle and says:
“Even though we’re still in winter, there is new life stirring in the darkness.”
The third celebrant lights the second candle and says:
“I call in the light & the fire of the growing sun. I call on its power to spark new life deep in the dark.”
The fourth celebrant lights the third candle and says:
“Like fire, wisdom, inspiration & new life will always grow — just like the first spring flowers stirring in the dark.”
The fifth celebrant lights the fourth candle and says:
“I call on these flames to cleanse & purify me as I move into the time of new life coming manifest. Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, fill me in your shining light.”
