Imbolc Ritual

Table of Contents

Imbolc Ritual
For Solitary; Easily adapted for Group Ritual
by StormWing, Copyright © 1996 - 2007

Preparation & Set Up

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.

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.