Imbolc Ritual
The sabbat or holy day called Imbolc is one of the four major pagan fire festivals celebrated on February 1st and/or 2nd. The word Imbolc means “in the belly or womb” and in ancient times referred to the pregnancy of ewes. The goddess often associated with Imbolc is Brigid, a Celtic triple goddess of poetry, healing, prophecy, divination and smithcrafting. She is the goddess many invoke for the Imbolc ritual.
At the time of Imbolc the sun is higher in the sky and it feels warmer. We know it won’t be long before we see shoots of green pushing their way out of the soil. We know the end of winter is upon us.
Because this sabbat marks the festival of calving it is traditional to include dairy products in your Imbolc simple feast. Sour cream dishes along with spicy full bodied foods like curries or recipes that include peppers, garlic, onions and shallots to honor the sun are also recommended. Spiced wines are sometimes enjoyed as well.
As for your Imbolc altar, if there is snow on the ground where you live it can be melted and used for your water element. Orange, red or white candles are often used to represent the fire element placement. If a white flower is available that can represent the earth element or you can use seeds, rocks or even the Ace of pentacles tarot card. Air can be represented by a musky incense, using an essential oil diffuser with cinnamon or rosemary oils, a wand or perhaps the Ace of swords from your tarot deck. The aforementioned are suggestions, use your own intuition on what feels best for you. In the center of your altar you may decide to place a symbol of the goddess that has meaning for you and relates to this sabbat. Because this is a fire festival I recommend using an additional candle for your actual ritual aside from those on your altar.
Once your altar is arranged, prepare yourself. Maybe take a shower/bath or do an energetic clearing of your own energy field. Sometimes I find chanting, humming or singing gets my energy in a good place. Drumming can be useful as well before ritual to clear and prepare your energy field.
Cast and seal your circle, saying, “I cast and consecrate this safe and sacred circle in love. I charge this safe and sacred space with love and safety.” Recite a blessing chant invoking the elemental powers (a simple example: “Hail and welcome eastern element of the air, Hail and welcome Southern element of Fire, Hail and Welcome Western element of Water, Hail and welcome Northern Element of Earth, Hail and Welcome Center”) Next invoke the Goddess (Brigid if you desire or some other or the Goddess) “Goddess Brigid Hail and Welcome!” Your language can be simple but meaningful and sincere. Light the candle you have in your hand.
Continue the ritual with the lighted candle you have in your hand before you, walk clockwise starting at the southern point in your circle. You can recite something to this effect, “Winter envelops the land, the air is cold and frost (or snow) blankets the earth. The Goddess Brigid brings the fire of transformation and creativity to my life. Goddess of Healing and Crafts Hail and Welcome!”
For the Core Ritual work stop walking and turn to face your altar and gaze at the flame of your candle. Visualize your life brimming with good health, creativity, renewed energy and strength. Then pause and simply be in the moment as you take a few deep breaths.
You will take down your sacred circle going counterclockwise as you say farewells to the Goddess Brigid and the elemental powers.
“Farewell Goddess Brigid and Thank You for your Divine Presence!” “Farewell and thank you Center! (Starting with the North), “Farewell and Thanks to the North! Farewell and Thanks to the West! Farewell and Thanks to the South! Farewell and Thanks to the East!” “The Circle is Open but unbroken.” Extinguish the candles and clean up the area as necessary.
Go and enjoy the simple meal you made for the Sabbat.
