HOLIDAY HELPER
All of the following is quoted from The Wiccan Book Of Ceremonys And Rituals by
Patrica Telsco.
Candelmas: February 2
Imbolic Ritual
Spring Equinox: March 21
Beltane: May 1
Summer Solstice: June 21
Lammas: August 1
Autumn Equinox: September 22
Hallows: October 31
Samhaim Ritual
Winter Solstice: December 22
CANDELMAS
Candelmas honors the element of fire, and the sun's slow return to power in the
sky. Yet, because winter still lingers with a chilly air, this is not a showy
celebration. It is one of thoughtfulness, of finding the light that resides
within us. The theses of this holiday are contemplation, providence, health,
opportunity and change.
The Irish celebrate the Feast of Brigid today. Brigid was the goddess of
creativity, especially home crafts. Her domain also includes agriculture,
and protecting baby animals. IN the home of the gods, heroes ate and drank
from Brigids cauldron, and it never ran out of sustenance. Throughout Ireland
people decorated her sacred wells, decorated their homes with rushes or corn and
oats,, and offered her ale at the feast.
The Aztec New Year also falls on this date; it is a time to purify and fortify
the fields for planting. As an interesting corollary, Candelmas was once called
Imbolc, meaning "in the womb," implying a period of gestation. The sun's growing
rays begin generating life beneath the soil now. This give Candelmas a special
focus on unseen potentialities, and banishing your inner shadows.
Preperation
Gather together as many light sources as possible. Suffestions include white
candles, flashlights, incense sticks, and small oil lamps for indoor gatherings.
Outdoors, consider torches or a well-tended bonfire.
For the activities in this ritual you will need: some ice or snow; a couldren
or cup of soil and a seed; your personal journal and a pen; ale or buttered
toast for an offering; corn husks for decoration; and any white items. This is
Brigids color as the Maiden aspect of the Goddess.
The Alter
Arrange your light sources in a pleasing manner around the ritual space,
but leave them dark. The center of the alter holds a coal or other fire source
from your hearth or that of the groups leader. IT is the only thing burning at
the start of the ritual. Next to the fire source, leave a container of ice
or snow. On the other side place your seed, the soil, and the dish.
Corn husks are scattered on the surface of the alter like a cloth. Your
personal journal and pen sit at one corner. The offering of toasted bread or
ale rests on the other corner.
Invocation
Before starting the invocation, go to your door and open it, saying, "Brigid,
I welcome you to our sacred space. As you enter, bring with you the fires of
warmthing and retility." Traditions similar to this are very old, the opening
of the door smbolically making way for the powers of light.
Go to the center and pick of the sacred fire. As you walk the circle reciting
the invocation, begin igniting the light sources in that quarter of the room.
This creates the visual effect of the circle of magic coming alive around you.
EAST
I welcome the air, and the rising sun. Let the light filled wind bring
inspiration and the breeze of new beginings.
SOUTH
I wecome fire, and the noonday sun. Let the purifying light of the Spirit
bring energy and courage with which to walk my path daily.
WEST
I welcome the Water, and the setting sun. Let the twilight bring thoughtful-
ness and wisdom to my magick.
NORTH
I welcome earth, and the resting sun. Let the moment of fertile darkness give
my soul peace, and my magic foundations.
CENTER
Light the God and Goddess candles now from the sacred flame. I welcome the
spirit of ever-burning truth and light. Let your fires be ever present in my
mind, my heart, and my magick.
Meditation and Visualization
Sit in the center of the light generated around the room. Look at the flame of
the sacred fire until you can see it in your mind's eye clearly. Close your eyes
and breath deeply, continuing to vizualize that flame. See it slowly growing in
power and beauty until the fire encompasses your whole being, restoring strength,
health, and insight.
Once you feel the energy of that light filling you to overflowing, shift your
awareness. See yourself as you sit right now, with light shining all around you.
Slowly shrink that light down into one brilliant spark that resides in your
heart chakra, banishing any shadows that hide within. This ember of the Spirit,
this light of truth is always with you, empowering and guiding your magick.
Sit quietly pndering the significance of light in your magick and everyday life,
and - when you feel ready - open your eyes and make note of any insights in your
journal then continue with the ritual.
The Ritual
Stand in place, raise your hands toward the sacred altar, close your eyes and
whisper this chant three times: The Goddess in me, in my understanding, The
Goddess in me, in my heart. THe Goddess in me, in my spirit. The light in me,
in my soul. THe light in me, in my mind. The light in me, in my soul.' Put
your arms down, open your eyes and say, 'I welcome the light.'
Walk up to the altar now and, taking the container of soil and seed in hand,
raise it to the heavens. 'This soil of Earth is also the soil of my spirit.
Today I plant the seed of _____ [Fill in with a quality you wish to develop]
in this loam to be warmed by the returning sun, and grown with love.' Plant
the seed in the soil, and put the container in front of you on the altar.
Take the container of partially melted snow or ice and raise it upward saying
'This is the Water of the maiden who returns to Earth today, generating life
and fertility with her warmth.' Pour the melted snow into the container with
the soil and the seed. 'This Water shall likewise nourish the seed of _____
now growing in my soul.' Pour the remaining liquid out to Earth as libation.
If this ritual takes place indoors, save the snow or ice until the circle is
closed, then take it outside. After the ritual, the soil and seed should be
transferred into a large pot and placed in a sunny window to activate the magick.
Other Activities
Even in ancient days this festival included a time for omen observations,
specifically to figure out the weather to come. Thats how Groundhog Day got
started. So consider thaking a walk outside to see what signs you can discern
from Natures storehouse of wisdom.
A great activity for kids is making their own Imbolic candles. All you need for
this is melted wax, a wick, and an old milk carton that acts as a mold. Allow
the kids to add any powdered herbs or aromatic oils they wish, then keep this
safely stored away for next years festivities.
Closing the Circle
NORTH
Under the moonlight the resting Earth lay until the dawn brings a new birth.
WEST
The waters recede with a setting sun, but the magick continues with the circle
is done.
SOUTH
The Fires die down, the candles go out, but within my heart there lingers no
doubt.
EAST
The AIr calms, but the breath of Spirit remains. MErry part, and merry meet
again.
Instead of dismissing the center point, go to your door again, taking with you
the toasted bread. Toss the bread out the door for the birds saying 'Accept
this gift of bread to nourish the children of the winds as my thanks to you,
Brigid, for your presence...for sharing the fire from your hearth to bless,
inspire, and heal me. May I keep these embers safely burning in my heart.'
Close the door. 'So be it.'