Ritual for Imbolc 2/1/03
Calling in the Circle/Lighting the Bonfire
In front of bonfire- low table with tray of fruit & loaf of ritual bread, bowl of Crosoga, flower crown, and really big candle
Rite of Ablution- A bowl of water will be carried round the circle and everyones hands sprinked with water by an ever green branch. A child will follow and pass out candles.
Guardians of the 4 quarters stand facing the fire with ritual tools
Starhelm - Singing/Invoking the 4 Quarters and establishing the Circle
Starhelm will begin the invitation chant to brighid, quarters will join, then everyone will join. When it reaches crescendo, Brighids approach. All 3 are veiled and carry a large candle)
Brighid Leighis – In White - Open your Eyes and let Blessed Brighid, Healer of Body and Spirit in!
Everyone- Thrice welcome Noble Lady!
Brighid Goibhneachta – In Red - Open your eyes and let Blessed Brighid, Protector of the Forge in!
Everyone- Thrice welcome Noble Lady!
Brighid Banfhile – In Black - Open your eyes and let Blessed Brighid, Bringer of the Fire of Poetry in!
Everyone- Thrice welcome Noble Lady!
Rite of Briga- 3 Brighid’s bring their fire to Starhelm/Lugh, light his candle, bless him:
I bless you Lugh Long-Arm, Lugh Many-Skilled!
W - Your charity brings fruit to this Tribe!
R - You courage brings victory to this Tribe!
B - Your wisdom brings honor to this Tribe!
(place circlet on his head)
RED - (Brighid Goibhneachta goes to Guardian of the North)
I turn to the North, the shining white tower!
Home of the Lord of the Battles!
Keeper of the Sword!
Master of the Eagle and the Winds!
(she kisses him, then lights his candle)
Let the fire be passed from hand to hand.
(Gardians light the candles of the people next to them, and so on)
WHITE - (Brighid Leighis goes to Guardian of the East)
I turn to the East, the fort of the Sea!
Home of the Lord of Riches!
Keeper of the Cauldron!
Master of the Salmon and all the fountains and springs!
(she kisses him, then lights his candle)
Let the fire be passed from hand to hand.
(Gardians light the candles of the people next to them, and so on)
BLACK - (Brighid Banfhile goes to Guardian of the West)
I turn to the West, to the Burning Castle!
Home of the Many-Gifted Lord!
Keeper of the Spear!
Master of the Stag and of all illumination!
(she kisses him, then lights his candle)
Let the fire be passed from hand to hand.
(Gardians light the candles of the people next to them, and so on)
(All 3 Brighids go to the Guardian of the South and kneel)
I turn to the South, to the Hall of Fate!
W - Home of the Great Mother!
R - Keeper of the Stone!
B - Mistress of the Bar and of all Great Things!
(all 3 kiss her, then light her candle)
Let the fire be passed from hand to hand.
(Gardians light the candles of the people next to them, and so on)
(3 Brighids go and stand in front of the table and Starhelm/Lugh. Brighids place their candles on the alter)
We call the Spirit of this Land!- Starhelm/Lugh
(3 Brighids stand over table and place hands on offerings)
Starhelm - We offer out thanks for your gifts!
Starhelm - As you prosper, we prosper!
Guardians and All - As you prosper, we prosper!
Brighids - As you prosper, we prosper!
Starhelm - Please accept the gifts of this Tribe!!
(all cheer, and chosen kids enter circle, and carry off tray to be hidden in the woods)
Starhelm -
Does anyone have an offering for the Bringer of the Fire of Poetry?-
Does anyone have an offering for the Protector of the Forge, Blesser of Weapons and tools ?-
Does anyone have an offering for the Healer of the Body and the Spirit?
Let them come now!
(people bring up offerings)
(Starhelm starts a chant and begins the Cup of Sharing)
(3 Brighids leave circle in silence, then Starhelm closes the circle)