COTH Imbolc 2009
by Blayze

Set-up

Circle is decorated with flowers and a spiral of ivy and mistletoe. There is a basket of white flowers upon the altar.

At the centre of the circle sits the maiden - veiled in white and wearing a candle crown. In her lap is the Imbolc cord.

 A bowl of water, with an unlit candle sitting in it, is front of her. In front of the bowl are 3 cloth covered objects*. Beside her is a basket of tee lights and a taper.

Ritual

Circle is cast.

Quarters called.

HPS: It is Imbolc and the first stirrings of spring are felt across the land. At this time of renewal we kindle the sacred flame and call to Brigid.

HPS takes a taper and lights it from the altar candle. She walks the spiral and kneels before the Maiden. 

She speaks the invocation and lights the flame in the well. She then lights the candles in the crown.

She then walks the spiral back to the circle and takes up a basket of flowers

HPS: Think about the changes you have seen as the land awakens from its winter slumber.

She gives a flower to each person.

HPS: When you are ready, one by one, walk the spiral to give your flower as an offering to Brigid and be blessed.

Participants walk the spiral, there they place their flower in the well. 

Brigid asks them to choose one of the objects before her. She motions for the participant to pick up the covered object. She then takes the cord and binds the covered object to their hands, as she speaks.

She speaks to them of their choice and then unbinds them.

She gives them a tee-light and lights their candle from the flame using a taper.

Brigid: As you walk the spiral, place the symbol of my flame amongst the leaves, to light the way for your fellow travellers.

As they walk back along the spiral, they place their candle upon the spiral.

When all have spoken to Brigid,she stands up.

HPS: The sacred flame has spiralled across the land as Brigid sends forth her blessings: "Thus we banish winter, thus we welcome spring, we say farewell to what is dead and great each living thing"

Repeat until power is raised and gathered by Brigid to be sent out across the land.

Brigid speaks words of inspired utterance as She wills.

Cakes and ale are taken from the altar and given to Brigid to eat and drink. She then blesses the wine and cakes before they are sent around the circle.

When cakes and ale are finished, HPS and HP go to Brigid, kiss her and bid her farewell. Her crown and veil are then removed and she joins the rest in the circle.

Farewell quarters.

Close circle.

* Objects are: 
A calligraphied scroll containing a poetic invocation to Brigid (representing poetry)
A small mallet (representing the forge / metalwork / craft)
A small bunch of herbs (representing healing)