Circle of the Hearth Imbolc Ritual
Written by Adrianne

Items Required
·	Large white candle with a red wax Brighid cross carved into it and a metal ring around the candle to allow ribbons to be tied on
·	Tall candelabra
·	Greenery for decorating the candelabra
·	Basket of flowers
·	Ribbons in various colours
·	Taper candle

Roles
HPS
PS1
PS2
HP

Set Up
In the middle of the circle is a large white candle (with an inscribed red wax Brighid’s Cross) on a tall candelabra. The candelabra is wrapped with seasonal greenery.

At the entrance to the circle is a basket of flowers.

Each person is given a ribbon with bells to wear around their wrist. They are also given a few colourful ribbons to tie to their belt for use later in the ritual.

The Ritual
PS1 stands at the entrance to the circle holding the basket of flowers and each person takes a small handful as they enter the circle. As they take the flowers PS1 says “For we know that Spring must come again” 

They place these flowers at the base of the candelabra and then take their place on the edge of the circle.

HPS1 casts the circle and the quarters are invoked.

Central invocation

HPS	It is Imbolc and we begin to feel the first return of life again to the land after a long cold winter. Our creativity begins to unfurl and the land prepares to bloom again upon the greening mantle of the lady Brighid’s cloak. The power of spring stirs within us and all around us.

Together we will welcome the return of the maiden’s light, who will awaken the land with Spring’s first kiss.

Come forward each of you and place your coloured  brats upon the candelabra to light the way for the flame of Brighid to return to us.

Each person comes forward and ties a ribbon to the candelabra and then returns to their place in the circle.

As the ribbons are being tied on the circle members can shake their bells softly.

The HPS takes the bowl of water and salt and hands it to PS1 who asperges the candle and blesses it with the elements. The elements are returned to the altar.

The HPS takes the incense and hands it to PS2 who censes the candle and bless it with the  elements. The elements are returned to the altar.

The HP takes a taper from the altar and lights it from the altar candle. 

HP	Brighid, Queen of Light
	We c all to you to return this night
	Come to our hearth
	Come to our home
	
Come bearing the fires of life
Come wearing your mantle of magic
Come wearing your mantle of green
Come turn thewheel to the light

He passes the taper to the HPS who begins to chant:

Thus we banish winter
Thus we welcome spring
We say farewell to what is dead 
And greet each living thing

She passes the candle to the person beside her who joins in the chant with the HPS.

The taper is passed around the circle with each person adding their voice as the candle is passed around. When everyone is chanting the HP goes to the candle in the centre and lights it.

The HPS declaims over the chant:
	Brighid is come, Brighid is Welcome!
Failte a Brid, do bheannachtai orainn agus un t-ionad seo
Welcome Brighid, May your Blessings be upon us and this place.

The chant stops at the end of the declamation.

HPS	Winter’s darkness passes as the earth is renewed once more. Brighid walks amongst us and we welcome her blessings upon our hearts and our lives.

Cakes and Ale

Farewell quarters and close circle.