An Imbolc Ritual

Imbolc (Feb 1 at sunset through Feb 2 at sunset) - 

The winter has ended!  The Child of God continues to grow under the guidance of His Mother and protection of His Father.  His light is starting to shine on the World.  The Goddess starts to let Him make His own way into the World to start His teachings in the tradition of His Father.  As the first fertility holiday, the Goddess moves toward Maiden as She prepares to become the Bride of the God again as Her Son finds His way without Her on His path as laid out by His Father.

Interestingly, Imbolc falls 40 days following Christmas which has a meaning described below.  Recall that Jesus is said to have left home when he turned 30.  Assuming that he went into the desert on his 30th birthday, he would have been tempted by the devil for forty days.  This would put his baptism by John roughly on Imbolc.  This movement of Jesus out of his mother's care is what allows Her to progress through her yearly transitions.

History -

Imbolc has a very rich history surrounding it as both a Pagan and a Christian festival.  In Christianity, this day belongs to Saint Brighid.  Girls would create a poppet of Saint Brighid and take it from house to house.  At times they would ask for coins to give to the poor.

There are many who believe that Saint Brighid is the Christianization of the Celtic goddess Brighid.  If this is the case, it is just yet one more example of religions borrowing from and learning from each other.  Christians also celebrate the day as Candlemas.  

Forty days following Christmas is the purification of the Virgin.  According to Jewish law it takes 40 days following the birth of a son for a woman to become pure again.  Therefore, this is the day that Mary, Jesus' earthly mother, would have been allowed back into the Temple and again considered clean.  Jesus would also have been allowed in the temple for the first time on this day.

In Ireland it was believed that Imbolc was the day that the Crone would gather her firewood for the rest of winter.  If the day dawned bright and sunny, then the Crone was out to gather a lot of firewood and a hard rest of winter would occur.  If the day was overcast and foul, then the Crone was not able to go out to gather firewood and the winter would end soon.  This appears to be a precursor to the American tradition of groundhog day.

Decorations -

Saint Brighid's Crosses are a wonderful decoration for the day as well as yellow candles and fresh flowers to welcome the early aspects of spring.  The colors should be red, white, green, and yellow.  Red for the rising sun or purification blood.  White represents the snow and purity of the Virgin.  Green represents the state the earth is moving to.  Yellow represents the coming light.  Other decorations would be seeds and bulbs (ones you plan on planting later would make an excellent choice) or a

Making Saint Brighid's Cross can be a fun activity for children using the pipe cleaner method in the link.  Or, an adult can follow the same directions using reeds or grasses.  You can either keep your cross until next year or burn it as an offering to the Goddess.  Or you may burn last year's cross as an offering if you made one of reeds.

You could also use a crown of candles as decoration for this day.  To make this simply get a wreath and wire.  Using the wire secure the candles onto the wreath.  This method may not make a crown suitable for wearing and always use caution with flames.

Imbolc is a fire festival so light a lot of candles if you wish.

Rituals -

Imbolc is considered a day to practice divination.  It is a day for looking for the small signs of spring and starting to transition to a time of warmth.

Light a yellow candle to welcome the light.  Meditate over the candle about the things you wish to happen in spring.  Think about the many ways the Goddess in her time of purity can help to purify your life.

Plan your garden for the year and ask the Goddess and God to bless the plan.

And a final ritual which may need to be done in two parts:

Place a cube of ice or a small ball of snow if available in your cauldron or another dish.  Over the snow say:

The time for cold has come to an end
I invite the light that will bring life

Wait for the ice or snow to melt.  Place a yellow candle in the water along with herbs or plants that symbolize purification such as fennel, lavender, lime, bay leaf or any others you desire.  Light the candle and say:

I call upon fire, which has brought warmth to my home
Extend from here to melt the snow
As new life comes
The signs to me please show










History was found using both Wikipedia and About

Bring a little friendship

This morning as I was reading Facebook I came across a sister witch who felt abandoned by her friends.  She was asking for help, a ritual to bring new friends into her life.  It got me to thinking about how often we have all been there.  For one reason or another, we feel alone and abandoned.  And one of the most comforting things to do is to retreat back to our beliefs and ask to not be alone.  I am starting to think that it isn't love or fear or grief that is the most powerful emotion but loneliness.

I was struck by her plight and able to come up with a spell.  As I told her, and I hope with all the spells that are found here, only use this for inspiration.  The most potent magick is that which you write yourself because it has your emotions, your desires, and your correspondences in it.  It is what you believe.  In fact, I had a hard time writing the end of this spell.  Following a Christian path, mine always end with thanking the Son as well, but this person does not follow a Christian path.

Friendship Spell

Set your altar as you normally would.
Start with opening your circle, call to the Goddess and God, invite the elements.
Light a pink, brown or white candle. Look into the candle and see yourself with your new friends. See yourselves out laughing and having fun, comforting each other in times of sorrow, helping with each other's children, your children playing together. Be careful to not see the faces because these are yet unknown people to you.  Say the following:

Some have left and gone away, I do not wait another day. Their friendship gone, time has past and left a space for friendship that will last. I call to those who want the same, though I do not know your name. An ye harm none, by the breath of air, the wave of water, the mountain of earth, and the sun of fire, Lady and Lord, as I will so mote it be.

Finish by thanking those attending and closing your circle.


*Image from Words To Inspire the Soul facebook page

Yule/Christmas Ritual

Yule (Dec 24 at sunset through Dec 25 at  sunset*) -

The God's Son is born!  With His arrival He brings His Father's light back to the Earth.  The Goddess begins to awaken and care for Her newborn Child.  The God continues to protect both Mother and Child from above while His plan unfolds on Earth.  On Earth, Mother Mary is consumed with the Holy Spirit who gives her the wisdom to raise and teach Her Child.

*The date on Yule is difficult to place.  Three dates could easily be used: the day of the Winter Solstice, the Catholic day (above), or the Orthodox day which is generally January 7 or 8. Whatever fits your walk the best is the best one to use.

History -

For centuries the return of the light has been celebrated in many religions.  Among the many holidays are Christmas, Hanukkah, and Yule.  All are celebrated at a different time but are celebrated as holidays of light.  In the Christian religion the Light is the Son of God.  In the Pagan religion it is the light of the sun that is returning.  As Christianity started to spread, many Pagan rituals became incorporated as part of Christmas.  The history of Christmas is well documented but a good synopsis is at Wikipedia.  From the Celtic religion there is also the story of the Oak and Holly kings.  The Oak King battles the Holly King and in the end rings a new light to the world.

Decorations -

Traditional decorations for Christmas are evergreens, holly, candles.  The colors of red and green abound.  Pine cones and stars are wonderful decorations as well.  A nativity scene with the Holy Family can be the centerpiece decoration.  A decorated tree is also a tradition. 

Rituals -

There are many rituals that can be observed for Yule.  Gift giving, family dinners, and celebrations all figure into the wonderful meaning of the season which focuses on family.

When decorating with a live tree remember to say a blessing over the tree and thank it for bringing its beauty to you.  An easy blessing would be:

Evergreen that has come to me

Beauty you bring for all to see

Lights upon your branches foretell

Longer days and warmth so well

Thank you for being part

Of the festival in my heart

By earth, air, fire, water

I bless you.

Rituals that focus on family and the home are wonderful this time of year.  A simple family ritual would be to get a cauldron and a small paper for everyone.  Write or draw your wishes for each other.  Light a candle in the cauldron and form a circle around it.  Go around the circle and have everyone tell what they thought of and put the paper in the cauldron.

For a simple solitary ritual get a broom and white candle.

Open a circle as appropriate for your tradition and invite the Lord, Lady, and elements that you wish.

Light the candle and say:

Lady above, out of the darkness you have brought forth light.

While sweeping say:

I gather the darkness and night and sweep them to the light.

Sweep for as long as feels right.  Replace your broom and say:

I welcome back to earth the Son

The love and light that comes from the One

Lady of Love your Child comes this night

Never remove him from our sight

Bless him by earth, water, fire, and air

On this night so fair

Thank the Lord and Lady and elements for attending and close the circle.  Do not hesitate to go to Church to celebrate the birth.

Samhain Ritual

Samhain (Oct 31 at sunset through Nov 1 at sunset) -


The God has withdrawn to the Heavens and become the protector of the Goddess as She sleeps waiting to give birth to His child.  Her sadness at the separation from Him and her Son drives Her to slumber as the Crone.  The God's child steadily grows within Her, waiting to return to Earth.  The last of the crops are gathered in as part of the final harvest festival.  Our ancestors are honored as angels and agents of God, protecting and helping us from afar as God does the Goddess.

History of Samhain -
Samhain (pronounced "sow-en") has long been considered a time to honor ones ancestors.  Plates of food would often been left outside for the souls of the dead.  Candles would be placed in windows to guide these souls to the land of the dead.  While these souls roamed the Earth, it was tradition to carve a  gourd or small pumpkin to carry with you and in it place a light to confuse any malicious spirits one would meet.  The viel between the world of the living and dead is at its thinnest and communication with the ancestors the easiest it will be during the year.

At the same time this is a celebration of the New Year.  The Harvest is now complete and all the crops are gathered in.  A season of the hearth and home is upon us.

Decorations -

Any type of Harvest decoration is appropriate.  Colors of orange, black, and maroon invoke the autumn colors.  Apples, pumpkins, pomegranates, and gourds help to decorate the home and altars.

Rituals - 

The Samhain Ritual can be as simple or elaborate as you like.  It can invoke both the new year and wishes for what is to come as well as reverence for what has been.  Here are a few elements that can be included in your normal ritual style.

A very simple idea for Ancestor Meditation is a very powerful way to connect with your ancestors.  Take time to connect with them on Earth through pictures and mementoes of them.  Allow your heart and head to wander through memories of those who have gone before you.  Think about who you are and how your ancestors have formed you.  Then, recite your genealogy and describe each person you know.  Be sure to thank all those who re unknown to you.

Focus also on the new year.  Think of the last twelve months, what you liked and did not.  On a small piece of paper write what you would like to come within the next year.  Build a small fire or light a candle in your cauldron.  Light the paper on fire and allow it to burn in the cauldron while reciting:

Lady and Lord above
Hear these words
As I start this year in love.
My wishes for the coming year
I send to the winds
Help me see the intentions through
With earth, air, fire, water
By the love of your Son to come
As I will so mote it be.

Thank the Lord and Lady for the coming year and for their part in the unending Wheel.  Honor the fact that God has gone to be with those in the heavens for a time.  Celebrate with family and friends in the normal manner for Halloween as well.  If you belong to a Church that has services on this day to honor the Saints, do not hesitate to attend them.  It only furthers the rituals you have already done.

The Wheel of the Year

As I stated on the Facebook page I intend to publish a series on holiday rituals this year.  That starts with the Wheel of the Year for how I celebrate the Christian Wiccan holidays and how I tie them all together.  It actually makes sense when you really think about it.  First a listing of the major Wiccan holidays and their corresponding Christian holidays:

Holidays
Christian	Wiccan
All Saints Day	Samhain
Christmas	Yule
Candlemas	Imbolc
Easter	Ostara
Annunciation	Beltane
St. John's Birth	Lithia
Lammas	Lammas
No corresponding holiday	Mabon

Each Wiccan holiday, save one, has a corresponding Christian holiday.  I am not going to debate if this was done intentionally to Christianize the Pagans.  It is was it is, they are celebrated by both and therefore allow for great celebration among Wiccans who have adopted the Christian Trinity.

My personal belief is that within the Christian Trinity the Holy Spirit is female.  This is the subject of an entirely different post that still needs to be written but that is my belief.  Others adopt Mary, Mother of Jesus, or Mary Magdalene as Goddess.  There are many that can be Goddess.  However, whoever Goddess is she has these traits:

• She is the maiden, mother, and crone
• She is love and fertility
• She is wisdom, teaching, and justice

The God is God.  He is the ever living God who is the Creator.  His story is told by man in the Bible.  He is One with the Holy Spirit.  He has the following traits:

• He is knowledge and power
• He is judgement
• He is protection and comfort

The God is the consort of the Goddess and in turn the Goddess is the consort of the God.

The Wheel of the Year turns as follows:

Samhain (Oct 31 at sunset through Nov 1 at sunset) -

The God has withdrawn to the Heavens and become the protector of the Goddess as She sleeps waiting to give birth to His child.  Her sadness at the separation from Him and her Son drives Her to slumber as the Crone.  The God's child steadily grows within Her, waiting to return to Earth.  The last of the crops are gathered in as part of the final harvest festival.  Our ancestors are honored as angels and agents of God, protecting and helping us from afar as God does the Goddess.

Yule (Dec 24 at sunset through Dec 25 at  sunset*) -

The God's Son is born!  With His arrival He brings His Father's light back to the Earth.  The Goddess begins to awaken and care for Her newborn Child.  The God continues to protect both Mother and Child from above while His plan unfolds on Earth.  On Earth, Mother Mary is consumed with the Holy Spirit who gives her the wisdom to raise and teach Her Child.

*The date on Yule is difficult to place.  Three dates could easily be used: the day of the Winter Solstice, the Catholic day (above), or the Orthodox day which is generally January 7 or 8. Whatever fits your walk the best is the best one to use.

Imbolc (Feb 1 at sunset through Feb 2 at sunset) - 

The winter has ended!  The Child of God continues to grow under the guidance of His Mother and protection of His Father.  His light is starting to shine on the World.  The Goddess starts to let Him make His own way into the World to start His teachings in the tradition of His Father.  As the first fertility holiday, the Goddess moves toward Maiden as She prepares to become the Bride of the God again as Her Son finds His way without Her on His path as laid out by His Father.

Ostara (as set by the Church for Easter, sunset the night prior through the day's sunset) -

The light and darkness is equal at this time.  On Earth the light is proven equal to the darkness as The Child of God is crucified.  However, spiritual light overcomes darkness as Jesus conquers the world of the dead and rises, eventually taken to Heaven.  Here He awaits the union of the God and Goddess. The God comforts the Goddess through Her sadness.  Her tears fall to the Earth as rain.  They are bittersweet tears, for She knows that all humans must die but the conquering of the darkness gives Her hope.  New life starts to come from the Earth as it celebrates light overcoming darkness.  As the second fertility holiday, the God returns to the Goddess to comfort and court Her again, to show His love and tenderness for the world.

Beltane (Apr 30 at sunset through May 1 at sunset) -

The God and Goddess once again are united!  This is the third fertility holiday, celebrating the union of the God and Goddess in love.  The Baby is conceived during this time.  The Earth starts to produce more as the warmth of the love of the God and Goddess is evident.

Lithia (the eve before the Summer Solstice through the day's sunset) -

The Sun is at the peak of its power.  The God continues to be with his Bride and the earth remains fertile.  The fires originally lit on Beltane are lit once again to celebrate the light of God.

Lammas (July 30 at sunset through August 1 at sunset) -

Lammas is the first of the harvest festivals.  The grain is gathered in and loaves of bread are made and shared in celebration.  The God is needing to return to His place in the Heavens while the Goddess remains near the Earth to guide mankind as She may.  He spends more time away from Her and His light is felt less on the earth, but as a protector He always remains.

Mabon (the eve before the Autumn Equinox through the day's sunset) - 

This is the second of the harvest festivals, celebrating the vine harvest and wine.  God's presence is apparent on the Earth but weaker as He moves more toward being the protector above.  The Goddess, though sad, is comforted by the growing Child within Her, knowing the special role He will play in Her calling.  She continues in Her role as the Holy Spirit, guiding and teaching those on earth who wish to follow God's will.  She is the Great Mother who perseveres in guiding man to God as She moves toward becoming the Crone. 

A Ritual Bath

Many years ago every Friday night instead of going out I would stay home and take a purifying bath, one that was set to ground me and lighten my spirits at the same time.  It was a wonderful ritual that I have often thought of restarting.  The bath included:

a handful of either rose or lavender, for purification, happiness, and tranquility
a handful of salt, for grounding
one glass of wine, for happiness and elation

The wine gets poured in the water along with the salt and herbs.  Soak for a while.  Done regularly it is a wonderful ritual which allows you to center after a long week and prepare yourself for the weekend ahead.

As the year draws to an end...

Mabon is over and the wheel continues to turn.  I read this morning that a sense of foreboding is coming across many.  For me it is as well but that sense is mixed with excitement.  When I started this blog it was with the intent of sharing information.  I have found that sometimes sharing information on Facebook is easier as a lot is contained in images that one comes across.  And today on my computer I found a lot!  But, the blog is much nicer when I want to share something in this format.

I am looking forward to the upcoming year.  As this year draws to a close I am starting to think of what the next year will bring.  Will I fulfill my goal of sharing the meanings of the Sabbats?  Will I remember to post the ways that I find to incorporate nature into my everyday life?

I look back on the year and think of what I have learned and accomplished.  I planted my first ever urban garden and had wonderful fresh vegetables this year.  Next year I hope for more.  I planted a new herb garden which provided me with amazing flavors all summer long.  And as the year draws to a close and I harvest the final fruits of the year, I see the many dried herbs on my counter and think of the power they will have going forward as I use them because I put the time and energy into creating them.

In the year to come I want to create a garden blessing for Ostera.  That was one thing I wanted to do badly this year but was so focused on getting the gardens in that blessing them never happened.  I want to write a thanking ritual for Mabon to thank the gardens for everything they have given me.  Although we tried to thank the gardens at every harvest sometimes the thought slips your mind.

I was to try to better honor my ancestors this Samhain.  Although I often celebrate it, the honor to those who have passed before me seems to be missing.  I want to correct that.  I look forward to celebrating Yule/Christmas/Hanukkah with my family.  We are very multicultural in our household.

I thank those who have followed this journey and hope that this coming year I can provide many more ideas, food for thought, and continue to share as I continue to learn.  Although it may be a few days late, I am thankful for the harvest and for my home and family.  But, I am also thankful to have a place to grow and share.  I look forward to the new year!