IMBOLC Pagan celebration of Fertility & New beginnings.Here I will help you set up your Altar &a

The Traditional Pagan celebration

Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was celebrated with much joy. Although it is still cold in February, the sun often shines brightly in beautiful crisp blue skies. As a festival of light & new beginnings, Imbolc became a celebration of fire and fertility,often referred to as Candlemas. So on this festival evening, when the sun has set once more, hold your own Imbolc ritual as explained below.

** Note: although this ceremony is written for one, it can easily be adapted for a small group.

First, arrange your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of IMBOLC.

Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm SALT BATH.You can add fresh sprigs of Rosemary or some essential oil of Rosemary and frankincense. ( or my IMBOLC RITUAL OIL ) While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification & NEW BEGINNINGS. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire,keep in mind the colours red,orange and white. Then begin the rite.

You'll need:

Seven candles, in red, oranges and white ( My handmade tealights are perfect for this)

Something to light your candles with.

A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles

Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron.

Sprigs of Rosemary and frankincense. ( these represent the God and Goddess)

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle do so now.

Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand along with the sprigs of Rosemary and some drops of frankincense & as you light the first CANDLE recite the following...

Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.

In the chill of winter, this candle holds bright.

Light the second candle, saying:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Light the third candle. Say:

This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.

That which is outside, shall stay without.

That which is inside, shall stay within.

Light the fourth candle. Say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Light the fifth candle, saying:

Like fire, light and love will always grow.

Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.

Light the sixth candle, and say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.

I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.

I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.

Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,

cover me in your shining light.

I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am

made pure.

Take a few moments and meditate on the light of your candles.

When you are ready to end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing rite.

"The god and goddess now bring us light, As winter dies and all is bright.

As they rest in bed so warm and near, The frozen ground does disappear.

For their love so pure without fragility...It brings about a blessed fertility.

From the Earth again, to sprout and bloom, the joy is felt throughout this room.

So mote it be "