Returning Light and Unity

Imbolc Moon 2004

Leader B will Cleanse/Smudge Participants at the door asking:
Leader B:
Do you enter of your own free will?
Participant: (if yes response, continue: if negative response, “go in
peace”)
Leader B:
Enter then in peace

Chant: Welcome Brid
Enter NE if possible, otherwise go clockwise to find a place
chanting as we enter the sacred space. After everyone has settled in…

Leader A: Hail thou great and powerful ALL. Thank you for your
presence here and for your nearness at all times. Please, bless us with your
protection as we gather in this sacred place.

Leader B:
From Light to light the circle is cast

(Beginning with Leader B and light candles one by one passing the
light to the person to left).

Leader A: Hail thou great and beautiful Moon we thank you for your
beauty, for you blessed light and for your flawless rhythms. We gather now
to worship at the fullness of your precious light. We are between the
worlds.

Leader B:
Greetings those who are gathered here.
Welcome one and all.
Tonight we gather to celebrate many things.

(Imbolc: Blessing of seeds and milk, offerings to the Earth and Brid)

Leader A: It is now the holiday of Imbolc and at this time many turn to
thoughts of the Maiden Goddess, Brid. It is a time to celebrate the
increasing light, the return of the precious sun. Let us each take a
moment of silence to thank our deities for this blessing and the promise of
the coming spring.

Leader A: Great and Powerful ALL that which is the life force and
component of all things. Bless now these precious seeds. For we recognize
that every seed is a miracle unto itself, as it holds within the blessed
gift of life. May these seeds be representative of all growing things
upon our Mother Earth. And, as the sunlight’s warmth returns and living
things begin to stir please bless the plants that they may grow strong
and healthy in field, pasture, garden, forest, and throughout all
lands. (If outside pour the blessed seeds on the ground, if indoors place
them in a bowl and take the offerings outside afterwards.)

Leader B:
The meaning of the word Imbolc is Milk or Lamb’s Milk. It is so named
fo this is the celebrated time of year when the Ewes bring forth their
precious milk. In honor of the time of year and the turning of the wheel,
I ask a special blessing from the ALL upon this precious, life giving
liquid, upon this milk, and also on all people and all creatures that
they may thrive in the coming spring.
(If outside pour the milk on the seeds and ground, if indoors pour on
the seeds already in the bowl and take them outside afterwards.)

(Ceremony of the Growing Light)
Leader A: Let us join together in a ceremony of unity and of the
growing light. For as we are gathered here tonight, we have many things to
think about. In the last two years, we have been blessed to witness an
amazing transformation. We’ve watched a struggling, separated, and often
angry argumentative group of individuals become a powerful presence in
unity with our congregation and each other.

Leader B: We recognize tonight that every spirit, that is gathered here,
is a very precious gift. Each life, each soul, each talent, each being,
visible or invisible, all are precious gifts. And all give of
themselves in service every day, to friends or family, strangers or employers,
in purpose or duty.

Leader A: In recognition of past gifts, of gifts to come, and of your
presence here tonight I’d like you to come forward, one by one, beginning
in the east, home of the rising sun, and place your candle on our
communal alter.

While this is done
Leader B: Behold the blessed growing light.

When all have brought forth their light
Leader B: See how little by little each contribution strengthens this
communal glow.

Leader A takes the white roses, sunflower, or other tokens and gives
one to each individual in the circle saying:
Leader A: Thank you for your precious light. Be Blessed.

After this is done, the Leader A returns to the alter.
Leader A: For those unseen and in all times We thank you for your
precious light, sacrifices and gifts, Blessed be.

Leader B: Let us contemplate the light in silence.

Pause and reflect then the leader says:
Leader A: Great ALL which exists in every thing and every being thank
you for your blessings and protection here tonight. We are thankful for
your presence in every time and every place.

Leader B: The circle is open
Leader A & Participants: But never broken
Leader B: Merry Meet
Leader A & Participants: Merry part
Leader B: And merry met again
Leaders and Participants: Blessed be

Chant: Holy Well and Sacred Flame

Leave the circle by SW if possible moving counter clockwise; Chanting.
Leader B will stand at the edge of the circle/exit sprinkling/asperging
each participant with water and offering a parting blessing.

Carry this light in your heart.
Know you are loved.
Know you are worthy of that love.