
HERAUT : In this circle and the apparent world, i proclaim the opening of this Imbolc ceremony. her symbol is the snow drop , the sacred symbol of the Goddess, that blooms radiantly in the snow.
DRUID : Northeast is the place of the young child, a place of wind and water, the place of Imbolc, the season of Brighid. With water we are refreshed and purified while we can hear the spirits voice in the wind.
NORTHEAST : Lady, the snowdrops have made their way up through the cold, wet Earth and we dream of your return.
ALL : Lady, return to us and bring us spring.
DRUID : Southeast is the place of the light that rises, in the place of energy and fertility, Beltaine and the may hawk. Let our inspiration not extinguish.
SOUTHEAST : The birds are ready to return from their winter sanctuaries and the trees are in waiting to grow new leaves.
ALL : Lady, return to us and bring us spring.
DRUID : Southwest is the place of the high summer, the place of Lughnasadh, the feast of Lugh. He/she guards and feeds the fire. His/her heart is the heart of the ceremony. May it be warm.
SOUTHWEST : The plants that have been harvested and have returned to you in Earth are on the virge of returning renewed.
ALL : Lady, return to us and bring us spring.
SOUTH : Northwest is he/she that leads and sings the rythms of movement during the dark times of Samhuinn, where the caves of the soul are situated. May his/her voice and our actions be powerful. May we endure the storm of sound well.
NORTHWEST : During this night we remember the Goddess of Winter, the Cailleach, whose time is passing. We now await the return of the Virgin.
ALL : Lady, return to us and bring us spring.
DRUID : See how everything around us is air and fire. The leaves of the trees speak to us on the breath of the wind. In the heart of the forest we find the seed of the fire. The leaves whisper about the one that came with youth and hope. The Lady is near.
NORTHEAST : (steps forward with the snowdrops and says:)
Welcome Brighid, mild virgin, bathed in the white, nurturing milk. The fire of spirit is in your eyes. Bless us with the breath of life.
(stands next to south)
SOUTH : (steps forward with a candle and says: )
Welcome Brighid, Queen of the south, with your inner fire that touches the sun. may we feel the radiant warmth of your love in our hearts. Bless us with your inspiration.
(northeast and south walk to northwest and stand beside him/her)
NORTHWEST : (steps forward) Welcome Brighid, seeer and guide, lead us safely through the sacred labyrinth to the center of the spiral. let the light of the young one bless us with healing.
(northwest leads and walks northeast and south in a spiral around the center of the circle – Northeast places the snowdrops by the central fire. – SOUTH lights two large candles)
NORTHWEST : Brighid, guard our fire, this is your night.
(all three return to the northeast again walking in a spiral – South places the two candles or lanterns there to make the northeast gate – Everyone returns to their original places)
DRUID : In the name of the protectors of this Order and all present here, i welcome you Lady Brighid. Come and bless us all again with your presence.
LADY BRIGHID : (walks to the northeastern gate while carrying a lantern and the water, steps though the gate to the middle of the circle, puts down the lantern, raises the bowl of water and says: )
I bring this water of healing and renewal so everyone who is willing to thread in my footsteps can bring joy and inspiration to these lands.
(walks sunwise around the circle, pours a little water in the stretched out hands of each participant while saying : )
May this water bless you.
(returns to the middle of the circle, holds the lantern up and says: )
See the light that i have cherished. Every one of us has carried a little flame within from the moment of Alban Arthan, during the dark and cold period of winter. The Light of the sun will soon be powerful enough to warm up our hearts once more.
(goes back to the northeastern gate)
DRUID : Brighid is the Goddess of the well and flame, of fire and water. But she is also the Goddess of poetry and healing. If anyone has a poem, meditation or healing to share, please step forward and share it with us.
Excerto da Cerimónia do Imbolc realizado pela OBOD
www.druidry.org/
Bright blessings for everyone