At Imbolc we celebrate the coming of spring and the end of winter. Most pagans celebrate the goddess Brighid during this holiday, while others prefer Punxsutawney Phil. While not the longest night of the year, it is generally the coldest. I went camping on Imbolc once and I'm pretty much never going to do that again. Try to feel the cold a bit before this ritual so you can better appreciate the spring you are summoning in.
This ritual is designed for two participants but will work perfectly well for one. If you are solo you will have to read both parts. You'll need a candle to represent the god, a candle to represent the goddess, and a large candle to represent the holiday in either white or red. You'll also want several smaller candles―this is a fire festival, after all! Tealights will work nicely. If you would like to decorate your altar/temple/house/pet, the colors of the holiday are red and white. Okay, so, the colors vary depending on which source you consult, so feel free to change them if you feel they should be different.
Cast your circle and call your quarters as you normally would, with one exception. There should be no light to represent the darkness of winter, so no electric lights or candles just yet. Go ahead and use some for illumination if you require them, but they should have no magickal significance and should be extinguished before you begin reading the lines below. The first person should read #1, the second #2.
#1 reads: We come in darkness to this place, in the depth of winter, when the night is blackest and the air is coldest.
#2 reads: Though tonight is the worst, a new day is beginning to dawn. The wheel is turning.
Light the Imbolc candle. Feel the heat of its flame warming the air and its light illuminating the room.
#1:Though tonight is the worst, a light has been lit. The fires burn for the approach of spring, the life of summer.
#2: The fires burn fiercely, and the night is shattered. Our shadows stand behind us as the dawn approaches.
Light the god candle.
#1: Great god, you have seen us through the night. Join us besides the fire to herald the day.
Light the goddess candle.
#2: Great goddess, you carry the flame of hope. We warm ourselves at your flame until we may dance beside you in the sun.
Light the remaining candles, feeling the heat and light multiply.
Both: The Lord approaches. The Lady approaches. Spring approaches. We will guard this sacred flame until the spring arrives.
Meditate on the approach of spring, the blessing of life, and the importance of vigilance. If you have spellwork to perform or blessings to ask of the gods, do so now. Proceed when finished.
#1: We thank you for the lessons of winter.
#2: We thank you for the joy of summer.
#1: Go in love and trust.
#2: We await your return with joy.
Bid the gods farewell, then close the quarters and temple as normal.
Happy Imbolc!
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