Imbolc

Items needed:
Bell
Sabbat candle
Three white candles
Green candle
Incense:
Basil, bay, echinacea, and frankincense
Libations:
Braided bread
Cream or spiced liqueur

1.

Standing before the altar, ring the bell three times.

We are in the midst of winter,
celebrating the coming renewal.
Blessed be this sabbat of Imbolc.

2.

Light the sabbat candle.

Orb as Maiden, reborn and pure,
her innocence full of allure.
Beckoned to merry meet,
Sky continues his retreat.

3.

Stand before the altar.

Although the dark still reigns,
we come seeking light.
In the midst of the cold,
we come seeking life.

Light the first white candle.

Fire is the boundary,
turning darkness into light.
The unwanted is pushed out;
the wanted brought in.

Fire is the purifier, turning old into new.
The light is wisdom; the warmth is love.

Light the second white candle.

Under the growing fire:
the home clears and warms;
the ground stirs and warms;
Nature awakens and warms.

Light the third white candle.

Fire of Nature, warming home and ground,
cover us in your light.
We revel in your glow,
made pure and clean by your flame.

Light the green candle.
Stand before the altar with arms outstretched.

We rejoice in the rebirth of Orb.
Our Maiden, we welcome you to new life.
We share with you our warmth
and light a path to you for the returning Sky.

4.

Contemplate the unified light of the candles,
focusing on new life, new beginnings, and new goals.

5.

Present the incense.

We offer this incense
to stir the energies of winter.

Present the libations.

We share this food and drink
that keeps us strong during the cold.

Give the incense and libations to Nature.

- - -

(After the ritual, the celebration may continue with seasonal activities.)