February 2nd Ritual for Candlemas

Candlemas, the highest point of spiritual power between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, is also known as Imbolc, Brigid’s Day, and the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin. Many Wiccans use this sabbat (holy day) as the special day to initiate new witches. Brigid, the Celtic goddess and saint honored on this day, is connected with both the elements of fire and water, both powerful powers of purification.

Essential elements for this Candlemas ritual are a cauldron, white candles, a bough of cedar, a small bough of pine, a small bough of juniper, a small bough of holly, incense, red cotton thread or yarn, a stone for an altar, and a bowl of water.

The leader of the circle should purify the circle with the fire of the incense while invoking the four directions to raise power. Place your altar stone north of the circle, and place white candles on and around the altar. Cast the circle:

Face east and say:

    Welcome, Guardians of the East, bringing your fresh winds, the breath of life.

    Come to the Circle on Candlemas.

Face south and say:

    Welcome, Guardians of the South, bringing us heat and health.

    Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Face west and say:

    Welcome, Guardians of the West, bringing the setting sun and nourishing gentle rains.

    Come to the circle on Candlemas.

Face north and say:

    Welcome, Guardians of the North, bringing life-bringing rains and snow.

    Come to the circle on Candlemas.

While meditating on the concept of purification, make a bouquet of the four branches and wrap it near the bottom with the red cord. The red symbolizes Brigid’s fiery aspect, while the four trees stand for purification. Bow with it to each of the four directions. Bow last to the north, over the altar stone, and say:

    Bright Brigid,

    Sweep clean our homes and spirits on this sacred day.

    Purify our souls of the dullness of winter, and help us prepare for

    the light of summer.

    Brigid of the white hands, Brigid of the golden curls,

    Bless us all. So mote it be.

All respond:

    So mote it be!

The ritual leader dips the tips of the branches in the water and sprinkles the circle and each participant, saying:

    Blessed Brigid, may your water heal us and make us whole.

Leave the bouquet on the altar stone as an offering to Brigid.

Imbolc Invocation: Calling Forth the Guardians

Candlemas, also known as Imbolc, is the highest point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. This festival anticipates the coming of spring with banquets and blessings. Tradition holds that milk must be served, and modern pagans have expanded that to butter cookies, ice cream, cheeses and any related foods. It is an important time to welcome new members of your spiritual circle and new witches into a coven. Candlemas is a heartwarming occasion, but it is still a wintry time, so kindling for the hearth or bonfire should include cedar, pine, juniper and holly along with wreaths of the same to mark the four directions alongside white candles in glass votives. Strong incense such as cedar, nag champa or frankincense will bless the space. The circle leader shall begin the ritual by lighting incense from the fire and begin by facing each direction, saying:

Welcome Guardians of the East, bringing your fresh winds and breath of life. Come to the circle of Imbolc.

Welcome Guardians of South, you bring us heart and health. Come to the circle on this Holy Day.

Welcome Guardian’s of the West, place of setting sun and mighty mountains. Come to us.

Welcome Guardians of the North, land of life-giving rains and snow. Come to our circle on this sacred day.

The leader should welcome each member of the circle and speak to the gifts they bring to the community. Everyone should acknowledge each other with toasts and blessings and break bread together in this time of the coming season.

Imbolc Invocation: Calling Forth the Guardians

Candlemas, also known as Imbolc, is the highest point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. This festival anticipates the coming of spring with banquets and blessings. Tradition holds that milk must be served, and modern pagans have expanded that to butter cookies, ice cream, cheeses and any related foods. It is an important time to welcome new members of your spiritual circle and new witches into a coven. Candlemas is a heartwarming occasion, but it is still a wintry time, so kindling for the hearth or bonfire should include cedar, pine, juniper and holly along with wreaths of the same to mark the four directions alongside white candles in glass votives. Strong incense such as cedar, nag champa or frankincense will bless the space. The circle leader shall begin the ritual by lighting incense from the fire and begin by facing each direction, saying:

Welcome Guardians of the East, bringing your fresh winds and breath of life. Come to the circle of Imbolc.
Welcome Guardians of South, you bring us heart and health. Come to the circle on this Holy Day.

Welcome Guardian’s of the West, place of setting sun and mighty mountains. Come to us.

Welcome Guardians of the North, land of life-giving rains and snow. Come to our circle on this sacred day.

The leader should welcome each member of the circle and speak to the gifts they bring to the community. Everyone should acknowledge each other with toasts and blessings and break bread together in this time of the coming season.

Sabbat of Imbolc: A February Festival

Imbolc translates to “in the milk,” which reflects the lambing and calving season that begins around this time. The idea of purification also runs through February festivals such as Purim, Candlemas and Lupercalia. Take the opportunity to start “spring cleaning” a bit earlier than you usually do to help chase away the winter blues. And of course, February holds Valentine’s Day, a now-secular celebration of affection and friendship.