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.

Phases of the Moon

Performing a spell at the optimal time in the lunar cycle will maximize your power. As you read the rites and rituals in this book, keep this elemental magic in mind: Each lunar cycle begins with a new phase, when the Moon lies between the Sun and Earth so that the illuminated side cannot be seen from Earth. The Moon gradually waxes until it has moved to the opposite side of Earth. When it has reached the far side of Earth, its lit side faces us in the full-moon phase. It then wanes until it reaches the new-moon phase again.

The entire cycle takes a month, during which the Moon orbits Earth. To determine the pattern of astrological signs governing the Moon, you will need a celestial guide or almanac. My favorite is Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide. The Moon moves from sign to sign every two or three days. 

Powers of the East, West, North and South Sanctuary Spell (Waning Moon, New Moon)

Every kitchen has a box of salt. This most common of seasonings is essential to physical health and also the health of your home. With a bowl of salt alone, you can purify your home every day and have a “safe zone” for ritual work. You can leave a bowl of pure salt in any room you feel is in need of freshening; the salt absorbs negativity. Many a witch uses this homely approach on a daily basis early in the day, tidying up and cleansing energy to charge a home with positivity.

In your kitchen, take a bowl of water, freshly drawn and a small cup of salt. Take the vessel of water and sprinkle in as much as you feel is needed. Anoint your fingers by dipping them in the salt water and then around your third eye in the middle of your forehead.

Now turn to the east and say:

Power of the East,
Source of the Sun rising, Bring me new beginnings.

After speaking, sprinkle some of the water in the eastern part of your kitchen.

Face south and say:

Source of the Starry Cross, Place of warmth and light, Bring me joy and bounty.

Scatter droplets of salt water in the southern direction.

Face the west and speak aloud:

Powers of the West,

Source of oceans, mountains, and deserts all,
Bring me the security of the ground beneath my feet.

Scatter droplets of water in the west side of your kitchen.

Face north now and speak aloud:
Powers of the North,
Bringer of winds and the polestar. Show me vision and insight.
Sprinkle water in the northern area of the room.

End this ritual by sprinkling water and salt all around your home, especially around windows, sills, doorways and thresholds where energy passes in and out as visitors and delivery people come and go. In this way, you are cleansing and managing the energy of your space. After a distressing occurrence, you can repeat this ritual and then leave a bowl of salt out for 24 hours so it can rid your sacred space of negative “vibes.”