Imbolc Blessings to all!

“Welcome Brigit            

Brigit is come

Brigit is welcome              

Welcome Brigit

Brigit is come

Brigit is welcome

Welcome Brigit…..”*

Intoned seven women dressed in white gowns and red cloaks approach from the north.

Intoned seven men in red trousers and white blouses with red cloaks approach from the south.

When they reach the clearing each procession continued round the circle, sun-wise, until the circle was complete.

And then the women walked again until they were placed woman, man, woman, man describing the circular clear in these mid-winter woods.

A thin sliver of the new moon peeked through the clouds.  Stars shone upon the gathering.

In the center of the circle stood three facing out towards the circle and forest beyond, a fire at their backs.

The first holds a pen and larger book.  The second a chalice of sacred water.  The third a chalice of flame.

The three faces of Brigit.

Each speaks in turn.

“I bring the gift of inspiration that your words may flow true and reflect your heart.  That your ears may hear that which is said.  They you may have true and hard conversations when hard conversations are needed.  That you will speak and write so others can hear your message the passion of the Bards of old to light up the beauty of your soul.”

“I bring the Sacred Flame that burns at the heart of the world and in all beings.  The flame may warm your hearth and cook your food.  But the flame can also destroy.  Guard it well.  Use it wisely. 

“And should your soul yearn to flower, I also bring the heat of my forge to temper you and bring you to a clean, clear edge!”

“And I bring the Healing Waters that refresh, offering life and love itself.  The waters heal all manner of ailments from the body and heart to the soul.  From the personal to the public and political.  The waters nourish plant and animal life alike.  Drink and be awakened, refreshed!”

Two now speak.

“The healing waters and the sacred flame also offer a glimpse of what may come to pass.  Look deeply into the Waters; gaze long into the Flame and see what you may.”

So saying the three moved out to the people on the edge of the circle, passing from one to the next.  She of The Pen and Book went towards the northeast; She of the Flame towards the south; and She of the Waters towards the northwest.

Each woman and man inscribed their names in Brigit’s book that she may gift them with the power of Right Speech.

Each one warmed their hands at the flame and gazed long into the dancing light to find the parts of themselves that might want tempering.

Each one dipped their hands in the herb-scented waters, cleansing and rejuvenating themselves.  Then they looed deeply hoping to see what the season may bring, what they may bring to the season.

The circle complete, the three returned to the center speaking, “We are Three.  And We are One.  We have brought you our gifts.  Now is the time for your offerings to us, the yourselves, to community and your world.”

One by one each woman and man stepped into the firelight and spoke.

“I pledge to write daily and send my writing out into the world to offer the words of my heart and soul,”  offered one.

“I pledge to write three letter of postcards to my elected officials each week.  And to send them.”

“I pledge to run for office in my local community.”

“I pledge to gather a group of like-minded people in my community to sponsor a refugee family.”

“I pledge to work at the local soup kitchen weekly.”

After each pledge the Three-in-One rang the anvil with their hammer three times sealing the bargain.

Pledges made, the company sand and danced round the fire, round the Three-in-One, Brigit.  They sang until their voices lost the words.  And then they sang pure sound.  The creatures of the night; the coyote, the fox, the raccoon, the owl sand with them or held silence as was their habit.  Until the people also came to silence.

And in the silence a wondrous golden light grew and grew.  Moving from the Three-in-One into the hearts of each woman and man who had gathered, honored and pledged.

And when the people remembered who they were, the Three-in-One had vanished, but in each person’s heart was now kindled a renewed flame.

Some bathed themselves in the golden light that remained.  Some stood still in awe.  Some bend over to touch the earth, offer Her a portion of the same energy for Her healing.

But soon the time had come.  And the women who had moved between the men began their processions, walking anti-sun wise this time as they gathered to leave this place made sacred with their rites.

And as they walked from this place, women to the north, men towards the south, they sang,

“We will never,

never loose our way to the well

of Her memory

And the power

Of her living flame it will rise

it will rise again!”*

*Songs from the Reclaiming Tradition. 

Welcome Brigit by Beverly Fredricks, found on the CD ‘In the Arms of the Wild’

“We will never” by Starhawk, Rose May Dance and Raven Moonshadow

Image of Brigit by Hrana Janto and is part of The Goddess Oracle deck, text by Amy Sophia Marashinsky