Statement of Ritual Purpose - Imbolc 1999

by Kami Landy

Come, all you who have gathered.
Why have we gathered here this day? What joy, what holiness do we share?
It is the day of Bríd, Lá Fheile Bhrid, it is Imbolc - when the swelling in the belly of cattle and ewes is seen.
She brings us milk and hope, she strengthens us to endure to the end of winter, she heals and purifies, and inspires our highest dreams.

We gather in ritual, we join in celebration, calling to our gods and spirits, our ancestors and kin, we shall be purified with water of the well of Bríd, we shall kindle hearts fire and be reborn through the Críos Bríd - the girdle, the hoop of Bríd. With song and dance we shall celebrate the light's return, and rekindle the hearth of our people.
And as all women stand within the mantle of Bríd, healer and midwife, so shall each be granted a token and charm of healing - the Brat Bríd, the cloth for laying upon a woman in childbed or a sufferer in sickbed, for the blessing of Bríd to be on them. This is an ancient and sacred token, said to be seven years to reach its fullness of power. Bless it with the sacred fire and the water of the well of healing, carry it and use it well this day.

The druid asks: What three things does a sacred day require?
Good words, good will and good works.

What three guises wears our goddess and sacred guest this day?
The healer and hearth-mother, the poet and the smith.

What three blessings does she confer on those who greet her with honour, whose name means Bright Queen?
Richness of hospitality, inspiration's fire, and protection from fire.

Come then, with song and story, dance and joy, let us welcome Bríd of the Blessing, Brilliant Queen, gentle hearth-goddess, who keeps both sacred flame and holy well.

Web Hosting · Blog · Guestbooks · Message Forums · Mailing Lists
Allwebco Web Templates · Build your own toolbar · Free Talking Character · Audio, Fonts, Clipart
powered by bravenet.com