Shining Lakes Grove Liturgists Worksheet: Imbolc 2002

(Webmaster's note: This is the worksheet used by the folks running the ritual. Italics indicate an action, bold indicates the person performing the action (or a ritual prop, or a song title), and plain text is spoken during the ritual. The blanks ( _____________ ) indicate a ritual role which will be filled by a lucky volunteer chosen at the ritual. It could be you!)

Preparing ourselves for our time with the Gods and Spirits
Processional and Purification: ____________ / _____________ / ____________
Come We Now As a People
Come we now as a people
Together, to gather at the sacred well.
Come we now as a people
To gather in the warmth and the light of the flame.

Bardic invocation for our eloquence and inspiration: Michael or Davroz
Welcoming the Allies, the spirits of the people and their gods who lived in this land before us: Fox?
Honoring our Mother Ana: Rod
Unity Chant: One Voice
I join my voice to yours, we are one voice
Our words ring out together to call us home
I join my heart to yours, we are one heart
One breath, one mind, one Grove, we are one

Statement of purpose: Rob
On this icy, snowy day, when it seems that winter still has its grip on the land, we gather at our community hearth and remember that spring is not so far away. And we honor the goddess of our hearth, the many-skilled Brid, who teaches us that within each of ourselves are the skills or a sage, a warrior, and a producer. For the gift of winter is introspection, and with Brid's help we can concentrate on and develop those disparate functions that make us whole, both individually and as a community.

Declaring Center and opening the Portals
Well, Fire, and Tree: Tree: _______________ Fire: _______________ Well: _______________
Portal Song

By Fire and by Water
Between the Earth and Sky
We stand like the Worldtree
Rooted deep, crowned high.

Come we now to the well....
...The eye and the mouth of Earth
...And silver we bring
...The waters of rebirth
...Together we sing:
CHORUS

We will kindle a fire
...Bless all and with harm to none
...And offerings pour
...A light 'neath the Moon and Sun
...Our spirits will soar.
CHORUS

Gather we at the tree
...The root and the crown of all
...Below and above,
...Together we make our call
...In wisdom and love.
CHORUS

Acknowledging the Outsiders-the forces of chaos and change: ____________
Invocation of Manannan mac Lir, our Lord of the Dead, to guide and protect us in the Otherworld: ____________

Acknowledging and honoring our guests
Ancestors - our beloved dead: ____________
Nature Spirits - the spirits of the land and its creatures: ____________
Deities: Lugh, Aren, Danu, and Bel(feel free to offer a silent welcome to your own gods): Michael
Archetypes - acknowledging the three societal functions within us: ____________
Deity of the Occasion: Bríd (Rob)
Holy Brid, exalted one, we call to you today:
Queenly goddess and radiant flame,
Sage counselor and teacher,
Poetess who kindles inspiration's fire.

Noble Brid, bright arrow, our defender we call:
Lady of sacred well and iron sword,
Healer and midwife, bestower of blessings,
Smithwoman who forges our community.

Wise Brid of all crafts, we call you to our hearth:
Weaver and brewmistress,
Milkmaid and baker of bread,
You who provide hospitality, accept ours today.

People of Brid,
We wait by the fireside for Brid--
Smith woman, Poet's Fire, Ancient Source of Wisdom.
Goddess and Woman and Saint, We call to Brid,
Come in! and Welcome.

Crowd (kneeling)
"Brid, Brid, come to our house, come to our house tonight! "

Giving and receiving
Passing the bratach - To direct praise and energy; to build a group offering

Group praise:
The Way to the Well
We will, never, never lose our way
To the well of her memory
And the power of her living flame
It will rise, it will rise again.
Dance

Main sacrifice: offer the bread

Omen of return: runes (Rod)

Rob initiation

Return Blessing: Brat Bríd / barmbrach

Cauldron blessing: Newest mother

Welcoming new members, officers, and guild members, and bestowing other honors

Unwinding and closing
Recessional:
Walk With Wisdom
Walk with wisdom, from the hallowed place
Walk not in sorrow, our roots shall ere embrace
May truth be your brother,
And honor be your friend,
And luck be your lover until we meet again.

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