Shining Lakes Grove Liturgists Worksheet: Imbolc 1999

(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: We will never lose our way (trad.)
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.

Bardic invocation for our eloquence and inspiration: Mark, Rob and Fox walk around group and do "Wall of Sound" (Welcoming Brígit -written at Firewatch)
Welcoming the Allies, the spirits of the people and their gods who lived in this land before us: Rob
Honoring our Mother Ana: Michael and the kids
Meditation, grounding and centering: Kirn
Unity Chant: We are One

We are one              We are one with the Mother
With the soul           We are one with the Earth
Of the Earth            We are one with each other
Mother Earth            By our lives, by our births

Statement of purpose: A poetic introduction to the goddess Brígit and our ritual of honoring her as hearth mother and giver of inspiration and healing.

Declaring Center and opening the Portals
Well, Fire, and Tree: Tree:_________________ Fire:___________________ Well:____________________
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: Annette & Kestrel

Acknowledging and honoring our guests
Ancestors - our beloved dead: Kestrel (Place); Annette (Blood); Kirn (Spirit)
Nature Spirits - the spirits of the land and its creatures: Toad
Deities: Lugh, Aren, Danu, and Bel(feel free to offer a silent welcome to your own gods): Maria
Archetypes - acknowledging the three societal functions within us: Rob
Deity of the Occasion: Brigit
Community Brigit Invocation
Spoken by: Kestrel, Annette and Kami

Brigit I invoke this day,
In the high places and the low,
Beside the hearth fire and at the sacred well.
The gentle queen I call to her hall,
The place where the bed is prepared.

By her many graces I call to Brigit who graces us this day;
Grace of eye and grace of hand,
Grace of word and grace of will,
Grace of caring, grace of birthing, grace in mourning,
Grace of carriage, grace of courage,
Comforter and mother,
Brigit of the Blessings I name the one
Who blesses us this day!

Let us greet her, we who know her blessings.
Come weaver and poet,
Come brewer and baker,
Come mother and healer,
Come blacksmith and wordsmith,
Beekeeper and hearth-keeper, (then all three say):

Thus we call to our Mother and Queen; A bed is prepared at the seat of honor,
Come grace our hearth seat, Brigit we invoke this day!

Brigit's welcome
Kids and Michael
"Brigit, Brigit, come to our house, come to our house tonight!"

Biddys enter carrying Brigit doll - All kneel down then Biddys place her in bed by tree.

Giving and receiving
Passing the Loaf of bread - To direct praise and energy; to build a group offering
Group praise - Tonal chant
Main sacrifice:
Gen will hold the bowl of Brigit's water and say to each:
"Take of the water of Brigit, Bless your head, your hands, your feet & be cleansed."

Kestrel, Annette, and Kami will whisper in the ear of person being blessed:
"Be welcome and be blessed with the blessings of the triple Brigit.
Blessings of inspiration - silver on the tongue;
Blessings of hearth and healing - golden riches of honey;
Blessings of courage, wisdom and strength.
And the light of her flame to guide you this day - go forward to rebirth."

Mark & Rob hold up Críos so that people may be "birthed" then after birthing, lit candle is placed in cauldron. When all are done we sing:

Here is where the heart is
(c)1991 Wolfstone
Here is where the heart is, it beats our like a drum
Here is where the Mavis flies, where she once came from
Here is where the mother tongue resides
Far from the hands of hate and greed and lies.

This is where my home is, the shore the sea, the sand
This is where my family were raised from working hands
This is where the toil and sweat and tears
Knew only hardship through those working years

Here is where the heart lies like those who've been before
Here there are no broken ties with brothers on the shore
Here is where the spirit will return
No more to sigh no more to weep and mourn.

Omen of return :___________________________

Return blessing - Bread to all and Brat Bríd for women

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 e'er embrace
May truth be your brother,
And honor be your friend,
And luck be your lover until we meet again.

Invocations for the Three Kindreds

Ancestors
Written by Kami Landy
At this altar, with this candle, in this sacred place,
I call to you o'ancestors.
We welcome you to join us here, and welcome among us as of old
Brigit, hearth mother, who taught you - as you have taught us - the ancient arts of brewing and baking
and many great gifts. Ancestors, be welcome!

Nature Spirits
Written by Kami Landy
Spirits of Nature, you, who dwell within the land, gently waken to the steps of Bright Brigit.
Be welcome here among us,
You oystercatcher bird and hearth cat, honey bee and milk cow, you serpent coiled to do no harm - you companions of our highest queen, we honor and welcome you
Among all we welcome here today. Nature Spirits, Failte Mor!

Deities
Written by Kami Landy
High and Shining Ones, gods who are dear to our hearts and our tribe, be welcome here among us, be honored and join us in welcoming Brigit, honored among you.
She shares in all your gifts, Lugh and Aren, Stag god unnamed, and Bel and Danu before all. As warrior-smith, poet-teacher, weaver and healer and giver of plenty: Oh divine ones, share in the feast of Brigit.

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