The Sacred Glen
Volume #3 Issue #1
Imbolc 2009
The Sacred Glen is a publication of Daughters of the Greening online school. All articles within this ezine are written by students of the school and are their own personal property, unless otherwise credited. Daughters of the Greening is dedicated to teaching about the sacredness of all life and offers classes in Sacred Ecology, Holistic Healing, Discovering Past Lives, Faery Magic and Women's Spirituality. The school is open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older.
The Sacred Glen Council
Morgana Ravenwings
Dragonfly
Susan
Arlais
Spiralotus
In this issue:
Sacred Days of the Ancestors
Animal Medicine
Sacred Holidays Double Feature!
MotherCraft
Magical Crafts
Songs of the Muse
Sit a Spell
Spider Woman's Web
Sacred Days of the Ancestors
Holy Days
All Gods and Goddesses are aspects of the One Deity. Deity is both male and female and yet genderless. Deity is all forms and yet formless. Deity is within all. Deity is beyond all. Deity is all embracing love. With all that is known by all the world's sages, with all that is written in all sacred books, with all that is experienced in all spiritual traditions, we still cannot know the unknowable--
Deity is Mystery
February 2009....
2/3: Devi Puja--Day to fast from grains (and meat) and make offerings to Hindu Goddess Maha Devi. Flowers, incense, lamps, and vegetarian food are offered; bells are rung and drums beaten. Shaktas are devoted to Great Goddess Maha Devi in all Her aspects.
2/3: Setsuban-Sai--Shinto rite in which good fortune is invoked and evil exorcised. Shinto try to live in harmony with the cosmic forces of the Kami.
2/4: Vigil for peace, religious tolerance, and equal rights for all in Sri Lanka - now in the throes of civil war.
2/7: Mindfulness Day--Zen Buddhist day for being mindful that you, and all that is, are in the process of transformation.
2/7: Baha’i feast honoring the one Deity as Mulk - Sacred Dominion. Baha’is believe in the oneness of all humanity.
2/8 eve to 2/9 eve: Tu B’Shevat--Jewish Festival of Trees, celebrated with tree plantings and orchard blessings.
2/9 (9:49 a.m. EST): Full Moon (Cold/Seed Moon).
2/9 to 2/17: Navajo Sing--Festival in preparation for the coming agricultural season; celebrated with prayer, chanting, dancing, and healing.
2/11: First appearance of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lady of healing waters (France 1858).
2/13 to 2/15: Lupercalia/St. Valentine’s Day--Old Roman festival of God-Goddess Faunus-Fauna; merged with the Christian feast of St. Valentine - celebrating love of all kinds.
2/15: Nehan--Zen Buddhist celebration of the Buddha’s paranirvana (483 BCE). The Buddha taught an eight-fold path to enlightenment - right views, right aspiration, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right contemplation.
2/17: Toshigoi--Shinto rite honoring the Kami and offering prayers for a bountiful rice harvest. The Kami are manifestations of the one universal, primordial and eternal, immanent and transcendent Deity, Kuni-Tokotachi-no-Kami.
2/17 to 2/18 (A 3/30 to 3/31): Old Egyptian festival of Neteret Bastet, Cat Goddess who fosters domestic harmony. *
2/19: Beginning of Pisces (the Fishes).
2/22: Caristia--Old Roman festival for renewing family ties and patching up quarrels.
2/22 to 2/23: Mahashivaratri--Hindu fast, night vigil, and feast for God-Goddess Shiva-Shakti (union of Will and Power), who dances to create, destroy, and re-create the Universe. Tantric Hindus believe Shiva is within all men and Shakti within all women.
2/24 (8:35 p.m. EST): New Moon.
2/24 to 2/27: Iroquois Maple Ceremony??in thanksgiving for the Maple tree and its sugar.
2/25 to 3/11: Losar/Tibetan Buddhist New Year (Year 2136: the Earth Ox) & Monlam Chenmo/Great Prayer Festival--Commemorates miracles performed by the Buddha. Rituals, dances, and sculptures are offered to drive out evil spirits and to protect and benefit all sentient beings.
2/25 to 4/9 (OC 3/2 to 4/11): Ash Wednesday (fast day) and Lent--Christian time of purification by self-reflection, peace-making, reparation for harm done, and helping those in need.
2/28: Old Slavic Velja Noc/Great Night/New Year’s Eve--Spirits of the dead visit their living relatives, overseen by Veles, Lord of the Dead. Morana and Jarilo are born of Solntse (Goddess of the Sun) and Perun (God of the Sky).
March 2009...
2/25 to 4/9 (OC 3/2 to 4/11): Lent.
3/2 eve to 3/3 eve: Feast of Old Greek Goddess Artemis - as creatrix, midwife of birthing creatures, protector of the young, and punisher of child abusers.
3/2 to 3/20: Baha’i feast honoring the one Deity as ‘Ala’ - Loftiness, followed by the Fast - time of purification by fasting from sunrise to sunset.
3/7: Mindfulness Day--Zen Buddhist day for being mindful that you are connected to each and every sentient being that has ever existed.
3/7 eve to 3/10 eve: Anthesteria--Old Greek festival honoring Dionysos as Plouton, God of the Dead, and welcoming the visiting dead from Elysium.
3/7 to 3/11: Holi--Hindu festival celebrating the courting of God Shiva by Goddess Parvati, and the efforts on Her behalf by Kama (God of Love) and Rati (Goddess of Passion). Shaivas are devoted to God Shiva in all His aspects.
3/8 (2:00 a.m.): Daylight Savings Time begins - set clocks ahead 1 hour.
3/8 eve to 3/10 eve: Jewish fast of Esther and fest of Purim--Recalls a planned massacre of Persian Jews and their deliverance by Queen Esther; time for helping those in need.
3/10 (10:38 p.m. EDT): Full Moon (leaf/Seedling Moon).
3/10 to 3/18: Navajo Sing--Festival in which fields are blessed in preparation for planting. Navajos believe Estsanatlehi/Changing Woman wields the power to constantly create and change the world.
3/15: Mahayana Buddhist festival of Bodhisattva Tara/Kuan Yin/Kannon; celebrates Her “birth.” She declared women the spiritual equals of men.
3/15 to 3/21: Old Anglo-Teutonic festival of Goddess Ostara, celebrating the annual rebirth. Her Hare gave gifts of eggs - signifying rebirth.
3/16 to 3/20: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Spenta Mainyu, creator and protector of humans.
3/17: St. Patrick’s Day--Old European festival marking rebirth of Viridios/the Green Man/Green George (God as deciduous vegetation); merged with the Christian feast of St. Patrick.
3/19: Yoruba/Santeria feast of Osanyin, Orisha of Deciduous Vegetation.
3/19: Christian feast of St. Joseph, partner of Blessed Mary and foster-father of Blessed Jesus - honors him as nurturer, teacher, protector, and guide of all fathers.
3/19 to 3/23: Quinquatrus of Minerva--Old Roman festival of Goddess Minerva - as font of artistic inspiration.
_________________________________________________________________
Permission to use and distribute these excerpts is granted for non-commercial purposes, provided the following information is included:
Excerpted from
THE MYSTIC'S WHEEL OF THE YEAR 2008
A Multifaith Calendar Reflecting Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality
© 2007 Page Two, Inc.
info@WheeloftheYear.com
www.WheeloftheYear.com
By Morgana
The Boar, or wild pig, is an animal closely associated with Brigid, whose feast we celebrate on February 2nd (Imbolc). In Celtic tradition, Boars are associated with strength, fidelity, distinction and positive character. In some clans they were also venerated as sacred to prophecy and magical powers. Druids referred to themselves as boars because they lived alone in the woods and forests as solitaries. But in reality, boars usually live in small family groups. Older males sometimes remain solitary but will be quite aggressive in defending the young. They are very clean animals, contrary to popular belief, and they are truly the “king of their castle”. Part of Boar medicine involves the teaching of self-reliance, and learning to overcome in all circumstances.
Boars are surprisingly fast and very strong. They have a very thick skin and a short disc-like snout for rooting. Hence, boar medicine can be called upon when we need a thicker skin, such as when people are hurting us with words or innuendos, or when we need to metaphorically dig for our treasures. Boar gives us strength and honor and teaches us to stand up for family, protecting those who need our help.
Boar is a very powerful totem, and one that brings prosperity. It is very closely associated with Mother Earth, and the mysteries of nature. Connecting with this animal can bring new life and fertility.
By Morgana
Imbolc, also known as Oimelc (Irish), Candlemas (Christian), the Feast of Nut (Ancient Egyptian) and Groundhog's Day (USA) is a holy day in the Wheel of the Year celebrated on February 2nd. In pagan cultures, this day marked the time that was exactly halfway through the winter months. It was a time of beginning preparations for spring, a time of the ewe's milking, a time of noticeably longer and longer daylight. When Christianity took over many of these cultures, the church found that they could not eliminate many of the pagan holy days, so they simply converted the main themes to Christian ones. In this instance, Imbolc became Candlemas and St. Brigid's Day.
February 2nd is exactly 40 days after December 25th, considered to mark the birth of Jesus. According to Jewish tradition, women who gave birth to sons were ritually unclean for 40 days after the birth (60 days for daughters). It was customary for new mothers to present themselves to the priests on the 40th day to be purified so that they can again attend temple. Hence, this day marked the purification of the Virgin Mary after giving birth to Jesus.
This day was also set aside for the blessing of the candles to be used by the church in the up-coming year. This practice goes back to the 4th century. In the 5th century, many candles were also lit on this day symbolizing Jesus as the light of the world.
When Ireland converted to Christianity, it was very hard for the church to get rid of their old gods. So they permitted them to continue to worship the Goddess Brighid in the form of a Christian saint, Saint Brigid. Brighid is the keeper of the sacred flame and the guardian of hearth and home. She is also connected to smithcraft, healing, midwifery, inspiration and creativity.
Things to do on this day include the blessing of candles and any other tool for magic or prayer that you will be using in the coming year; beginning spring cleaning; leaving out a piece of clothing for Brighid to bless; lighting of many candles to encourage the return of the Sun; leaving out a piece of buttered bread as an offering for this great and ancient Goddess.
For more information on this Holy Day, visit here:
http://www.chalicecentre.net/imbolc.htm
By Morgana
Every year on February 14th, lovers across the globe celebrate their passion by giving each other gifts and cards decorated with lace, angels, animals and the arrows of Cupid. The color pink, the color of love, reigns supreme on storefronts and dinner tables. We are all familiar with the customs of this day of love, but where did these customs come from?
According to legend, St. Valentine was a bishop of Rome in the year 270 a.d. At that time, the Roman Empire was declining and being threatened on all sides by many enemies. Soldiers were needed, and the Roman Emperor Claudius II believed only single men could devote their full attention to saving the empire. To make sure there would be an abundance of single men to man the front lines, Claudius issued an edict forbidding marriage.
During medieval times, it was believed that birds mated on February 14th, so birds soon began to be a symbol on the handwritten notes that took on the name of the patron saint. By the 18th century, this now church sanctified holiday was strongly associated with love and romance. Gift giving and handmade cards featuring lace, cupid, hearts and birds were commonplace in England, and this soon spread to the new world.
Natural Sweet Treats
Submitted by Morgana
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Apples, oranges, nuts or bananas
Cellophane gift bags
Scissors
Construction paper
Marker
Hole punch
1. Place a piece of fruit in a cellophane bag and tie it closed with
a length of ribbon.
2. Cut a heart from the card stock and add a message. Or use our
template.
3. Punch a hole in the heart, slip it onto the ribbon, and tie a knot
to keep the note in place, if needed.
Here are some suggested messages:
'Orange' you glad it's Valentine's Day?
You're the apple of my eye!
I go bananas over you, valentine!
I am nuts for you!
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?
page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11582
For more great craft ideas for kids go to:
http://familyfun.go.com/
Bridget’s Blanket
By Spiralotus
During Imbolc I always teach my students to put out their "Bridie Blankie" for healings.
For the women who are training with me in Wise Woman craft, they know this is an important part of our traditions. Somewhere around January 31st to February 3rd, I ask them to select a special blanket that they will use for healings only. After washing it, they are to put it outside in the evening and leave it out all night. It is said that when you do this the Goddess Bridget will come and bless it, charging it with healing energy. Then in the morning we thank the Goddess for her gifts and collect our blankets.
This has a practical use also. I teach my students to use crystals in their healings and we lay the stones on a person's body. This provides a barrier when crystals are put on more sensitive or personal areas. Sometimes there is a person who comes for a healing and they have been hurt by rape or abuse. Using your Bridie Blankie gives the client a safe cover so they feel protected. I teach my students to say the blessing, "May the mantle of Bridie surround you" when they put the cloth over the person.
This is a wonderful tradition that gives us a practical and healing tool for our work. It is a great way to invoke the Goddess Bridget into your work.
Many Green and Bright Blessings ~ Spiralotus
Welcome to the Lair of the Dragonfly
by Amber Hunt
Goddess of light, Goddess of healing, Goddess of fire.
I am yours.
From your sacred flame I was reborn, into light, into wellness of body, mind, and soul.
I am yours.
Your energy is woven into all that I am, all that I do, all that I ask and receive, all that is for me.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Thank you.
Musings of the Dragonfly
I am a complex being, as are we all. I come from a long earth lineage of Celtic and Nordic kin, and a spirit lineage that reaches to the stars and beyond.
I was called into this lifetime. I heeded the call, somewhat reluctantly. I knew my work here would be difficult at times, and the place I was in as spirit was quite luscious. In coming back to Earth, many came forward to assist in my journey as sacred companions, each committing to the heart and truth of our purpose and offering support and love as fuel for success. My choice was made, and to Earth I returned.
I choose parents who were deeply connected to earth and spirit, but in a less-than-fully-conscious manner. They provided me with space to explore and deepen into my early awareness of sacred relationships, the interconnectedness of spirit and body. In choosing my parents, I also chose their blood, the codes of human history. And with that choice, came the conditions of my human form, some of which were what I sought to avoid as I contemplated not returning to Earth.
Depression is something that came in my blood, depression relating to a chemical imbalance. I often felt as though my brain was misfiring and my depression was felt at an early age, as early as I can remember. It affected all my relationships, all my potential joy and happiness, and often left me unable to express or fully communicate my feelings, as many could not understand nor even simply connect to the inner space I was in as my depression raged on. Some days were good, even beautiful, but many, many years of depression left me feeling empty, weary, and wounded. My heart hurt, even in the glorious but fleeting moments of bliss. Depression was a darkness that sought to consume me, my flame, and at times I was ready to release into the darkness and return to spirit. My son was born during the last few years of my depression. I often feel that it was for him that I reached the end of that way of being at that time.
How this end was reached was a surprising and life-changing gift from the Goddesses. It came to me during my Celtic Shamanic Training that I was forever changed and healed from my bloodline's disease. We were working with the Goddess Brigid, and were seeking her wisdom and guidance for a special intention. My intention has been forgotten, as the results of the journey far exceeded anything I could have held hope for.
In my Shamanic Journey, as I always did when seeking Brigid, I went into the woods and built a fire for her, and she came to me, looking as she always did and does, soft, strong, tall, with flowing locks and bright eyes and a playful smile at her lips. She came to rest across from me, with the fire between us. She looked upon me and saw within my soul, the bare bones of my blood and spirit. I opened myself to her. As I let her in, the fire grew, and the circle expanded from Brigid to include additional Goddess, of all places and spaces within the Earth and surrounding Cosmos. The circle of the goddess grew and held space around the fire, their bodies and souls connected, opening a portal for transformation.
I stared at the portal within the red orange flames of the fire, and to all the Goddess around it. They waited, and in that breath of pause, I made my choice. I stepped forward, and entered into the fire. In spirit, there is no physical pain, and as my earthly body burned away, my flesh released and returned to spirit, my blood released to the past along with all the ancestral codes. As my human body left, what remained was a glowing translucent human-like shape, white-blue in color. I was open, I was empty, and I was ready to be filled.
One by one the Goddesses came forward as they offered a part of them to me, to fill the form that was to hold what I needed for my earth walk. Each of them gave me a gift, a part of their essence, to shape and guide me, to grow and strengthen, to heal and restore me, to honor and bless me. As their energy flowed into me, and grew me back into human flesh, I knew, then and always, I was different. Obviously on a spiritual level, but I knew within, my bones and blood, I was healed, of my depression, of my blood's pain. That day, I emerged as the phoenix, reborn from the ashes of my old body, into a new and luminous being of infinite potential, with the energy of the Goddesses as my blood and bones.
Theirs is the gift that keeps on giving, guiding and growing me from their essence. I belong to them, and give to them my all, my heart, soul, body and blood. It has been nearly four years since my rebirth, and each day I have never returned to the darkness that was my fight and fear for so long. Though I do not forget that which I once was, for it helps me to understand the depths of human existence, and to hold space for all layers of being, light to dark, joy to pain.
In honoring their gift to me- each day I hold my light open and bright, for all to see and know, my heart open in love, my voice open in song, my hands and feet hold strong to the beat of the Goddess's drum, each one drumming their own sacred rhythm, all uniting together to create a wave of sound and presence.
I rarely share my story though, in such detail as this. What I know, is that miracles do indeed happen, and to be open and ready to enter the fire at any time. In honor of Brigid, a blessing from her to you- May the healing fire of Brigid enter into your heart and make whole the places within that hold you in pain, in fear, in darkness. May her fire help you to transform into the luminous being you came here to be. May you dance always with the Goddesses, embraced by them as their beloved.
An Imbolc Meditation
By Arlais
Imbolc is the festival of lights, a celebration of the coming spring and the growing strength of the Sun God. Come with me now on a journey to the palace of lights.
Before you stand the most beautiful palace made of a creamy marble. Although it is dark, the walls gleam in the light of the moon appearing almost silver. Everywhere you look there are lights. Candles burning in delicate, crystal lamps attached to the walls, scattered through the formal gardens, hung on the trees.
You move towards the palace, following the path towards the great mahogany doors which are inset with abalone. As you approach the doors open and you enter a wonderland of lights. The interior is gleaming white marble inset with gold that reflects the myriad crystal lamps in which pure white candles burn.
You move forward and enter a huge chamber and are greeted by a strange figure concealed within a white hooded robe shot with quicksilver. Before you are candles; beautiful creamy-white candles arranged in a spiral pattern. They burn with clear flames. You marvel at the sight, but then you realize that not all the candles are lit.
You turn to the Guardian who begins to explain.
"Each candle represents a happy point in your life beginning here, at the start of the spiral, when you were born and continuing on through your life, spiraling outwards to where you are now."
As she speaks, you begin to remember the happy things of childhood, birthday parties, treats, family love and little things like wonder at the first blossom of spring, joy of a summer's day, and pleasure of reading a good book. There are so many things that often pass unnoticed now, in your adult life. You realize what it truly means – to count your blessings.
Your gaze turns now to the unlit candles which increase in number as the spiral turns outwards to the present.
"Each unlit candle stands for some sadness and disappointment. As you aged you lost that childish wonder and simple acceptance of joy. It is time to rediscover pleasure". The Guardian indicates one unlit candle from your recent life and you recall a dreary day of toil.
"What was good about that day?" the Guardian asks.
You puzzle for a moment and then remember a ray of brightness on that day – things like the smile from your neighbor, the bunch of flowers you bought, the sun filtering through the trees. As you remember, the candle bursts into flame. Encouraged, you walk along the spiral, remembering and lighting candles as you go. You have learned the secret of life.
You turn to thank the Guardian but she is gone and around you the
palace fades as you return to normal time. Remember the gift of the
Guardian and use it well each day. Learn to find joy in life again.
Blessed be!
An Imbolc Ritual
By Arlais
Imbolc – the festival of lights and the herald of spring in which we celebrate the growing strength of the Sun God. Come with me now and experience the joy of spring.
Imagine yourself as an icicle hanging from a tall and majestic fir tree in a winter wonderland of snow and ice. All is quiet and still. Most animals are still asleep, waiting for the warmer weather before they stir. A few intrepid explorers come into view, a group of otters leaping through the snow and tobogganing on their stomachs, playing chase and enjoying the clear air.
But something is changing. You feel softer, looser, and freer than you have all winter, since the icicle formed. A dripping sound catches your ears and you look round, realizing that the thaw has begun.
Water is dripping from the icicles, snow is melting and the day is warming. The melt water feeds a small brook, now flowing again and gathering force as the thaw takes hold. Suddenly you feel as if you are falling, and you too join the mass of crystal clear water.
As you are carried down in the brook you notice the signs of spring all around you. Early flowers and shoots, crocuses, snowdrops, catkins, are all beginning to show. You hear birds beginning to sing as the strengthening sun coaxes them to think of the summer to come. You sigh with pleasure at the beauty and promise of early spring.
The brook has swollen to a small river with the sheer force of the melt water the current is fast. You consider how you fit into this mass of water, wonder what your future role will be, whether you will flow to the sea, whether you will be picked up by clouds to fall as rain, whether you will be drunk by an animal or absorbed by a plant and become part of their bodies for a while. And then, as the vision fades, you realize that this brook is a metaphor for life, for your position within the mass of humanity. You wonder whether you are reaching your potential, whether you are serving yourself, serving your community and serving the whole world in the best possible way.
You vow that with the freshness of the coming spring you will give yourself a fresh start, honoring yourself, your race and the whole of creation, and take joy and pleasure in the process.
Blessed be!
The altar is set with a pentacle wheel, a green goddess candle, a yellow god candle with acorns, a white spirit candle and three white candles representing the three aspects of the Goddess, the bride’s bed and brideo'ga
Red Lady of the east; White Lady of the south; Grey Lady of the west and Black Lady of the north, by the will of the Four Queens I cast the circle of power; by their will the circle is complete.
(Lights spirit candle) The Lady stirs in her winter sleep and the world stirs with her, waiting in anticipation of the spring.
(Lights north candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Northern Watch tower, powers of earth and winter. The Maiden awakes, the time is now. We invite you to join the light as we celebrate the sacred rite of Imbolc and welcome the spring.
We bid you hail and welcome.
(Lights east candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Eastern Watch tower, powers of air and spring. . The Maiden awakes, the time is now. We invite you to join the light as we celebrate the sacred rite of Imbolc and welcome the spring.
We bid you hail and welcome.
(Lights south candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Southern Watch tower, powers of fire and summer. . The Maiden awakes, the time is now. We invite you to join the light as we celebrate the sacred rite of Imbolc and welcome the spring.
We bid you hail and welcome.
(Lights west candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Western Watch tower, powers of water and autumn. The Maiden awakes, the time is now. We invite you to join the light as we celebrate the sacred rite of Imbolc and welcome the spring.
We bid you hail and welcome.
(Lights Goddess candle) I welcome the Lady Brigid to our circle. "Hail unto you Lady Brigid of the spring. We invite you to join us this night as we celebrate the glorious Sabbat of Imbolc and welcome the first signs of spring.
We bid you Hail and Welcome
(Lights God candle) Hail unto you Lord Lugh, the Shining One. We invite you to join us the night for our rite of Imbolc. We bid you Hail and Welcome
(Lights inner cross points of the wheel) As the wheel comes alive, as the Sun grows in strength, as the world moves to Spring, as the Maiden dreams of the God may the blessings of the season bring new hope to all present
(Moves acorns from the God candle to the bride bed and lights the three white triple aspect candles) As the God and bride are joined, as the earth abounds in life, may blessings fall upon your homes and keep all safe through the coming year.
Blessed be!
This is the celebration of spring, the festival of lights, and the joy at the return of the Maiden and at the growing strength of the God. It is also a time to look forward to the coming year. Let us help our plans on their way with our act of power.
Feel yourself growing lighter so that you start to float gently up towards the ceiling. Feel yourself rise higher, up through the ceiling, through the roof, passing through as if they were just mist. Feel yourself rising higher so that the towns and cities look like children's models, higher still until the Earth is just a blue/green jewel far, far beneath. As you rise, think of the things you wish to accomplish this year, your plans, your hopes and your dreams. Build them in your mind, make them real, and view them as successful and complete.
You feel yourself come to a stop. You look around and find yourself in the void of space lit only by the sparkle of the stars. Before you is a mass of what looks like mist, a swirling vortex of gases and you realize that this is a special mist, a sacred mist. Throw your hopes, plans and dreams into this mist and see them swirl around until, suddenly, the Mists explode in a mass of blinding color and a star is born. Within that star are your completed and successful plans, hopes and dreams. Reach out and claim them as your own.
As you begin to descend again back towards the world, towards this circle, look back at the star and memorize it. Know that it will be there in the sky above you, guardian to your plans, guarantor of success, for this is a sacred and special Star of the Mists.
Slowly, gently, return to your body as we proceed towards the close of our ritual. Remember the work done this night and know it will come to pass.
So mote it be!
I will now thank the Goddess for all of us.
I bless the chalice and offer it to the Goddess and the God. Lady Brigid and Lord Lugh, we ask you to accept our thanks and small offering as a symbol of our love.
Blessed Be!
(Snuffs inner wheel candles and three aspects candles) By the love of the triple Goddess, by the power of the Maiden, may your homes be blessed and may your year be bountiful
Blessed be
And now we bid farewell to our guests.
(Snuffs God candle) Lord Lugh, of the Light, we thank you for your presence at our Imbolc Ritual this night. Go if you must but know your welcome remains. Be with us always. Blessed be!
(Snuffs Goddess candle) Gracious Lady Brigid, you have graced us with your presence and love this night and we offer our own love to you with thanks. Go if you must but know you are forever welcome. Be with us always. Blessed Be!
(Snuffs west candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Western watchtower. We thank you for your presence this night. As your refreshing rain nurtures the first flowers of spring we welcome the time of the Maiden. Go if you must, harm none, but know you are welcome to stay. We bid you Hail and Farewell!
(Snuffs south candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Southern watchtower. We thank you for your presence this night. As the strengthening sun caresses the first flowers of spring so we welcome the time of the Hero. Go if you must, harm none, but know you are welcome to stay. We bid you Hail and Farewell!
(Snuffs east candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Eastern watchtower. We thank you for your presence this night. As your gentle breezes bring us the scent of the first flowers of spring so will we look forward to the light half of the year. Go if you must, harm none, but know you are welcome to stay. We bid you Hail and Farewell!
(Snuffs north candle) Hail to thee Guardians of the Northern watchtower. We thank you for your presence this night. As your fertile soils support the first flowers of spring so will our hopes grow within the love of the Goddess. Go if you must, harm none, but know you are welcome to stay. We bid you Hail and Farewell!
(Snuffs Spirit candle) Red Lady of the east; White Lady of the south; Grey Lady of the west and Black Lady of the north, by the will of the Four Queens this circle is open but never broken. Let love remain forever in our hearts.
Blessed Imbolc!
Here are some links we love!!
http://www.audubon.org/
The mission of the National Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.
http://www.earthtimes.org/
Covers news and issues affecting: the environment, education, society, business, culture, media, nature, politics, and population.
http://www.nature.com/index.html
"The world's best science and medicine on your desktop"
http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=4
Visitors to The Rainforest Site can save a free area of rainforest with the "click of a button."
http://www.defenders.org/
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities.
http://www.earthtrust.org/
Projects include: "Saving Whales with DNA," "Project Delphis: Dolphin Cognition Research," and "DriftNetwork: Keeping the Seas Free of Driftnets."
Links to Daughters of the Greening:
Information on Courses
Tarot Readings
Prayer Requests
Email: school@daughtersofthegreening.com
Subscribe to this newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the_sacred_glen
