A Teaching Imbolc

 In our area there are a group of Pagan Homeschoolers, so we all decided to get together for the Sabbats and do some Rituals with the children - since 90% of us are Solitary Practitioners it's the first time our kids have seen anyone other than Mom and/or Dad doing 'Pagan-y Things' ((as my youngest would say)). This Sabbat I was in charge of both the lesson and the Ritual for Imbolc. Here is what I came up with....

 

I think Imbolc is a great time to explain the importance of men and women in our culture. So often I catch myself speaking about the Goddess and Her importance - even knowing the importance the God holds as well. After reading some articles to that affect, I began to think how my male children might be coming to view the importance of the female deity over the male - the two working in harmony are at the core of Imbolc. The name Imbolc means literally "in the belly" as the Maiden Goddess is represented or symbolic of the seeds and roots being held safe and warm in the belly of the soil - just waiting for spring. As well as all the animals that find themselves with a babe in the belly at this time of year. The young god is getting stronger - shining his warmth and light down upon us for a little longer each day - helping these tiny kernels to also strengthen and prepare for spring. Without the God working with the Goddess we'd have no end to winter and the cold. Each day He gets stronger and His voice calls to Her with more charm, coaxing the earth toward warmer days. Right now the God is still a youth - so His light has little warmth, but as the days get longer His light grows stronger into warmth. The earth is preparing to produce life - both in plants and animals. Even people can't make babies without the male and female working together.

 

With this in mind I suggested we find some small brooms the girls in the group and pair with the boys. The boys can hold paper lanterns. Before we do the circle, the girls can sweep the area clean, walking with a boy who shines light down on our Ritual Space. This way our boys and girls can see how the God and Goddess are working together as well. We are sweeping away negativity, but we are also sweeping away the dark and cold of winter - preparing for the warmth and light of spring. In this same vein, the children made candle holders, so they better understand that we are welcoming in the light and warmth - it's right around the corner. Even as we thank the winter for the earth's time of rest, we are looking forward to the Wheel turning ever forward.

 

Our Group Ritual  -  

One candle (unlit of course) is on our altar. One of the girls gets to wear a paper crown of candles (with the candles circling her head), and one boy gets assigned to the covered candle and wears the horned one crown (also of paper, representing the God). All the other girls will get silk flower wands the other boys can wear a single candle crown (paper again) - they can even color them and decorate them before beginning the ritual.

 

The one running the ritual (acting as HP) gets everyone in the circle - boy girl with adults interspersed. One boy next to the covered candle at the alter and the girl with the multiple candle crown (representing the maiden goddess) off to the side.

 

The HP casts the circle with everyone standing in the circle but for the Maiden Goddess. Once the circle is cast the HP lights the Deity candle and invokes the Deity saying, "This is the time of the feast of torches, when every lamp blazes and shines, to welcome the rebirth of the God. We celebrate the Goddess, in her innocence and newness. We celebrate the God, growing stronger and true; All the Earth celebrates beneath its mantle of sleep."

 

The boy representing the God uncovers the candle, the HP lights it and says "The memory of Winter is strong and fresh, but I light the Fire of Spring and rejoice that the Wheel has turned. Today we celebrate the return of Spring, the restoration of light. Today we welcome the Goddess of Spring! Today we cheer on the Maiden for protecting the roots and seeds in her loving embrace. Today we celebrate the cycle of life!" Everyone cheers.

 

The boy passes out the candle crowns to the boys as the HP says, "All the land is wrapped in winter. The air is cold as the days are dark, and the earth is coated in bitter snow and frost. But Lord of the Sun, Horned One of animals and wild places, unseen You have been reborn of the gracious Mother Goddess, Lady of all fertility. Today we celebrate Your growing strength! The young God growing ever stronger His light and warmth banishing the dark and cold. Today we celebrate the return of His strength!" Everyone cheers.

 

The boy returns beside the alter, the HP looks to the girl outside the circle says, "Come the Goddess returning as the Maiden, usher in the spring!" (the girl enters the circle and passes out the flower wands to the girls, as the HP continues) "Hail Maiden, Hail, Spring, and welcome" Everyone raises their arms (and wands and lanterns) and shouts "Welcome!"

 

The boy and girl move around the circle with the HP, they raise their lantern/wand as the HP says, "Blessed be the East with Springtime's inspiration!, Blessed be the South with Springtime's joy!, Blessed be the West with Springtime's innocence, Blessed be the North with Springtime's fertility. So mote it be, the Maiden Goddess and Young God have spoken!"

 

Back at the alter with the boy and girl flanking the alter the HP faces the circle, "Now we feel no more of Winter's chill, and within our heart Spring stirs." The HP carefully carries the candle around the circle saying "We shall bring the hope of Spring into the world as the Gods have brought it to us."

 

The HP pours milk into the chalice, the girl gently blows across the top as the boy places a single flower in it, the HP sprinkles a tiny bit of salt into the chalice then passes the chalice over the candle.  The HP turns to the circle and says "Blessed by salt and blessed by sea, blessed by Goddess breath and Fires, this blossom brings Spring to us, and with the Spring milk inspires." The chalice is passed around the circle as everyone takes a tiny sip. The process is repeated with an oak cake. Once everyone has partaken the milk and cake, a drop of crumbs and smear of milk go on the Fire candle, the HP then says, "Gracious Goddess, in Your restoration of spring, Winter's pains are forgotten. Light are our steps, delighted our hearts. We thank You, Bride, for blessing us with Your spark of the Maiden's newness. We thank you God for gracing us with your light and warming our spirits. We have paid you honor in our circle, now we bid you hail and farewell!" Everyone again raises their arms and says "Farewell", the God & Goddess leaves the circle. The HP closes the circle.

 

Due to the amazing amounts of snow we've had in the North East this year (our usual is around 30 inches for the season, we've gotten about 90 inches so far!) we had to post-pone our group ritual to this coming Saturday. I'm so looking forward to it~!

Brightest Blessings, 

Shannon