MeeWah
I am volunteering to lead the ceremony for Candlemas/Imbolc, & I hope that is agreeable. The ritual will begin January 19 to give everyone who wants to participate time to do so.
Tarotbear's idea of preliminaries before we commence with a virtual ritual is excellent, so I am doing the same.
Candlemas or Imbolc is also known by other names--among them: Feast of Lights, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Brigid's Day, & others.
It is one of the 4 Sabbats or solar rituals marking the Sun's cycle through each of the seasons, observed in the Wiccan calendar.
The ceremony marks the Goddess' recovery from childbirth, after giving birth to the Sun God. Through the life-giving power of the Sun, the days grow longer & the first stirrings of Spring begin. The festival is celebrated with fires in the form of candlelights, torches & bonfires; representing illumination, inspiration, warmth, the renewal of life after the dark, cold, & restrictive life of Winter.
This is one of the traditional times for coven initiations & self-dedications.
Besides the usual altar accoutrements, a symbol of the season is also included. White flowers such as snowflake or rowan (the first flowers of Spring) decorate the altar along with an unlit orange candle & a lit red candle.
For this group observance, there will be an orange candle for each participant.
The procedure will be as follows:
Calling the quarters.
A Blessing Chant.
Invocation of the Goddess.
Invocation of the God.
A few words stating the purpose.
Each participant, in turn, will light an orange candle from the red candle. Each will "walk the circle clockwise" holding the candle & gaze into its flame. Reflect on what it means to us personally; visualize the corresponding creativity of the season imbuing us with vitality. Offer our individual words/prayer to commemorate the occasion.
A Simple Feast. Traditional foods are dairy products; also spicy foods, spiced wines associated with the Sun's energy.
Dismiss the quarters.
Release of the circle.
If I've omitted anything, please speak up!!
Tarotbear's idea of preliminaries before we commence with a virtual ritual is excellent, so I am doing the same.
Candlemas or Imbolc is also known by other names--among them: Feast of Lights, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Brigid's Day, & others.
It is one of the 4 Sabbats or solar rituals marking the Sun's cycle through each of the seasons, observed in the Wiccan calendar.
The ceremony marks the Goddess' recovery from childbirth, after giving birth to the Sun God. Through the life-giving power of the Sun, the days grow longer & the first stirrings of Spring begin. The festival is celebrated with fires in the form of candlelights, torches & bonfires; representing illumination, inspiration, warmth, the renewal of life after the dark, cold, & restrictive life of Winter.
This is one of the traditional times for coven initiations & self-dedications.
Besides the usual altar accoutrements, a symbol of the season is also included. White flowers such as snowflake or rowan (the first flowers of Spring) decorate the altar along with an unlit orange candle & a lit red candle.
For this group observance, there will be an orange candle for each participant.
The procedure will be as follows:
Calling the quarters.
A Blessing Chant.
Invocation of the Goddess.
Invocation of the God.
A few words stating the purpose.
Each participant, in turn, will light an orange candle from the red candle. Each will "walk the circle clockwise" holding the candle & gaze into its flame. Reflect on what it means to us personally; visualize the corresponding creativity of the season imbuing us with vitality. Offer our individual words/prayer to commemorate the occasion.
A Simple Feast. Traditional foods are dairy products; also spicy foods, spiced wines associated with the Sun's energy.
Dismiss the quarters.
Release of the circle.
If I've omitted anything, please speak up!!