Is anyone planning to do anything for Imbolc (February 2)? Would anyone like to do a "remote ceremony" type of thing? I've read about them, but never participated in one. What I've read sounds like we would pick a time and everyone would do their own thing in their own homes (or preferred site) at the same time, while keeping in mind that this is a group activity, even if we aren't all together in one spot.

I'd be interested. I know I work that night, but I can take some time away to do something like that.

I'd be interested. We may not all be able to do it at exactly the same time though due to time zone differences.

Cool! I'll try to get it organized.

I'm going to plan to do mine at 8PM central time on February 2. (Also happens to be my 40th birthday.) If anyone else would like to try for that same time, or any time that evening, feel free. I'd like to know who all else is planning to be involved, so that it feels more like a group ritual, even if we aren't in the same place. Easier to visualize if we know who's participating.

That would be 7pm for me in California so I will do it with you. Do you have a ritual you want us to use or just do our own?

yes please what are we doin

Roweanne, if you'd like I can post a couple of simple rituals for people to choose from. I don't really do elaborate rituals or normally cast circles.

me neither

8Pm works great for me, too. I'm central as well.

Ruth, sounds interesting. Would look forward to seeing them

Okay, I will post a few ideas tomorrow and then everyone can kinda do their own thing on Tuesday night.

Hundreds of years ago, when our ancestors relied upon the sun as their only source of light, the end of winter was met with much celebration. Although it is still cold in February, often the sun shines brightly above us, and the skies are often crisp and clear. As a festival of light, Imbolc came to be called Candlemas. On this evening, when the sun has set once more, call it back by lighting the seven candles of this ritual.

I am going to post information from this site as I found it to be simple and straightforward. There's a lot more information on the history of Imbolc and other rituals there if you want to take a look.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolcfebruary2/Imbolc_February_2.htm

First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc. You'll also want to have on hand the following:

Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)
Something to light your candles with
A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles
Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron
Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite.

(I will probably just put my candles on a plate and I don't use ritual attire, but I figure all of you already know how to tailor this to suit your preferences)

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won't slide around. Light the first candle. As you do so, say:

Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.
In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.

Light the second candle, saying:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Light the third candle. Say:

This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.
That which is outside, shall stay without.
That which is inside, shall stay within.

Light the fourth candle. Say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Light the fifth candle, saying:

Like fire, light and love will always grow.
Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.

Light the sixth candle, and say:

I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.

Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun,
cover me in your shining light.
I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am
made pure.

Take a few momemnts and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damanged.

When you are ready, end the ritual. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.

Since it's also the waning moon and the beginning of the year, combined with this Sabbat of purification, I may write down those things I want to be freed of this year and burn them in a cauldron, fireplace or the flames of the candles.

I like those. If anyone else would like, you may absolutely post some ideas. I don't think that we should limit ourselves to everyone doing the same thing, as it may not be practical for everyone. I believe some of you have to work that evening. This sounds like it will be fun!

I agree! I just posted what I thought would be a simple and inexpensive ritual, but everyone should do what they feel comfortable with. Even if you just light one candle with us that would be cool! This was a great idea, Roweanne.

I'm looking forward to this. How exciting! I will be very busy between now and tomorrow evening, so I won't be able to get back online until Wednesday. But I'll be with you in ritual tomorrow evening. Merry meet again soon!

Brighid of the mantle encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.
Beneath your mantle, gather us.
And restore us to memory.

Mothers of our mother,
Foremothers strong,
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how
To kindle the hearth.

To keep it bright
To preserve the flame,
Your hands upon ours,
Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light,
Both day and night.

The mantle of Brighid about us,
The memory of Brigid within us,
The protection of Brighid keeping us
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness,
This day and night,
From dawn till dark,
From dark till dawn.

~Caitlin Matthews