~ Imbolc/Candlemas Ritual for the Solitary Witch ~

Place a circle of thirteen stones on your altar, within the circle of
stones place a circle of thirteen candles. Within the circle of
candles
should be spread some {ex.} corn meal, maize and in that a waxen
female
candle to symbolize the Goddess on your altar.

On the eastern side of your altar you should be place a small sheaf of
grain with a candle inserted inside it.

You may dress in your usual ceremonial garb for magickal rites or
skyclad, as you wish to.

Bathe in salt water { by using sea salt } before the ritual. As you do
so picture the water cleansing the soul and spirit, just as it
cleanses
the body. When you have dressed, anoint yourself with a holy oil.

Once you have prepared yourself, sit in a low-lighted quiet place and
light a candle { a candle that is not being used in the rites }, and
meditate on how at this time of year the Goddess in her fiery aspect
as
light was welcomed back into the Temples and in the homes of the
land.


Take this candle and walk to your altar. Place it in the circle of the
thirteen candles. Then light the two altar candles, which are separate
from the circle of lights also, and the incense { incense should be
stick or powdered incense on charcoal in a swinging censer }. Now,
light
all the quarter candles in the four directions, starting in the East
and
going clockwise.

Cast your circle in the usual way, and Invoke the Goddess by saying
these words:

'Sacred womb, giver of the secrets of Life,
Mother of all that exists in the Universe,
I ask your guardianship of this gathering
and your assistance in my work.
I am gathered in celebration of your gifts and my work is most holy.
So Mote It Be'

Now, Invoke the God by saying these words:

'Fire of the sky, guardian of all that exists in the Universe,
I ask your guardianship of this gathering
and your assistance in my work.
I am gathered in celebration of your gifts and my work is most holy.
So Mote It Be'

{ you may continue with the circle casting if it is not already done }

Light the thirteen candles and then the Goddess candle in the center
and
say these words:

'Warm and quickening Light
awaken and bring forth beauty
for thou art my pleasure and my bounty
Lord and Lady
Osiris and Isis"

{ or you may substitute whatever names your circle uses for the God
and
the Goddess, or those you personally prefer }
Reflect a moment on the coming of the light and offer up the incense
and
say these words:

'O ancient Ones
Timeless Goddess and Sacred King
who art the heralds of springtime and it's bounties
be with me now in celebration
Hail to Osiris and Isis
Harvest giver and blessed Lady
Let this be a time and a place sacred to your power and your beauty
So Mote It Be'

Light the candle that is in the sheaf of grain and hold it up with the
loaf of bread in the other hand and say theses words: { or the cakes,
whichever you or your tradition uses for the cakes and wine/juice
ceremony }

'My Lord and Lady,
as the seed becomes the grain,
so the grain becomes the bread,
Mark the everlasting value of our seasons and their changes'

Break a piece of the bread or cakes off and burn it as an offering in
the central candle, and say theses words:

'In the deepest Icy Winter the seed of the Earth lies deep within the
womb of the Great Mother. The Spring brings the heat of the Father and
with their joining comes new life. The completion of the cycle brings
food to the children of the world. As I taste the food I shall know
the
wisdom of the cycles and be blessed with the food of wisdom throughout
my life'

Consecrate cakes and wine/juice in the usual manner and partake of
them,
but first raise your chalice or and say these words:

'Hail to thee Isis
Hail to thee Osiris
For thou art blessed'

After this commune in meditation with the Lord and Lady for a while,
then close the circle in your usual manner.

Author unknown
BB