corner

chapter 13

imbolc circle ritual

The Rite of the Three Brigids

The goddess Brigid (also spelled Brigit, Bride, and Brig) is an Irish-Celtic goddess and later became a Christian saint. She has been linked to other goddesses over the centuries, most notably Britannia and Brigantia, and she is also honored in New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Voudun as the loa Maman Brigitte. This ritual plays into her many roles throughout history and includes drawing downs of the Irish-Celtic Brigid but also the Christian Saint Brigid and the goddess Brigantia. Had I known a Voodoo priestess in my area when I wrote this ritual, it would have ended up being called the Rite of the Four Brigids.

This main focus of this ritual is Brigid, and after she is drawn down into her three Priestesses, everyone participating in the ritual will have a chance to ask her a question and receive a gift from her. Because Brigid is often associated with wells, we had her give coins to everyone who asked her a question and set up something resembling a well to receive those coins. This ritual also celebrates the return of the light and allows participants to share that light on one of three different altars. The three altars are each dedicated to one aspect of Brigid and represent community (Brigid), healing (Saint Brigid), and justice (Brigantia).

The setup for this ritual requires a great deal of floor space, three comfortable chairs for the Priestesses drawing down the Brigids, four altar spaces, a large bowl (or better yet, something resembling a well), and candles and coins for everyone in attendance (we used electric tealights and pennies from Ireland, respectively). We placed all of our electric candles in an adjoining room next to our main ritual space and kept that room dark (minus the candlelight) to represent the lack of sunlight in the winter. If an extra room isn’t possible, simply putting all the candles in a corner of the room will work just fine. Because we had access to a small circular stage, we placed the three Brigids and their chairs on top of that, about a foot up off the floor. Because of all the extras required for this ritual, this is probably not the easiest rite to put together, but it’s worth the effort.

This ritual also has a lot of roles. In addition to the three Brigids, each Brigid Priestess should have an attendant to watch over them during the ritual and help with the drawing down the moon portion of the rite. There’s also a narrator/master of ceremonies, a circle caster, four quarter callers, and ideally some sort of “wrangler” to manage the line of ritual attendees wishing to talk to Brigid.

The group I put this ritual together for has a tradition of having everyone in attendance say their name out loud at the start of the ritual (one at a time, clockwise in the ritual circle). I’ve always thought this was a pretty cool little ritual addition, so I’ve kept it here. In addition, since Saint Brigid is a part of the rite, instead of the usual quarter calls to elemental energies or watchtowers, I’ve added calls to the four angels traditionally associated with the four cardinal points of the compass. I address the angels individually as “they” during their invocations because I’m not quite sure if angels identify with a certain gender.

I suggest playing some sort of music during the middle part of the ritual to avoid any awkward silences or conversations between ritual goers and Brigid. When my group did this ritual, we had each of the three Brigids choose a color representative of the goddess they were drawing down, with their attendants dressing to match. This is obviously not necessary, but it looks impressive. In addition, each Brigid needs a veil, even better if it’s color coordinated with each High Priestess’s outfit. Instead of cleansing with incense (fire and air), we cleansed with sound using two small cymbals. This was done mostly because we were in a ritual space that didn’t allow fire or incense, but also because it’s one of my favorite uncommon ways to do a cleansing.

Ritual Roles

• Narrator/master of ceremonies

• Brigid (the goddess)/High Priestess

• Brigid (the goddess) attendant

• Saint Brigid/High Priestess

• Saint Brigid attendant

• Brigantia/High Priestess

• Brigantia attendant

• Four quarter callers

• Circle caster

• Line attendant

Materials Needed

• Standard altar setup

• Altar representing community (decorated accordingly)

• Altar representing healing (decorated accordingly)

• Altar representing justice (decorated accordingly)

• Two bowls of water

• A well or large bowl

• Three chairs for the three Brigid High Priestesses

• A veil for each High Priestess

• Pair of cymbals or a bell

• A coin for each participant

• A candle for each participant

• Cakes and ale

Hashtags

• #Deity, #WheeloftheYear, #Community, #NaturalWorld, #Angels

The Ritual: The Rite of the Three Brigids

Ideally the three High Priestesses embodying Brigid should be seated in throne-like chairs that sit above the floor. (When I first led this ritual, the chairs of our Brigids were placed on a small stage six inches off the ground.) If that’s not possible, their chairs could all be placed on a special rug or carpet in the ritual space. What’s important is designating that these three individuals are somehow different from everyone else at the ritual. The three Brigids should each have a veil over their face, with each veil a different color.

A small room off from the temple space is filled with small electric candles but is otherwise devoid of light. The candles will probably have to be set on some tables or pedestals. This room is kept hidden from all the participants until later in the ritual.

At one end of the hall sits a wishing well, and at the other end, three altars, each one dedicated to a different thing: community, healing, and justice. The Brigid attendants stand near their respective goddesses, with the narrator, quarter callers, and circle caster in the center of the ritual space (figure 5).

Figure 5

Figure 5. Imbolc Circle Ritual Setup

Saying of the Names/Statement of Intent

Narrator: Tonight we gather to celebrate the sabbat of Imbolc. Imbolc represents the returning light and the opening of the earth, that we might transition from winter into spring. But it’s also a holiday and a date sacred to the goddess who has always been with us, Brigid-deity, saint, protector, healer, and patroness of sovereignty. On her night, we now say our names so that she might know us as her own when the time is right.

Going deosil, everyone says their name out loud in the ritual space.

Cleansing of the Participants

Narrator: Before we can enter sacred space and commune with our Lady, we must all be cleansed and readied by the power of the four elements.

The narrator puts two bowls of water upon the altar pentacle and then puts their athame into each bowl. Any type of water will work here, but melted snow is great if it’s available, as is rain or spring water.

Narrator: I cleanse thee, O water, and cast out from thee all that might hinder our work. In the names of the Lord and the Lady, so mote it be!

The narrator takes a dish of salt and places it upon the pentacle, then places their athame into the dish.

Narrator: I cleanse thee, O salt, and cast out from thee all that might hinder our work. In the names of the Lord and the Lady, so mote it be!

The narrator takes their athame and removes three measures of “earth” (salt), placing it in the water. The salted water is then presented to the west and north quarter callers, who sprinkle it upon the participants, each one cleansing half the circle. As they sprinkle the participants, the narrator places a pair of cymbals (or a bell) upon the altar.

Narrator: I cleanse these cymbals and cast out from them all that might hinder our work. In the names of the Lord and the Lady, so mote it be! And now let the powers of air and fire wash over you, and may the purity of this tone cleanse and prepare you for the journey to come. So mote it be!

The cymbals are handed to the south quarter caller, who rings them at each of the four cardinal points. When done, they are placed back on the altar.

Casting the Circle

To cast the circle, start in the east and proceed deosil three times using a sword or an athame.

Circle Caster: I conjure, cast, and create this circle as a sacred space to be filled with love and the magick and wonder of the Lady Brigid. This circle is a vessel to a place between the worlds, where mortal and goddess might dwell among one another. It shall contain the magick we raise within it and share the light we will manifest. Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate this circle in the names of the Lord and the Lady. The circle is cast. So mote it be!

Calling the Watchtowers/Angels

East Quarter Caller: We call to the archangel Raphael, who dwells in the east and controls the winds that change the seasons. Join us in our rites this night and lend your blessings to our work. Hail and welcome!

South Quarter Caller: We call to the archangel Michael, who dwells in the south and controls the power of fire and that of the growing sun. Join us in our rites this night and lend your blessings to our work. Hail and welcome!

West Quarter Caller: We call to the archangel Gabriel, who dwells in the west and controls the waters of river and sea. Join us in our rites this night and lend your blessings to our work. Hail and welcome!

North Quarter Caller: We call to the archangel Uriel, who dwells in the north and controls the waking earth beneath our feet. Join us in our rites this night and lend your blessings to our work. Hail and welcome!

After each angel is invoked, that direction’s quarter caller should draw an invoking pentagram in the air in front of them with their athame, wand, or finger.

Call to the God and to the Three Brigids 30

Narrator: This night of Imbolc, we call to the Great God. Lord of the Sun, Horned One of the wild places, join us in our circle! Let us feel and see your growing power. Stand with us tonight as the world’s light is renewed. Help us to walk with the goddess as we celebrate the power and legacy of the great Brigid! Be with us as we work our will! Hail and welcome!

Slight pause here before Brigid is welcomed to the rite.

Narrator: Brigid is the goddess who never left her children. She was with the Celts in Great Britain and those upon the Emerald Isle of Ireland. She is a Pagan goddess, and her name means “exalted one”! But when the invaders came, she became a Christian saint so that she could remain with her people and hear their prayers, and she is also Maman Brigitte of the loa. Brigid can be found in the rites of Witches, the prayers of Catholics, and the dances of Voodoo, and on the lips of anyone who has ever invoked justice.

Imbolc has always been her sacred night. To the Celts, it was the start of spring and the return of the light. On Saint Brigid’s Night, she visited those who loved her and left them gifts. She is a goddess who wants us to be happy and endeavors to bring her followers hope and joy.

Tonight we celebrate Imbolc and the Exalted Goddess! Soon you shall be able to visit with her, where she will give you a coin. That coin can be placed in her well, along with a wish spoken in her name.

Brigid also brings with her the returning light of Imbolc. Through the darkness, through that door, is her light and the light of this earth. Walk through it and back into this world and into your heart. That light can then be placed upon one of her three altars. Our Lady is a giving goddess, and as she gives to us, we can also give of ourselves. Our first altar is for the light you shall shine in our community. The second altar is dedicated to healing: to healing hearts, bodies, minds, and the earth. And finally the third altar, which carries the light of justice. Place your light there for those who are oppressed and need their voices heard.

And now we will call the Great Lady to join us in her many guises.

Brigid (Goddess) Attendant: Tonight we call to the goddess Brigid, goddess of the forge, healing, creativity, and serpents! O Exalted One, be with us in our circle tonight! Let your love and light shine down upon us so that we might know your mysteries and connect with those who have gone before us. Great warrior goddess Brigid, prepare us for the battles ahead that we all must face, both alone and together.

O Exalted One, we thank thee for the gifts that will be bestowed upon us tonight. You are a giving goddess, and tonight we will receive your blessings in the form of a coin. As you want us to be happy, we will take that coin and place it in your well, making a wish in your name. Grant us our boon if possible, and let us feel your love all around us!

Brigid, Pagan goddess of the Celts of Ireland, be with us in this sacred space! Hail and welcome!

Saint Brigid Attendant: This night we call to Saint Brigid, she who would never forsake her children. When the New Religion forced its beliefs upon our ancestors, you stayed with them and then with us, transforming into something else so that you could remain among us unhindered.

Your sacred fires were never snuffed out, even during those dark times. And now at Imbolc, you offer your light to us once more. The days remain short and the nights long, but the promise of light calls to us. This night we will venture into the darkness and reclaim your light, the light of truth and spring, and share it with those who need it most.

Great Brigid, walk with your children once more and be with us in this sacred space! Hail and welcome!

Brigantia Attendant: And now we call to Brigid as Brigantia, goddess of justice and the righteous! Goddess of nations, we ask that you be with us tonight, to light our way in these dark times! Shine your truth upon us and the hearts of this nation that need it most! O High One, raise us up that we might do your work!

We yearn to reach the lofty ideals you offer to those who would listen! Let us take your light and share it with those who need it most. May that light heal this nation, those hurting and those in need of healing. May your light rekindle the passion and desire that fuels our collective will!

Lady Liberty, be with us, and may those who ignore your call suffer the consequences! Shine your light in our sacred space! Hail and welcome!

Drawing Down Brigid(s)

The Brigid Priestesses leave their chairs and walk down from the raised platform/stage (or move off from the special carpet their chairs are sitting on) to stand near their attendants. Their attendants stand next to them and perform the following drawing down ceremony while it’s read by the narrator. The attendants should kiss each body part of their Priestesses when indicated.

Narrator: Blessed be thy feet, which have walked the sacred earth. (The attendants all kiss their Priestess’s feet.)

Blessed be thy knees, which kneel to tend the fields. (All kiss knees.)

Blessed be thy womb, from which all life grows. (All kiss womb.)

Blessed be thy heart, which tends to your children. (All kiss heart.)

The attendants remove the veils from the faces of the Brigid Priestesses.

Blessed be thy lips, which share truth and knowledge. (All kiss lips.)

Then the Brigid attendants assume the “adore” position, which is on their knees, with their head near the chest of their Brigid Priestess. They stay in this position until the end of the invocation. When the invocation is finished, the Brigids are led back to their chairs.

Narrator: We invoke and call upon thee, O Exalted One, Great Brigid, she who has never left her children! Come to us so that we might understand your mysteries. Rise up and fill the bodies of your servants and Priestesses here. See through their eyes, speak with their lips, let us be close to you on this sacred night of Imbolc! From distant shores you have arrived to be here with us this night!

Hail Brigid, fair from the Celtic shore.
Allow us to pass through your door
To the world of enchantment and magick fair,
For it is you we adore with both grace and care.
Come by leaf and bud and by branch and bough,
Goddess of healing, magick, wells, and plow.
Be with us in this most holy and sacred space,
For it is you, fair Brigid, that we seek to embrace.
Hail Brigid! Blessed be!

There should be a brief pause here as the three Brigids are reseated.

Narrator: Now go forth, all who have assembled. Find the light of Imbolc and share it with those who need it most! If you wish to speak to fair Brigid, gather here and form one line. When you speak to her, you may ask her a question, listen to her wisdom, receive her coin, and then visit her fountain. Discover the mysteries of the returning spring and our Lady Fair!

At this point in the ritual, all the participants should be encouraged to participate in everything that’s going on and explore all the space in the ritual room. They should visit the room set up with candles and then set one of those candles upon the altar of their choice, pledging to spread their light for that particular cause or idea. They should speak to the goddess Brigid, receive her gift, and then visit her well.

In order to avoid a long line forming around one particular aspect of Brigid, I think it’s best to have everyone who wishes to speak with her form one line. At the front of that line should be the “Brigid wrangler,” who sends people to the first available Brigid. You’ll have some people who want to visit a particular aspect of her, but this way of doing things works much better. Trust in the power of the goddess to lead people where they most need to be. Seriously, I’ve been to rituals where two goddesses sit around with nothing to do while a third goddess has a line thirty people long. You want to prevent that sort of thing from happening.

In addition, have the narrator, circle caster, and quarter callers mill around the ritual, making sure everyone knows what’s going on.

When to end an open-ended rite such as this is mostly a judgment call, but when people start chattering among themselves and there are no more lines, the rite can probably come to an end. Whoever is in charge of calling an end to things should let everyone working on the ritual know ahead of time so they can be ready when things wrap up.

Narrator: And now our rite has neared its end. The goddess Brigid has been among us, and the light of Imbolc guides our way forward this turn of the wheel. To our ladies upon the dais, it is near time for you all to rejoin us. Blessed be the goddess! And blessed be we the people who hear her call! Until we meet again, Great Brigid!

Goodbyes to the Brigids

Let people return to their original places in the circle. Everyone helping with the ritual should do the same.

Narrator: Before all can be as it once was, we must bid our Lady a fond farewell and return those who served as her Priestesses to us and this, our waking world. Look one last time into the eyes of our Lady before she goes. We start with Brigantia.

Before each attendant reads the words dismissing their Brigid, they should replace the veil that was originally on their Priestess’s face at the start of the rite.

Brigantia Attendant: To Brigid Brigantia, we thank you for joining us tonight in our rite! Shine your light of truth and justice so that all may see! Hail and farewell!

Saint Brigid Attendant: Saint Brigid, whose light at Kildare still burns, we thank you for joining us tonight in our rite. Thank you for sharing your light with all of your children! Hail and farewell!

Brigid (Goddess) Attendant: Fair Brigid, Exalted One, you have been with us since the beginning and will be with us until the end! Long may your light shine and the flames of your forge be lit! Hail and farewell!

Cakes and Ale

East Quarter Caller: Even in the depths of winter, the wheel continues to turn. All that has died will be reborn by the powers of the sun, wind, rain, and earth! Hail the coming spring!

South Quarter Caller: At Imbolc, we thank our Lady Brigid for her many faces and her many gifts.

The west quarter caller approaches the altar and raises the chalice there.

West Quarter Caller: Great Brigid, we thank you for this gift of drink. May it warm our bodies and warm our spirits and remind us of the promise of longer days to come! So mote it be!

The north quarter caller approaches the altar and raises a plate of cakes up in the air for all to see.

North Quarter Caller: Brigid, goddess of forge and plow, we thank you for these cakes. May we be well fed and not know hunger in these days before spring truly comes! So mote it be!

The quarter callers should distribute the cakes and ale as quickly as possible, letting the Priestesses who called Brigid eat and drink first. As mentioned in Chapter 6: Circle Rituals, the easiest and fastest way to distribute cakes and ale is to use large trays with individual portions already prepared.

Goodbye and Dismissing the Angels/Watchtowers

Narrator: To all the powers that have joined us in our rite this night, we say thank you. Horned One, thank you for allowing us to see Lady Brigid in all her glory. We thank the newly powerful sun, whose light shall shine down upon us all! We thank the earth for the wonders of the springtime. And we thank Brigid, who shall ever dwell in our hearts. Blessed be!

After each angel is dismissed, a banishing pentagram can be drawn.

East Quarter Caller: Great Raphael, archangel of the east, we thank you for lending your energy and power to our rite. Hail and farewell!

South Quarter Caller: Great Michael, archangel of the south, we thank you for lending your energy and power to our rite. Hail and farewell!

West Quarter Caller: Great Gabriel, archangel of the west, we thank you for lending your energy and power to our rite. Hail and farewell!

North Quarter Caller: Great Uriel, archangel of the north, we thank you for lending your energy and power to our rite. Hail and farewell!

Starting in the east and walking widdershins, the circle caster releases the circle using their sword or athame.

Circle Caster: I conjured, cast, and created this circle as a place to be filled with love and the magick and wonder of our Lady Brigid. It has served us well and allowed us to walk between the worlds. Now I undo this place between goddess and mortal, so that we might stand once more in our waking world. But know that our Lady ever walks with us, and where she walks our light shall manifest. In the names of the Lord and the Lady, the circle is open but never broken. So mote it be!

Encourage everyone in the circle to hold hands and recite the “merry meet” part below as a group at the end of the rite.

Narrator: We have journeyed to the boundary between winter and spring. There we took the light of Imbolc forward and met with our lady Brigid. The earth stirs and prepares to wake! And now I say to you, merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again, and may the gods preserve the Craft!

FIN

[contents]


30. By default, I usually call to both a goddess and a god at most of my rituals, but his presence is not particularly vital or necessary at this ritual. He can be left out of this rite if that makes more sense to those presenting the ritual.