Priestess

The Wheel of the Year turns once more,
and the vernal equinox arrives.
Light and dark are equal,
and the soil begins to change.
The earth awakes from its slumber,
and new life springs forth once more.

East

Spirits of the East, spirits of air,
Awaken us with the Spring breeze
Fill our lungs, and join us
In celebration of the endless renewal of light and life.

South

Spirits of the South, spirits of fire,
Warm us with the rising sun
Quicken our hearts, and join us
In celebration of the unfolding of the seasons.

West

Spirits of the West, spirits of water,
Wash us in gentle rain
Revive our longing, and join us
In celebration of boundless possibility.

North

Spirits of the North, spirits of earth,
Clothe us in the finery of new growth
Support our steps, and join us
In celebration of a world made green again.

Priestess

The circle is cast, the ritual begun.
May the powers of the Goddess, the God,
the powers of the guardian spirits, and of the stars above and the Earth below,
Bless this time, this place, and all who gather here.

All

Blessed be!

All (in turns)

We stand, as ever, at a point on the wheel
Remembering that we begin each journey
Only when we are brought to our first step

We wake each morning
Because we have slept through the night

We rejoice in the burgeoning springtime
Because we have waited,
Through the season of darkness and cold

• lighting the bonfire representing the sun.

Priestess

The sun draws ever closer to us,
greeting the earth with its welcoming rays.
Light and dark are equal,
and the sky fills with light and warmth.
The sun warms the land beneath our feet,
and gives life to all in its path.

Second priestess

Spring has come! For this, we are thankful!
The Divine is present all around,
in the cool fall of a rain storm,
in the tiny buds of a flower,
in the down of a newborn chick,
in the fertile fields waiting to be planted,
in the sky above us,
and in the earth below us.
We thank the universe or all it has to offer us,
and are so blessed to be alive on this day.
Welcome, life! Welcome, light! Welcome, spring!

• Milk and honey are blended together. The cup is passed around, everyone does what feel fit and pour a small amount as offering. As you do, you may wish to say something like:

I make this offering to the earth,
As thanks for the many blessings I have received,
And those I shall some day receive.

• The seeds are passed around

Priestess

These seeds represent your ambitions and aspirations for projects started with Imbolc, may they be long or short term, spiritual or worldly. Hold the seed in your hands and visualise it growing and blossoming along with the energy of the Fire. May it reminds you of the possibilities of growth and the changing tides of darkness and light.

With Persephone, we have journeyed to the land of the dead,
and returned safely to the light and warmth of Spring.

May we grow with the brightness of the young Sun, and open ourselves to the energy of creation.

Spirits of the East, the South, the West, the North
We thank you for your presence here
And ask for your blessing as you depart
May there be peace between us now and forever

All

The circle is open, and yet unbroken
May the love of the Goddess be ever in your heart
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.

Blessed be!