Imbolc
Celebrate Brigid's Day
Saturday February 3rd, 2007
at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
(Pre-registration required)

It is Midwinter, when the chill winds blow around us and bare branches reach toward the clear bright sky. Yet, the promise of Spring draws near as the days lengthen, animals awaken, and hope fills us. Imbolc is a time of illumination, reflection, and purification. We honor the Goddess Brigid now, looking into Her Well for guidance, clarity, and portents of peace in the days to come. Join us as we celebrate this ancient festival, connecting with the Goddess and each other.







Program Schedule




10 AM Open for arrivals
11 AM Circle of Welcome: Greet, attune for the day, and process to the Bonfire Circle for the Burning of the Greens.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch: sandwich and snack bar available
  • Bring luncheon meat, cheese, veggies, hummus, crackers or other snacks to contribute, if you wish
    		•
    11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Brigid's Day Activities:
  • Add a prayer ribbon to Brigid's Healing Hoop in the Temple Room to bring healthy blessings to yourself and loved ones
  • Make Brigid’s Crosses with natural materials, guided by Georgette. The Brigid’s cross is an ancient Solar symbol which will be energized in the Ritual, and you will keep to bring Brigid’s divine energies to your home.
    • 1 - 2:30 PM Faces of Brigid:
  • Brigid as Peacemaker:
    Perspectives by Michael McDermott of Brigit's Rest and co-founder of the Black Earth Institute, a center for spirituality, the arts, and society.
  • Brigid as Healer:
    Connecting with Brigid's healing traditions of sacred waters and holy flames through meditation and ritual by Selena Fox.
  • Brigid Sharing Circle:
    Participants are invited to comment on presentations and share personal ways of working with Brigid.
    • 3 PM Imbolc Ritual with Selena Fox, Aspen and Georgette: We gather in circle to honor Brigid and Her holy day with blessings, invocations, chanting, candle kindling, and gazing into Her Well toward visions of ourselves.
    Following Ritual Screening and Update on Pentacle Quest: A special Preview Screening of "A Hero Denied": the documentary currently in production about the Quest for the Pentacle for Sgt. Patrick Stewart.
    6 - 7:30 PM Candlelight Feast of Brigid
  • Share food, beverages & good cheer in this Community potluck feast
    		•
    7:30 PM Clean-up & Departures








    		Items To Bring




  • A contribution for potluck feast to feed at least two dozen people. If your contribution is to be served hot, it should be in a microwave or oven reheatable dish and not require more than 10-15 minutes of reheating, otherwise, bring it in a crock pot. Contributions that do not need reheating should be ready to serve. Fruit should be pre-washed and cheese pre-sliced. There is no kitchen space to prepare or cook contributions on site, but refrigeration space is available for storage. Please label contributions with ingredients and serving instructions.
  • Winter weather gear if spending time outdoors
  • Candle lantern or candle in a windproof container for outdoor procession and Candlelight Feast
  • A plate, bowl, cup, and utensils for the Candlelight Feast. (optional)
  • Snacks for Lunch sandwich & snack bar (optional)
  • If you can, bring something white to wear for ritual.
  • For Ritual: Candles to be blessed for you to take home and use in your personal magickal work. (optional)
  • Dried evergreen branches and wreaths from Yule to burn in the sacred fire. (optional)
  • A Jar with lid or other container for collecting water from Brigid's spring. (optional)
  • A healing ribbon for each request for healing for loved ones and/or self. (optional)








    		• Registration




    		Please register as soon as possible, and by February 1st at the latest. Call (608) 924-2216 or e-mail events@circlesanctuary.org your registration to Circle office and include the full name, address, phone number, and e-mail of each person attending, and indicate if you need directions. You may also register online using our secure online registration form. Suggested minimum contribution for the day is $20/adult, $10/youth (ages 5-17), free for under 5 year. Payable at the door via cash or check. We plan to hold the event regardless of weather, but if severe weather occurs, call the Circle office the morning of the festival to hear a message regarding the status of the event.




    More about Imbolc Traditions
    http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/imbolc.htm