I attended the Sierra Madrone Grove Imbolc Ritual at 4pm on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at the Unitarian Univarsalist Society of Sacramento with my Grove. There were several new people present for the ritual, but I knew most of them from other places in my life. We began the ritual by giving an offering to the outdwellers and processing into the ritual space.
Betula lead the ritual, Sean called upon inspiration, Lindsey performed the offerings, and I called to the Earth Mother. Our Deity of the occasion was Brighid. She was also called on as the spirit of inspiration. Brighid is a Patroness of a number of people in our Grove, so I felt her presence strongly. Manannan MacLir was called on to be our Gatekeeper. I personally called on Asclepius to help heal my friend's new premature baby so he will be healthy and fine. We also had a ceremonial lighting of candles for those of us who were voted onto the Sierra Madrone Grove Board of Directors.
Many previous Imbolc rituals we have had were accompanied by intense winds and other forms of inclement weather. It was surprising to experience such a calm, sunny day for Imbolc. We enjoyed the weather as it was, and some of us prayed for rain in spring. I have hope that the calm weather during this week is indeed an omen of stronger weather before the heat of summer arrives.
Betula read the omen, and we partook of the Waters of Life. The three Ogam drawn for the omen were ceirt/onn/idad: misfortune, movement, & vision. I see our Grove growing, and there are challenges that come along with growth. If nothing ever challenges us, we do not grow to our potential. We will grow, though; we have been blessed with movement and vision. We can see ways to meet the challenges ahead, and grow ever stronger. So yes, even misfortune can be a gift of the Kindred. It keeps us on our toes.
After ritual, we enjoyed a delicious feast. There were some exceptional sheep's milk and goat's milk cheeses and Fey wine made of milk and spices.
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