Imbolc Ritual (Disting Blot)

Greetings and well met! It's funny how quickly things can change sometimes, isn't it? I was all set to do an Imbolc ritual with our group and now that's done a 360. I was at a meeting on it Saturday night, and it just didn't "feel" right. It was "here's the script, stand and watch". I don't generally have issues with that, however this is something I'm planning on devoting at least the next 5 years to to master, and I just feel I should know WHY we do something in a ritual and have some input into it if that makes any sense. I expressed this to one of the leaders of the ritual, more to explain why I wouldn't be there (no, I'm not upset, etc. and all that) and was surprised he kind of felt the same. I've written a Disting/Imbolc ritual for my spouse and I to share that feels much more personal I guess. The one person would like to attend, which is fine, and there's another couple we thought to invite, so our little family only ceremony has just expanded. Which is kind of nice. Anyway this is what I think we're doing. It's my first try, so I'm sure it's far from perfect. Also, those of the Northern Religion celebrate Disting/the Charming of the Plow at the same time, so this is kind of a compilation of both. Please note that while much of it is my own creation (as well as the compilation), the Call for Peace in the 4 corners was borrowed from another source with minor modifications. (Source to be added directly)

Blot of Disting/Ceremony of Imbolc
• Close the circle
• Call for Peace in the 4 corners

o I call to the spirits of air, the breath of life; to the spirit of the eagle who brings the gift of vision far and clear, the spirits of the wild east wind, of sunrise and of spring, of new life and new growth. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!

May there be peace in the east (turn to the east and hold the dagger, sheathed)

o I call to the spirits of fire, of energy of passion; the spirit of the wild wolf, who kindles within us the strength and beauty of the untamed places; spirit of the noonday sun, the heat of summer, vitality and abundance. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!

May there be peace in the north (turn to the north and hold the dagger, sheathed)

o I call to the spirits of water, of the ebb and flow of emotion; to the spirit of the salmon, who fills us with the wisdom welling up from deep within the earth, of open seas and running streams, of cleansing rain; spirit of the evening sun, of twilight and of autumn. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!

May there be peace in the west (turn to the west and hold the dagger, sheathed)

o I call to the spirits of earth, those which nourish our bodies and lend our creation; to the spirit of the bear, who draws us into the nourishing darkness of the cave; spirits of the night and the snows of winter, deep roots and ancient stones. May all within this circle know the power of your blessings. So I bid you hail and welcome!

May there be peace in the south (turn to the south and hold the dagger, sheathed)

• Invoke the blessings of the Gods and light candle

o We call to Nerthus, the mother earth from whom all bounty is possible, to share our hearth and bless our harvest in the upcoming year

o We call to Freyr, God of Sun and Rain, patron of harvests, that he may share our hearth and smile kindly upon us in the upcoming weeks of winter and the seasons of planting and harvest

o We call to Thor, mighty protector of Midland, that he may join our hearth and hold his hammer above it and shield our home from malice and misdeed

o We call to Frigga, wife of Odin and Goddess of marriage, motherhood and household, that she may come rest by our hearth and guide us with her wisdom in the balance of home and work in the upcoming seasons

o We call on Odin, the Allfather, that he may join our hearth and look favorably upon our endeavors

• Invoke the blessings of the Ancestors and light candle

o We call on our ancestors as they are ever-watching and ever-guiding our steps in this life

• Invoke the blessings of the elves and light candle

o We acknowledge the elves and seek their good fortune

• Comment on the coming spring

o We come together tonight to honor those we have invited here and to celebrate the lengthening days. Though snow may still lay on the ground, and the wind remain bitter, we are reminded that the turning of the season will soon again be upon us. It is now that we plant the first seeds of the year with the intent to nourish them as their growth and bloom will nourish our hearts and soul in the upcoming weeks.
 Plant seeds

• Drink to deities

o We offer now, a toast to those who would join us and watch over our interests. (Drink after each name is said)

 Hail Nerthus!
 Hail Freyr!
 Hail Thor!
 Hail Frigga!
 Hail Odin!

• Drink to ancestors

 We offer a toast to those who have come before us, who’s footsteps we may follow. (Drink to the ancestors)

• Fill Blessings Bowl and dump

o Place small pieces of bread into the bowl and pour a drink over it
 Take these, our offerings freely given
(Pour contents on the ground for the wights)

• Close the circle
o We release the spirits of the air, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the fire, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the water, and thank them for their protection.
o We release the spirits of the earth, and thank them for their protection.
o Let the circle be opened and peace be with you.

We're not sure what night it will be on just yet, but probably midweek. Afterwards we'll all come inside (it's still COLD out!) and sit by the fire and share a traditional stew and homemade bread. YUM!

Ok have little ones to get into bed then a website to redo. It's not *all* fun and games! LOL!

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Ok got it. The calling of the 4 quartes came from the Gorsedd Rite written by Philip Shallcrass and Emma Restall Orr and can be found Here