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Firstly, it is wise to create a psychically cleansed working space. Do this by envisioning a wind, gentle at first, escalating
to gale-force, sweeping though the room or the area you're in, removing all negative psychic energies. Once this has been
accomplished, through the use of visualization set up barriers around the boundary of your working area; suspending regular
time and space in order to create an atmosphere more conducive to spiritual workings. Note that thus far there have been no
verbal affirmations of what is being done. Some find verbalizing their ritual intent to be unnecessary and distracting. If
this is not true for you, however, you may wish to say something like:
"I hereby do create sacred space, in time that is not time; a place not a place, today is a day that is not a day.
All malice and worry, now away, so all within here is right and just, this is a place of magic, love and trust."
Once this has been done, meditate for a few moments on what has transpired, and feel the change that has taken place.
Once you feel centered, proceed with a brief period of reflection on the significance of Imbolc. The Great Wheel turning yet
again, and all the world and humanity turning with it; in these giant cycles beyond our control, yet not beyond our appreciation
of their beauty. Now see the Goddess-a brilliant maiden with a wreath of candles adorning her head. She is young, fresh, glowing
with potential and unbridled enthusiasm. Yet, at the same time, she is not a person at all: she is the unfathomable deep of
the consciousness of our world. She is Gaia, mother of all things, trembling with her own might and majesty as another springtime
(the season of lust) arrives. Call to this-the very essence of the Universe-from your heart. She will be present. Light the
white candle. Say something like this, or use your own words:
"Wintertime has been with us long, and has brought us much happiness. In it we have discovered the joy of the hearth
and home, and the simple pleasures of simple living. Through it all, Goddess, You have slept, a beautiful, White Goddess,
cold yet refreshing as you greeted us each morning. Goddess, we thank ye."
Take the white candle and light the green candle with it. Once this has been done, extinguish the white candle. Say something
like:
"But the Wheel turns on, and so you turn with it. White gives way to Green, as new life is born and flourishes. In
Your love, you give us these gifts of new life, as us to them, so we may all live and love together. Goddess, we thank ye."
Take the milk, meditating on what you have said and its significance. When you feel you have reached an elevated spiritual
state, and feel you have discovered within yourself the true significance of Imbolc, say something like:
"As the season of life begins, Mother, I ask for new life within me as well."
Drink most of the milk, envisioning the blessings of the Goddess therein. Thank the Goddess by pouring the remainder of
the milk on the ground. If you are indoors, simply go outside to do so. After you have poured a libation, ground and center.
To welcome the arrival of longer, warmer, greener days, you may wish to celebrate in some way-anything from renting a movie
and ordering pizza to throwing a party.
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