Ritual 5: Monday, January 29, 2007

Waxing Moon

The moon is growing fuller as we approach the tipping point toward winter's end. This coming Friday, February 2, marks the Catholic holy-day of Candlemas which shares the same date as the Celtic festival of Imbolc. Halfway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, the days have grown a wee longer and the nights a wee shorter. This is a traditional time to celebrate the return of the sun. If you're afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder, you're probably already anticipating the coming months of increased light. The growing light signifies to the subconscious a sense of growing hope. Tender dreams, nourished with care at this time, become manifest in Autumn.

Imbolc and Candlemas share the same patroness, as well as the same day. The goddess (or saint, depending on your faith) Brigid is known for her creativity and healing. She can also help you honor your heartfelt pledges. This, combined with the moon's rising energy, makes tonight an auspicious time to set intentions for the coming seasons.

Grab a stack of magazines (I'm a big fan of O, Oprah's magazine), scissors, and a gluestick... and prepare to make a mess! Creativity, healing and commitment are never tidy. Being loose with your process opens you up to the true messages and yearnings of your soul. Permission to have a creative product not be aesthetically beautiful also frees your spirit to be its authentic, honest self. A friend of mine used to encourage me to "make ugly art." Her gift still ricochets its reward in my creative endeavors.

Consider the little hopes that are ready to be fanned into life. Do you yearn for community? Are you a leader at heart, ready to come out of your shell? Is it time for a lover? Is there a project you want to complete? A habit you'd like to drop? Pick one theme. There! That bright one in your heart, right there! Say your theme out loud.

Start flipping through the magazines swiftly. Anything that catches your eye, rip that page right out. There's time for scissors soon enough. Move quickly, so your conscious mind can't keep up. Your subconscious knows the language of color and symbol, and it is this deeper part that communicates directly with the divine. She can drive the process.

After you've collected a healthy stack of ripped-out pages, you can use your discerning side and your scissors to edit and shape the pieces of your Imbolc/Candlemas collage. Ask Brigid to heal you of your perfectionist patterns if you catch an inner critic trying to control your process. Snip and paste with your hands and heart guiding more than your head.

When your collage is complete, set it down and contemplate it in light of your theme.

Say aloud:

This is my gift to you, dear Brigid,
As I ask for help to be true
To this heartfelt desire
May you heal and inspire,
This is what I ask of you:
[Name your theme.]

Clap your hands firmly three times to invoke Brigid's powers as a triple goddess.

Set your collage someplace special. If you're inclined, you can place bright flowers near it as an additional offering to Brigid, your new magical ally. Hang onto this collage. We'll revisit it in August.

After the ritual, share your experience in our community section.