Dear Mommas,

This is our first installation – ritual ideas for Brigid – a time of beginnings and initiations. I’m going to keep the rituals posted here short and sweet. The most important thing to remember when starting or supporting your spiritual practice is that you are RIGHT ON SCHEDULE and exactly where you need to be. Keep things loose & spontaneous. There is no right way to do this. Trust that you have everything you need. Are you ready? Let’s begin anew.

RITUAL

On February 2 we Celebrate Brigid also known as Imbolc, Candlemass or Ground Hog Day (very familiar to moms every where!) February 2 marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice (DEC 21) and the Spring Equinox (MAR 21). I’m sure you have already begun to notice that the sunlight is returning… a little more each day. At this time of year, we acknowledge the things in our lives that support life and growth, the things that “Light Us Up” as well as notice where we would like to experience more support. We honor the Divine Feminine within ourselves through the Celtic Triple Moon Goddess Brigid “the light-bringer.” She is associated with fertility, poetry, smith craft, nurturing, healing, midwifery and inspiration.

We turn to the Earth – our teacher, our big mother – and we notice what is happening. In many ways she is beginning to wake from her winter slumber with the growing sun. Seeds are starting to crack and send up shoots of individuation. Springs are flowing. We spread compost over our garden beds to enliven and enrich the planting-ground. We clean and reorganize our storage places, fix, mend, and/or release the old. This is the time when we clean our homes, dust off our altars and cleanse our divination tools. Though we have 6 more weeks of Winter, we begin to see signs that the Wheel of Life is turning and that Spring is already on her way.

Honoring the Return of the Light with Sacred Fires

INTENTION  Brigid assists us in supporting our Creative Heart Fire – to stand up, authentic and full of our own fire/energy/light. In this ritual, we honor the divine within ourselves with light and love (love of self, family, neighbor.)

Do you want a sparkly little worksheet to get you started… it’s free!

Mini-Ritual: Light a candle in the window. Offer a prayer of gratitude. Ask for Divine assistance. Drink a big glass of water and give yourself a hug. End with a big inhale of pink light and exhale with a thank you. (5-10 minutes)

Mommy-Ritual: The energy of the Divine Feminine flows within each one of us – man & woman alike. We honor the Divine through acts of self-care. Is there one thing on this list, or something you’ve been thinking about, that you can do for yourself to honor the Divine?

• drink a big glass of water
• take a pre-bed bath or shower
• light a tea light next to your bed
• bring to mind 3 things you are grateful for in this moment
• hire someone to clean your house – even if it’s just this once
• buy new underwear (throw out old)
• draw a picture with crayons
• read a favorite poem – this is one of mine
• drink a glass of warm milk – love our animal mothers
• close eyes and remember the feeling of breastfeeding your baby
• walk in nature OR notice the natural world when you walk – look for spring
• mother/daughter – celebrate this special bond

Family Ritual Ideas

• Sweep & clear the front porch (sparkle sparkle) – inviting the Goddess/blessing into your home
• Burn Sage aka cleaning with smoke. My daughter loves this and always knows what rooms and objects need it most. Every kid is different, so be sure to supervise.
• Light candles in every window or on the family altar
• Make your own prayer candles
• Light a fire in the fireplace or garden fire pit. Write/share wishes for healing, for growth, to be tossed in the fire.
• Family Dance Party
• Create a family Altar: early flower blooms and greenery, milk, animals, seeds
• Google “Brigid” – click on the images button – printout a family favorite representation for your altar or make a collage with your kids

For more ideas and if you have more time (lucky you!) check out the Build Altars Brigid page. I also appreciated this blog, Travels with Persephone.

Loving you and looking forward to sharing our magic together.
+ heather

PS. I just realized that I started this project with my first Mommy Ritual post on Ground Hog day, so classic. The Goddess has a sense of humor evidently.

NOTE TO WITCHY MAMAS

CLEAN Now is the time when you clean and clear your divination tools, altars and crystals. Sage your tarot decks, fairy cards, goddess cards, runes etc. Re-consecrate them if you have the time. Purify and clear your crystals, wands, pendulums with salt water.

CHARGE UP Set out new white candles on your altar to charge up with blessings and good vibes for the year. I buy a couple packs of white candles from Trader Joes, but you can get fancier ones or set out a giant bag of tea lights. I also charge up a bunch of novena candles (prayer candles) that you can find at most drug stores, supermarkets or Mexican markets. Also, charge up your altar clothes.

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