List of items that you will need for the ritual:
A small pot for planting. You can also use an empty whole egg shell (one left over from your breakfast boiled egg will be perfect!), or a cardboard egg box will work just as well.
Some soil or potting compost
A seed, cutting or a bulb for planting.
Water to moisten the soil
A candle - colour of your choosing - and matches/lighter
Crystals that you are drawn to, corresponding to new beginnings, preparation, renewal, fertility
Something to eat and drink
When you are ready, take a few deep breaths and quiet your mind......
Cast Circle
“In this hour and in this space,
We gather to blend our energies.
So lend an ear and hear our words,
And grant us safety in this place.”
Quarter Calls
East:
“We call to the Guardians of the East, the Spirit of Air, realm of the Eagles and Doves. May your calm breezes, open our minds and allow us to clearly see the answers that we seek.”
“Hail and Welcome!”
South:
“We call to the Guardians of the South, the Spirit of Fire, realm of the snakes and salamanders. May your fiery spirit inspire us to see the the answers that we lack.”
“Hail and Welcome!”
West:
“We call to the Guardians of the West, the Spirit of Water, the realm of the dolphins and whales. May your waves of knowledge allow our minds to see our way clear to find the ideas we desire.”
“Hail and Welcome!”
North:
“We call to the Guardians of the North, the Spirit of Earth, realm of Crystals and Wolves. Encourage us to inspire others as we prepare for another lovely season with Gaia, our beautiful planet.”
“Hail and Welcome”
Call the Greenman:
“Lord of the Vines, Father and protector of our lush green trees, fields swollen with wheat, flowers and bushes in breathtaking colors. Allow us your presence as we begin our efforts to bring new life to all of nature around us!”
“Hail and Welcome”
So our wheel turns once again. Imbolc, a time of renewal and fresh beginnings. The earth is just starting to awaken., In some areas snow still covers the ground, and in others, blades of grass are beginning to peek out. Small flower buds of crocus and snow drops are making their way up to reach and find sun.
Let's go ahead and get busy with our planting today. If you have all your supplies, let's go ahead and get your pots filled. Make a hole in the dirt large enough to allow your seed/stem/bulb to be covered with more soil. Don't plant them too deep. Now go ahead and cover it with more soil, maybe ½ inch to 1 inch. Give it a bit of water. Remember these are delicate, so not too much water. Take some time and look up either online or in a book on gardening. Many plants will want to be where the sun shines down on it, but one like mine does not take Sun, just a bright window, with no direct sunlight on it.
If you are finished, place your candle near the new planting and light it, and what crystals you chose to encircle them, place those now. As you gaze into the candle flame, think about what you have planted. See the sprout coming up and growing strong and sure. Imagine seeing it in a beautiful pot of plants in your home, or even transplanting it to your yard.
Say these words, or some of your own:
“Greenman please bless this planting. We honor you and our beautiful earth. Help to give our new planting strength and beauty. May we inspire others to do the same with flowers, plants and even trees. Beautiful plants, beautiful yards, beautiful earth.”
“Blessed Be!”
Grab your food and drink and let's relax a bit.
When you are ready, we will begin the closing....
“Greenman, we thank you for your presence and your generous spirit. May we continue what we have begun tonight. Stay if you will, or go if you must.”
“Hail and Farewell.”
“Guardians of the North, we thank you for joining us this day. We need your wisdom and that of our ancestors. Stay if you will, or go if you must.”
“Hail and Farewell.”
“Guardians of the West, we thank you for assisting us this day. We are humbled by your protection and guidance. Stay if you will, or go if you must.”
“Hail and Farewell.”
“Guardians of the South, thank you for joining us this day. Your heat will sustain our plantings, and help us making Gaia beautiful! Stay if you will, or go if you must.”
“Hail and Farewell.”
“Guardians of the East, your presence has blessed us this day. Your sweet breezes will have our plantings dancing! Stay if you will, or go if you must.”
“Hail and Farewell.”
Uncast Circle:
We gathered here to blend our energies. We worked together for goals to set. Our ritual is now finished and we have our work to do. Grateful we were to gather, and now it is time to depart.
Open, but never broken!
“So Mote It Be!”
image from Raluca Save on Unsplash