Parish Hill, North Park

Sunday, February 5

Doors open 1 pm

Ritual Briefing 1:30 pm

Ritual begins 2:00 pm

Join Sassafras Grove in celebrating Brigantia (Imbolc) and honoring the goddess Brighid, the Patron of our Grove. All Pagan and Pagan-friendly people are welcome to attend.   This rite will be held indoors at the Parish Hill building in North Park. (There is a set of stairs leading into the building.  Depending on weather, more the accessible entrances may not be available)

Brighid is one of the most well-known deities in the Irish pantheon, and her worship – whether as goddess or saint – remains widespread in modern times.

Best known as a goddess of Healing, Poetry, and Smithcraft, in this ritual we will honor her in what have become our Sassafras-traditional nine aspects of Midwife, Foster Mother, Initiator, Smith, Poet, Warrior, Healer, Hearth Tender, and Goddess of Sacred Wells.

What to bring if you choose:

• If you have one, a candle to dedicate to Brighid and call in the blessings–blue or white candles are our tradition. Candles will also be provided.

• Your Bratog Brighid to hang up and be blessed by the goddess (see below).*

• A praise offering to Brighid. Appropriate offerings can range from artwork, poetry and songs to homemade food and crafts to healing tools. Anything associated with one of her nine aspects is highly appropriate.

• Brighid Novena ribbons/cords to contribute to the conclusionary community offering (if you opt to participate in this year’s “Brighid Along With Sassafras”)**

• A snack to share after the rite (if you choose)

*A Bratog Brighid (or Brighid’s Mantle) is a blue or white cloth or shawl that has been blessed by Brighid on Brigantia/Imbolc. Traditionally, a Bratog Brighid is hung by the hearth or from the door-knob on Brighid’s Eve. Before the family retires for the night, a small bed is made in a basket by the hearth. As the family goes to bed, the head of the household calls out from the front-door, “Brighid, your bed is ready!” When Brighid enters the home that night, she blesses the cloth and it carries her healing grace for the coming year.

**Please see our website for more information about the Brighid Novena and Brighid-along with Sassafras: https://wordpress.com/post/sassafrasgrove.org/1331