Wiccans and other Pagans celebrate Imbolc on February 1st. Imbolc means “ewe’s milk” and at this time of the year sheep give birth and begin to produce milk. For the ancient Irish Pagans, this was the beginning of spring. Today we begin to notice that they day is getting a little bit longer, and we realize that the promise of Yule has been fulfilled. Imbolc is also the season for initiation, new beginnings and a commitment to face challenges. This holiday is sacred to Brid or Brigit, an Irish Goddess of sacred wells, the fire of the forge, cows, snakes, and poetry. She is a healing Goddess and also one who inspires bards, who write poems, music and stories.(1) Here is a small sampling of chants for Imbolc, which you can find recorded at the “Pagan Chant of the Month Archive”.
Holy Well And Sacred Flame
By Reclaiming, Expanded by Ivo Dominguez, Jr.
Holy Well And Sacred Flame
Maiden, Mother, And Crone
Bright One Be Here
Bright One Be Here
In this chant, we have an obvious reference to sacred water and fire, which does suggest the Goddess Brigit. Brigit is also thought of as a triple Goddess, because of her associations with midwifery, poetry, and the forge. This particular chant would be best used after an invocation to Brigit, requesting her presence for an Imbolc rite.
And The Weel Turns
By Damiara
And The -- Wheel Turns
Never Ending
New And Old And New Again
This chant is a reminder of the idea of “initiation” which is like a new beginning or a new start. The wheel that is referred to is the “Wheel of the Year”, the cycle of holidays celebrated by Wiccans and other Pagans. In truth, the wheel keeps turning, and endings are only an illusion, because the Earth is renewed each spring. This chant could be used as a processional chant as participants walk to the prepared ritual space. It could also be sung after the statement of intent, when the ritual’s purpose is introduced.
Way to the Well
By Starhawwk and Rose May Dance
We Will Never, Never Lose Our Way To The Well Of Her Memory
And The Power-- Of Her Living Flame
It Will Rise, It Will Rise Again.
(x2)
Like The Grasses, Through The Dark, Through The Soil,
To The Sunlight -- We Shall Rise Again.
We Are Thirsting -- For The Waters Of Life,
We Are Moving -- We Shall Live Again.
(x2)
Here we have another song that speaks of wells and fire, but it also suggests Imbolc because it refers to grass growing up through the dark soil to the sunlight. This chant would be an excellent choice to accompany a magical intent, the statement of intent, or a devotional ritual.
Brid is Come
By Lunacy, Greg Johnson and Sparky T. Rabbit
Brid is Come
Brid is Welcome,
Welcome Brid
Oh Brid Is Come
This is another chant for the Irish Goddess, Brigit. A very simple chant, this is a good choice with children and would be an excellent in ritual after the invocation. For more suggestions on chanting with children, please visit “Wiccan Parenting: Chanting With Children”. Have a Blessed Imbolc!
Sources:
1. “Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions” by Starhawk, Diane Baker, Anne Hill
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