A hammered forge flash of molten white and the first snowdrop raises its head above the frosty ground. Spring is beginning and the earth is awakening from its sleep, determined. Now, cautious, gentle, new life returns to the land as the furnaces begin to warm once more.
Sunday 4th February 2024, 10:30.
Copyright: (c) Mythical Ireland.
About Imbolc
At this time, our ancestors saw the Sun, the weak and helpless Child of Light, grow stronger day by day. The land still lies in darkness, but the rule of the darkness is challenged by the infant Lord of Light. Little by little, the skies grow light and the blessed Earth gives forth her first flowers, snowdrop and crocus, as promise of the Summer that is to be when all creation will rejoice in the One Universal Light (from the OBOD website).
Though the dark nights of Winter still stretch on, within each lit candle flame lies the promise of the goddess Brigid's fiery forge: we can endure and rise, rested, from a period of hardship, when hope seemed small. Traditions of the calendar year beginning now bring forth luck, the welcome company of new and old friends and the promise of deep renewal. As healer, blacksmith and poet, bright Brigid shows us the path towards a year of achievement, inner nourishment and inspiration.
Meeting place
Meet us at either: a) The 'Meeting Location' at 10:30, outside the Cambridge Museum of Technology, facing the river. If you're new, you may wish to grab a coffee at the OtherSyde bar and meet Will (the grove's 'Herald') and any other newcomers.
OR
b) The 'Gathering Location' at 10:45/50 on Stourbridge Common itself.
Running late?
To join us if you are running late, walk straight into the Common with the river on your left, keep straight as you pass a children's playground to your right and as you enter the open fields down a wide dirt track, look to your left for a group of trees. Hopefully, you won't miss us!
First time with us?
If you have never attended or taken part in a pagan/druidic/OBOD ceremony, worry not! Our ceremonies are flexible, open to whatever you would like to contribute and are proudly inclusive of all identities. There are simple ceremony roles to have a go at, with pre-prepared lines to read out, but there is no obligation whatsoever to do so. Details of the roles will be sent out in advance of the ceremony. If you'd like to have an idea of what's involved, please get in touch with us.
Preparation for the day
All registered attendees will be sent a link to the ritual script booklet online as well as a preparation coversheet containing details of what to prepare/bring a week before the event. Key ritual items will be brought for the ceremony, though all are welcome to lay any personal items in the altar space we create.
Please do print your own booklet for the day, once you've registered and have received the ceremony pack nearer the date, especially if you have a speaking role in the ceremony or if you would like to read along with us. This is not essential as you are welcome to come and simply soak up the words and actions performed by others. As 'herald' at each ceremony, I will lead the ceremony and ensure everything runs smoothly.
We are mindful of the weather and dress appropriately, bringing water, a hat, suntan cream, coat, warm layers and/or waterproofs, etc. Come rain or shine, hail or snow, we meet!
Eisteddfod
In keeping with the practices of Welsh Druidry, we host a small eisteddfod after each ceremony, perhaps with some mead! This is a relaxing way to ground ourselves after working up energies in the rite and it gives us an opportunity to simply share social space with everyone.
'Eisteddfod' simply means 'to sit' in Welsh, or more accurately in this context, 'sitting and sharing together', to enjoy a festival of creativity. Those that wish to perform, talk or play for those gathered are warmly encouraged to do so and as bardistry forms such an integral part of practising Druidry, this is a great way to share your latest creative musings, on whatever journey you might be taking, with a very appreciative audience.
After the ceremony
After the ceremony has finished, we may head back to the OtherSyde for pizza and a pint and to warm up a bit (see 'Meeting Location' above)! You'd be most welcome to come with us or join us later:
To register to attend this event and receive an online copy of the ritual 'script' booklet (when finalised) with details of what to prepare and bring on the day, please email us by Wednesday 1st February 2024.
Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date with this and future events and please do get in contact if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing you for our first ritual and celebration of the new year,
Corr réisc Grove.
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