SUPPLIES: Yule log (oak or pine) with white, red and black
candles on it (set it in the fireplace), chalice of wine, small
piece of paper and pencil for each person, altar set up (next to
the fireplace), two lighters or matches.
The altar is adorned with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay,
juniper and cedar, and the same can be laid to mark the Circle.
~Cast the Circle the way you usually do it.
~Statement of intent: (Priestess)
"Since the beginning of time, we have gathered in this
season to
celebrate the rebirth of the Sun.
On the Winter Solstice, the darkest of nights,
The Goddess becomes the Great Mother and once again
gives birth to the Sun and the new yearly cycle,
Bringing new light and hope to all on Earth.
On the longest night of winter,
and the dark night of our souls,
there springs the new spark of hope,
the Sacred Fire,
the Light of the World.
We gather tonight to await the new light.
On this night, the Maiden, who is also Mother
and Crone, prepares to welcome the Sun.
Let's now prepare to welcome the new light within."
~Invocation to the Goddess and God:
(Priest) "I light this fire in your honor Mother Goddess
You have created life from death, warmth from cold
The Sun lives once again, the time of light is waxing.
We invite you, Great Mother, to our circle
Bring us new light, the light of your glorious Son."
(Priestess light the white candle on the Yule log and say):
"I come to you as Maiden
Young and free, fresh as springtime
Yet within me a yearning stirs to create and share
and so I become...
(Light the red candle)The Mother
I bring forth the fruit of my creativity
Yet an ancient prophet once told me, as I stood with my son,
A sword shall pierce through thy own heart also
And I knew that I must become...
(Light the black candle)The Crone
The ancient wise one, Lady of Darkness
We three - in - one who brought forth that special child
as long ago, also anointed him for burial-
A bright light that grew and was sacrificed to be reborn
as a new light."
(Priest) "Ancient God of the forest, we welcome you
Return from the shadows, O Lord of Light.
The wheel has turned. We call you back to warm us.
Great God of the Sun
I welcome your return
May you shine brightly upon the Earth."
~Consecration of the Yule Log
(Priestess) "Yule is the end of the old solar year and the
beginning
of the new one. Traditionally, the end of the year is a time
to look back and reflect. It is a time to look ahead
to the future, to make plans and set goals."
On your piece of paper, write something you hope to accomplish
during the coming year. When you are finished, attach the slip of
paper to the Yule Log.
Priest picks up the chalice and says:
"We toast the new year (sprinkles wine on the log) and in
token
of its promise, we consecrate this sacred wood as a focus for the
energies throught which we accomplish our tasks and manifest our
desires during the coming cycle."
~All drink from the chalice.
(Priestess) "You who have died are now reborn. Lend us your
light through
the winter months as we await the spring. Let us now light the
Yule Log.
Once having burned with the Yule fire, these candles will contain
the luck
of the log throughout the coming year."
(remember to save a small piece of the log for next Yule or save
the ashes or the candles.)
~Priest and Priestess light the Yule log together.
Closing:
(Priestess - extinguishing the God taper) "Thank you Bright
Lord
for the light you have brought to us this night
May we carry it within us throughout the coming year."
(Priest - extinguishing the Goddess taper) "Thank you most
gracious Lady
for your freshness of spirit, your nurturing care
your infinite wisdom
Live within us throughout the coming year.
So mote it be."
Close the circle