Yule Rituals

Scott Cunningham's Yule ritual

The altar is adorned with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay, juniper and cedar, and the same can be laid to mark the Circle of Stones. Dried leaves can also be placed on the altar.

The cauldron, resting on the altar on a heat proof surface (or placed before it if too large), should be filled with ignitable spirit (alcohol), or a red candle can be placed within it. At outdoor rites, lay a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle of Stones.

Recite the Blessing Chant.

Invoke the Goddess and God.

Stand before the cauldron and gaze within it. Say these or similar words:

I sorrow not,
though the world is wrapped in sleep.
I sorrow not,
though the icy winds blast.
I sorrow not,
though the snow falls hard and deep.
I sorrow not,
this too shall soon be past.


Ignite the cauldron (or candle), using long matches or a taper. As the flame(s) leap up say:

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.
Welcome,
ever returning God of the Sun!
Hail Mother of All!


Circle the altar and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames. Say the following chant for some time:

The wheel turns; the power burns.


Meditate upon the Sun, on the hidden energies lying dormant in winter, not only in the Earth but within ourselves. Think of birth not as the start of life but as its continuance. Welcome the return of the God. After a time cease and stand once again before the altar and flaming caldron. Say:

Great God of the Sun,
I welcome Your return.
May You shine brightly upon the Goddess;
May You shine brightly upon the Earth,
scattering seeds and fertilizing the land.
All blessings upon You,
Reborn One of the Sun!


Works of magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast, the release the Circle.


- by Scott Cunningham, "A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner"


Solitary Yule Ritual

Statement of Intent:

"Since the beginning of time witches 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
Beginning the yearly cycle anew
Bringing new light and hope to all the World.
On the longest night of winter
Flares the spark of hope
The Sacred Fire,
The Light of the World,
I am present here to welcome the new light.
As I join the Goddess in greeting the new Sun
I also welcome the new light within myself."


Calling the Quarters:

"Hail guardians of the east,
spirits of Air, powers of Thought
I call you to lend your essence
to this rite and protect me from
all negativity from the east."

"Hail guardians of the south,
spirits of Fire, powers of Will
I call you to lend your essence to this rite
and protect me from
all negativity from the south."

"Hail guardians of the west,
spirits of Water, powers of Emotion
I call you to lend your essence to this rite
and protect me from
all negativity from the west."

"Hail guardians of the north,
spirits of Earth, powers of Stability
I call you to lend your essence to this rite
and protect me from
all negativity from the north."

Casting the Circle:

"I conjure ye O Circle of Light
to be a temple between the worlds
In the name of the Silver Lady and the Golden Lord.
Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, So Mote It Be."

Invocation:

"Lady, you who are the beauty of the snowy earth
and the white moon among the stars
the mystery of the waters
the desire in the heart of humanity
We invite to you to come to this place and attend this rite,
for you are the soul of nature that gives life to the
universe."

"Lord, You who are the freedom of the wild things
the bright sun that lights the day
the mystery of the forest
The resolve in the heart of humanity
We invite you to come here to this place and attend this rite,
for you are the body of nature who gives life to the
universe."


Meditation:

"The old solar year has run its course and completed its
cycle.
So too have some of our habits or traits completed their
cycles and outlived their usefulness.
This is a time for shedding that which is no longer needed."

(Take a few moments now to consider which things
you would leave behind as you go into the coming year.)
(pause to meditate)

"As the old year dies away
so to will these old ways will fade into memory."

"In the beginning we came from the darkness of the womb.
There we were created, nourished
and prepared for our birth into the light.
Within us, we still carry that fertile darkness.
There we hold the seeds of hopes and dreams to come.
There we nourish are hopes for love, joy and peace for all.
We shield these tender roots
until they are strong enough to come forth and flourish in the
light."

(Spend a little time now tending these creations to come.
Name them, nurture them for they will grow with you
and bloom in the coming year.)
(pause to reflect)

"As the sun strengthens above, so will my new ways grow."


Reading:

"I light this candle for the infant Solstice Sun
One small flame to pierce the darkness
A ray of hope
A symbol of the Light within me
Light that can never be extinguished
Light that will grow in glory
Waxing strong, despite the cold to come
Light that dispels despair and resignation
Giving us a glimpse of golden days ahead"

"Behold the light that can never die
Reborn anew in the Solstice Sky!"


Before the Chant:
(While chanting, think of those who you would send positive energy to:
Loved ones perhaps, those in need of healing or added strength.
Perhaps people who's names you do not know, who are living with war or
hunger. You may wish to focus on that which important to you, your
values, Perhaps the earth itself, or the animals who share it with us
Whatever it is you wish to send your healing energy to. As we chant we
will build the our energy with the turning of the wheel. As you chant
feel the energy of change resonate within you.
When you stop the chant, visualize the positive energy bursting forth,
like the sun coming out from behind a thick cloud, and imagine strong
rays of streaking out, empowering your wishes, and carrying your
healing thoughts to their targets. The Chant:

"Hoof and horn, hoof and horn
All that dies will be reborn
Corn and grain, corn and grain
All that falls will rise again."

Blessing of Cakes and Wine:

"This food and wine is the blessing
of the Goddess and God to our bodies.
I will partake in it freely.
And remember to share
what I have with those who have nothing."


Releasing:


"Thank you, Goddess of the Moon
for attending these rites in your honor,
and for sharing with me your gifts of compassion and wit.
Hail, and farewell."

"Thank you, God of the Sun
for attending these rites in your honor,
and for sharing with me your gifts of freedom and
rejuvenation.
Hail, and farewell."

"Guardians of the north,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of stability. Hail and farewell."

"Guardians of the west,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of empathy. Hail and farewell."

"Guardians of the south,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of purity. Hail and farewell."

"Guardians of the east,
I thank you for your presence here
and for your gift of clarity. Hail and farewell."

"The circle is open, yet never broken,
merry meet, and merry part,
and merry meet again."



Written by Zephyr; December 22, 1996
http://wuzzle.org/cave/yulerit.html
Adapted for the Solitary Practitioner by Joelle, December 13, 2001


The children of the Sacred Laughter
Yule Open Circle 2003

By Amethyst TygerMoon Amethyst TygerMoon
With inspiration from Dorothy Morrison & thanks to Gail Duff for the play

The altar is dressed in seasonal colours and glow-in-the-dark-pebbles mark the outside of the circle, as we file into the circle all participants are handed a candle by the maiden. The Yule Log sits in the centre of the circle waiting to be lit. Parts to be played: High Priestess, High Priest, Maiden, East, South, West, North, Holly King, Oak King, Wren, Robin

Cleansing & Consecration of Salt & Water: High Priest uses Athame to take out some drops of water, representing removing the negativity from water

High Priest (HP): Creatures of water, I cast from thee, Doubt, hesitation, fear & distrust. I cast into you, Strong will, Hope, Warmth & Friendship High Priest uses Athame to charge the water with positive energy. Then the High Priest uses Athame to take out some grains of salt, representing removing the negativity from salt Creatures of salt, I cast from thee, Doubt, hesitation, fear & distrust I cast into you, Strong will, Hope, Warmth & Friendship

High Priest uses Athame to charge the water with positive energy. And then adds 3parts of salt to the water using the Athame. Salt joins with water, As lover, joins with beloved, As we, all join with the universe. Sweeping the Circle Maiden sweeps the outside of the circle. The High Priestess follows with salt water that she sprinkles on the ground, and the High Priest follows with lighted smudge stick

Maiden (M): Sweep away what blocks our life Sweep away all stress & strife Sweep away what blocks our life Replace the void with happiness And prepare the way for new success.

Casting the Circle The High Priest lights his/her candle from the seasonal candle on the altar, the Maiden lights her candle from the High Priests candle and then the next participant lights their candle from the maidens candle and so on whilst the High Priestess casts the circle with the athame…

High Priestess (HPS): I conjure thee O’ Great circle of power So that you may be a boundary Between the realms of men and the realms of the mighty spirits A meeting place of perfect love and perfect trust To contain all the power we raise within thee As above, so below, the circle is cast, so mote it be.

Calling the Quarters All turn to face each quarter as it is called...

East: I call the guardians of the watchtower of the east, element of air, Lend your inspiration and spontaneity to this ritual Come share our fun and join us in this celebration

South: I call the guardians of the watchtower of the south, element of fire, Lend your passion and creativity to this ritual Come share our fun and join us in this celebration

West: I call the guardians of the watchtower of the west, element of water, Lend your transformation and love to this ritual Come share our fun and join us in this celebration

North: I call the guardians of the watchtower of the north, element of earth, Lend your strength and stability to this ritual Come share our fun and join us in this celebration

Completing the Circle HPS, HP & M: I am air, (I am air,) I am fire, (I am fire,) I am water, (I am water,) I am earth. (I am earth.) I am all things, (I am all things,) All things are me. (All things are me.) I am the Goddesses perfect child, (I am the Goddesses perfect child,) And I am free! (And I am free!) Inviting the Goddess High Priestess lights Goddess candle from the central sabbat candle…

HPS: Great Goddess, Mother, Gracious Lady & Lover You who are called by so many names in so many guises We invite you to join us in celebration this Yule And to witness the rebirth of the sun Hail & Welcome! (Hail & Welcome!) Inviting the God High Priest lights God candle from the central sabbat candle…

HP: Great God, Father, Young Lord & Consort, You who are called by so many names in so many guises We invite you to join us in celebration this Yule And to witness the rebirth of the sun Hail & Welcome! (Hail & Welcome!) Statement of Intent

HPS: We gather here in this place that is not a place, At a time, that is not a time, to celebrate Yule.

HP: Yule is the time of the greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice is associated with the birth of the Sun as we now move forward into a period of lengthening days, and shortening nights we recognise that we needed this time of darkness just as we need the renewed light. This time is celebrated as the "Return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess.

M: These candles represent the spark of light, which we can see on the horizon, our hopes and our wishes for the future. Close your eyes and meditate with us for a minute… Imagine that you were alive 12,000 years ago. It is winter. You are cold and probably hungry. The days are getting shorter. You light a fire, sit by it and think about the past year. Its successes…its failures… In an earthenware pot in the corner of your dwelling are the seeds you have carefully preserved… These seeds mean life or death to your tribe… Today your “seeds” are projects, and ideas you hold within you since Samhain…waiting for the right time to be planted. As the days get darker you wait, and wonder if the Sun will ever return so that you can plant your seeds. When you are ready open your eyes and see the spark of light in your hand, your candle, your new hopes, and your new life…

HPS: Let us welcome the new light by illuminating the Yule Log

HP: Great God of the Sun, Of the days so bright We welcome your return On this Midwinter’s Night We look forward to the light that you will bring And in thanks to you We now sing! All sing while one by one each person places their candle in the Yule log.

All: Oh, come all ye faithful gather round the Yule Fire Oh, come ye, oh, come ye, To call the Sun! Fires within us Call the Fire above us O, come, let us invoke Him! O, come, let us invoke Him! O, come, let us invoke Him! Our Lord, the Sun! Yea, Lord, we greet thee! Born again at Yuletide! Yule fires and candle flames are lighted for you! Come to thy children Calling for thy blessing! O, come, let us invoke Him! O, come, let us invoke Him! O, come, let us invoke Him! Our Lord, the Sun!

M: But there is another story to be told before this night is over… Pray silence my sisters and brothers, And take heed of our play, We will make a merry rhyme, All on this Solstice Day. Listen to us and you shall hear The story of the wheel’s turn, So take your ease and listen, While the Yule Log it does burn.

HP: There are two kings that rule the year, Its waxing and its waning, The Holly King for when the Sun goes down, The Oak, to watch its gaining. But don’t just listen to what I say, Walk in Oak king, and clear the way.

Oak King: In comes I, the Oak King, From the other side of the year I came, With my crown of leaves and acorns, A king of greatest fame. I watched over the year’s waxing, But since June in the ground I’ve lain, And not I come this Solstice Night To fight the Holly King again. I took an oath that he should die. I’ll knock him down all in his prime And banish him away until another time.

Holly King: In comes I, the Holly King, In the year’s darkest time, of me they sing. My berries red and leave of green thorn Give people hope on the darkest morn. I reign through the waning of the year And I’ll fight the Oak king, if he be here. His leaves are gone, his branches bare, Buy my leaves shine in the frosty air. Oak King, you cannot challenge me The days are yet dark, my people agree.

Oak King: King Holly, your people long for the light, They don’t wish their days to be turned into night. They need the Sun to banish the frost and snow, For trees to leaf and crops to grow. My leaves may now be cast asunder But my branches bear buds for summer splendour. And now as ruler I must take my turn, Hold up your stave, and this lesson learn.

Holly King: I’ll hold up my stave to defend my throne, And I’ll fight well for the crown, before I’m done.

HP: See how they fight long and hard for the crown, But the King Holy has won; the Oak King goes down.

HPS: No wonder it looks like King Holly has won, For the people need cheering when the day’s without Sun They need his red berries and green thorns sharp To garland their feast ad shine in the dark. But the wheel it must turn, the year must go round, So I call on the Robin to heal his wound.

Robin: In comes I, Robin of the wood, I come to heal the Oak King, for the peoples and the years good.

HP: How will you heal him, Robin? Robin: I’ll pluck from my breast some feathers red, The colour of blood, to raise the dead. I’ll lay them on his wound so deep. Their magick will bring him round from his sleep.

HP: And so the Oak King rises, tall and strong. And once again the battle is long. But now the Holly king is down, The Oak king has won the waxing years crown.

HPS: But the people still need their Midwinter cheer, They can’t see the Oak’s splendour at this time of year. They want shiny berries and leaves that are green, So I call on the Wren, the Greenwood Queen.

Wren: In come I, the Wren so small. The Holly is my master, so I come at your call. I can heal him, so he will stay And cheer all our hearts until the Twelfth Day. Although Oak is the King, Holly’s Lord of Misrule, To gladden your hearts at this festival of Yule King Holly has a lady, with ivy in her bower, With jet black berries and sweet scented flower. Her leaves are as green on a dark winter’s morn As those of the Holly, but without any thorns. When the Lady Ivy lays down by his side, The Holly will rise and take her for his bride.

HPS: Together they will grace our Midwinter Halls Till on the Twelfth Day they will leave us all.

HP: Then the days will lengthen again And the Oak King can truly begin his reign. At Imbolc, when the green shoots rise, The Holly will seem to go out of our lives.

HPS: But soon once more the wheel will turn, And the old story again we’ll learn.

M: And now our story we have told, A tale of wisdom for young and old. From the parts we played let us be set free And our own true selves we now shall be. The Great Rite High Priestess kneels in front of the High Priest holding her Chalice. The High Priest slowly lowers the Athame in to the Chalice as they speak…

HP: As the Athame is to the male

HPS: So, the chalice is to the female

HP: For what one lacks

HPS: The other can give

HP & HPS: For there is no greater magick in all the world than that of love! Blessed Be!

All: Blessed Be! Farewell to the Goddess High Priestess uses the candle snuffer to extinguish the Goddess candle…

HPS: Great Goddess, Mother, Gracious Lady & Lover, we thank you for joining us as we celebrated Yule. We hope that you will bless us with your presence as we continue these celebrations and we extinguish this flame, knowing it as but a symbol of you. Farewell to the God High Priest uses the candle snuffer to extinguish the God candle…

HP: Great God, Father, Young Lord & Consort, we thank you for joining us as we celebrated Yule. We hope that you will bless us with your presence as we continue these celebrations and we extinguish this flame, knowing it as but a symbol of you.

Farewell to the Quarters All turn to face each quarter as it is relieved...

East: Guardians of the watchtower of the east, element of air, We thank you for your participation in this ritual. Go if you wish stay if you will. Blessed Be!

South: Guardians of the watchtower of the south, element of fire, We thank you for your participation in this ritual. Go if you wish stay if you will. Blessed Be!

West: Guardians of the watchtower of the west, element of water, We thank you for your participation in this ritual. Go if you wish stay if you will. Blessed Be!

North: Guardians of the watchtower of the north, element of earth, We thank you for your participation in this ritual. Go if you wish stay if you will. Blessed Be!

Closing the Circle High Priestess walks the perimeter of the circle using her athame to “draw in” the circle...

HPS: Great Circle we thank you… All laughter contains magick and all magick should contain laughter! The circle is open but never broken. We are the people, We are the power, We are the change. So Mote it be!

Feasting & Secret Santa Gift Giving

Submitted by Amethyst TygerMoon