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 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.
We gather here to welcome the new light. As we join the Goddess in greeting the new Sun, we also welcome the new light within ourselves.
By the powers of the Dragons and Ravens may this circle be blessed, cleansed and sanctified.
Come powers of Eastern Waters!
Tides rise and fall and cleanse away harm.
Wash away troubles and rinse away pain, wash over our spirit with your oceans and rain.
The Circle is opened -- your power please lend,
Hail and Welcome--We bid you attend.
Come powers of Northern fires!
Warm light, pure strength -- add flame to desires, cleanse and purify all actions mundane.
Protect well this Circle with your pure light and flame.
The Circle is opened -- your power please lend.
Hail and Welcome --We bid you attend.
Come powers of Western Earth! Lend your strength and stability -- give us your support,
As your soil is fertile, this Circle shall be, nourish all works, as you nourish the tree.
The Circle is opened -- your power please lend.
Hail and Welcome -- We bid you attend.
Come powers of Southern Winds!
Whirl and twirl 'til magick has ceased.
Blow through our minds and the energy raise, blow away clouds and blow away haze.
The Circle is opened -- your power please lend.
Hail and Welcome -- We bid you attend.
We conjure this Circle of Light to be a temple between the worlds, in the name of the Silver Lady and the Golden Lord.
So Mote It Be.
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 you to come among us and attend this rite, for you are the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. Hail and Welcome.
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 among us and attend this rite, for you are the body of nature that gives life to the universe. Hail and Welcome.
The old solar year has run its course and completed its cycle. So to 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.
Write down those things you wish to leave behind and throw them into the cauldron to burn saying as you throw...
"As the old year dies away so will these old ways fade into memory."
We 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 us all, 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!
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 our hopes for life, 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.
Write down those things you wish to bring into your life and throw them into the cauldron to burn saying as you throw...
"As the sun strengthens above, so will our new ways grow."
As we drum and chant we will build our energy with the turning of the wheel. As you chant feel the energy of change resonate within you. When you stop, visualise the positive energy bursting forth, like the sun coming out from behind a thick cloud, and imagine strong rays streaking out, empowering your wishes, and carrying them to their target.
"Hoof and horn, hoof and horn
All that dies will be reborn
Corn and grain, corn and grain
All that falls will rise again"
This food and wine is the blessing of the Lady and the Lord to our bodies. Let us partake in it freely. As we share, let us remember to share what we have with those who have nothing.
One by one everyone comes to the altar and collects a cake and drink, saluting the candles before returning to their seat.
Thank you, Lord of the Sun for attending these rites in your honour, and for sharing with us your gifts of freedom and rejuvenation.
Hail and farewell.
Thank you, Lady of the Moon for attending these rites in your honour, and for sharing with us your gifts of compassion and will.
Hail and farewell.
Oh twirling Breezes and winds of the South, who protected this Circle and witnessed all feats, of Magick performed and blessings poured out. We thank you for coming and gathering about, but now comes the time for this Circle to end. We release you back to the fertile realm where you reign.
Hail and farewell until we see you again.
Oh Western forest, mountains and plains, who protected this Circle and witnessed all gains, of Magick performed and blessings poured out. We thank you for coming and gathering about, but now comes the time for this Circle to end. We release you back to the fertile realm where you reign.
Hail and farewell until we, see you again.
Oh Northern Fires and bright, dancing flames, who protected this Circle and witnessed all claims, of Magick performed and blessings poured out. We thank you for coming and gathering about, but now comes the time for this Circle to end. We release you back to the fertile realm where you reign.
Hail and farewell until we see you again.
Oh Oceans and rainstorm and streams of the East, who protected this Circle and witnessed all quests, of Magick performed and blessings poured out. We thank you for coming and gathering about, but now comes the time for this Circle to end. We release you back to the fertile realm where you reign.
Hail and farewell until we see you again.
May the circle be open, but unbroken,
May the peace of the Goddess be ever in our hearts
Merry meet and merry part,
and merry meet again.
The Cauldron |
Jenny, Beverley & Samantha |
Sim and Heather |
Raymond, Jenni & Charlene |
Rex, Sim, Heather, Jenny, Bev & Sam |
Bev, Sam,and Ray |
The "Yule Fire" light |
