1996 Yule Ritual

Zephyr

Statement of Intent

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.

Calling the Quarters and Casting the Circle

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

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 among us 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 among us and attend this rite, for you are the body of nature who gives life to the universe.

Meditation

The old solar year has run it'its course and completed it'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.
(pause)
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)
As the sun strengthens above, so will our new ways grow.

Reading

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!

Chant

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 I 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.

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. Let us partake in it freely.
As we share, let us remember to share what we have with those who have nothing.

Releasing

Thank you, Goddess of the Moon for attending these rites in your honor, and for sharing with us 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 us your gifts of freedom and rejuvenation. Hail, and farewell.

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

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

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

Guardians of the east, we 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.