Friday Form A Circle - Yule Ritual (Yes, I know it's still a ways away...)

This is the ritual our "group" performed for Yule 2005. We always tried to create rituals that allowed everyone to participate, so you'll see it's broken down into parts for each participant...

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 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.

Member: Hail dragons of the east, spirits of Earth, powers of Stability. I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from all negativity from the east.

Member: Hail dragons 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.

Member: Hail dragons 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.

Member: Hail dragons of the north, Air, powers of Thought I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from all negativity from the north

Member: 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

Member: 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.

Member: 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.

Member: The old solar year has run it’s course and completed it’s 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)
As the old year dies away so to will these old ways fade into memory.

Member: 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 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.

Priestess: 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!

Think of those who you would send positive energy to: Loved ones perhaps, those in need of healing or added strength. Perhaps people whose names you do not know, who are living with war or hunger. You may wish to focus on that which is 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 you think, feel the energy of change resonate within you.

Priest: 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

Member: Thank you, Goddess of the Moon for attending these rites in your honor, and for sharing with us your gifts of compassion and wit. Go if you must, stay if you will Hail, and farewell.

Member: Thank you, God of the Sun for attending these rites in your honor, and for sharing with us your gifts of freedom and rejuvenation. Go if you must, stay if you will Hail, and farewell.

Member: Dragons of the north, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of clarity. Go if you must, stay if you will Hail and farewell

Member: Dragons of the west, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of empathy. Go if you must, stay if you will Hail and farewell

Member: Dragons of the south, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of purity. Go if you must, stay if you will Hail and farewell

Member: Dragons of the east, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of stability. Go if you must, stay if you will Hail and farewell

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

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.