Yule may well be one of the busiest times of the year. It will only take a few minutes to perform this simple ritual of thanks to honor the season.
Items Needed:
A red candle (Bayberry candles are traditionally said to bring warmth and wealth when lit on the solstice.)
A lighter or matches
A gingerbread cookie (or another holiday treat)
Apple cider
1. Sit and center yourself when you have a few spare minutes. No matter what your spiritual practices, this time of the year is usually one of bustling families. Think about what this sabbat really means to you, and how you can better convey that message to your kids to make this day more special. 2. Light the candle and say, I light this candle in honor of the winter solstice and the return of the sun! I honor this celebration of light and welcome the lengthening of the days to come. I give hanks to the Lord and Lady for this change of the season and for the blessings bestowed upon my family. Blessed be. 3. Eat your treat and sit as long as you can, enjoying the time. Small Group Ritual Many traditions hold that you should stay up on the night of the winter solstice to greet the return of the sun. Gather friends and family and plan an evening of fun to keep everyone awake until dawn. Depending on the crowd, this could be anything from an evening of video games to a marathon candle making night. What matters most is that you are enjoying each other’s company. Items Needed:
A red candle for each participant
A lighter or matches for each participant
Enough small snacks to get through a long evening
A pot of mulled apple cider or coffee
1. Before the evening starts, find out what time the sun will rise, and make sure to tell everyone you want to attend. 2. Spend the dark hours engaged in whatever activities you’ve devised to pass the time with enough small snacks and apple cider or coffee to see you through until dawn. 3. As the sun rises, have everyone light their candle. Have someone say, We greet the sun on this day, the winter solstice! We ask that all who gather here be blessed, and that on these coming lengthening days, we gather often