Decorate the sacred space with gold and silver spheres to represent the returning sun, and wreaths to symbolize the turning Wheel.
Have oak shavings ready as a base for your incense. Add any other personally meaningful herbs to this mixture and start burning it before the invocation to help prepare the sacred space.
Finally, put a candle representing the sun at the southern point of the circle.
Cover the altar with a pale green cloth - the color of early sprouts, which represents continuance. Add red berries for life's blood; holly; ivy; and pine branches as a symbol of longevity. The pine also welcomes sylvan spirits to your circle.
Have a Yule log at the center point, placing there your God and Goddess candles. Always keep a part of the candles or the log itself for future years; this brings good luck, life, health and providence.
Take up your Athame, butter knife, or finger and Cast the Circle starting in the West, the region where several cultures believe the afterlife resides, the direction of the Dying Sun.
Take a moment to center yourself and begin to cast the Circle. Visualize a white light coming from the tip of the Athame and with arms straight out, turn the blade point out, slowly turning clockwise the light following you.
When you return to the West bring the atham'e back to you and say: "As above, so below." As you say this, visualize the light going above you and below you forming a perfect sphere.
Light the Goddess candle in the Yule log, then move to the Northern point in your Circle. This is the quarter traditionally ascribed to the season of winter.
Face North and say: "Ancient Mother, I look for your opulence, but tonight naught but barren trees decorate the land. In this restful moment, let my spirit find healing."
Face East and say: "Ancient Brother, I listen for your winds, but tonight they are still. In this quiet darkness, help me find inspiration."
Face South and say: "Ancient Father, I look for your fires, but tonight the embers only begin to glow more brightly. May this gentle warmth temper my spirit."
Face West and say: "Ancient Sister, I seek your glistening tears, but tonight they are frozen. Beneath this cool blanket, let my emotions find stability."
Face center and say: "Ancient Ones, I seek Your face, but tonight darkness surrounds. Help me find Your spark within to guide my path."
Sit and close your eyes. Let any remaining tension drain away, then begin listening to the sound of silence. Smell the aromas of oak and herb. Feel the latent energy of everything around you and the magic you've placed there. Know it as your own.
Listen to your breath and your heartbeat. Sense the pulse and ebb within as the same energy without. Listen closely; does it whisper a message to you? Does it whisper a name? Do you hear the cry of an animal? Do you hear words that fill you with energy? Linger in this place between Earth and stars until you receive a message. Then return to normal levels of awareness, and write of this experience in your journal.
Turn toward the northern part of your circle. Think of things that you want to banish, such as bad habits. Say: "I call to the darkness. Come embrace my "(fill in with your negative characteristics). Take them to yourself. I release them. As the sun climbs in the sky, take these things with you in retreat, never to return to me again."
Turn to the south of the circle, light the sun candle, and repeat this chant. Let it naturally grow to fill the entire space with positive vibrations: "Strong sun, returning sun; the light burns as the Wheel turns. Strong sun, returning sun; the shadows fade; my magic bade. Strong sun, returning sun; the shadows flee, the magic is free!"
Return to the altar now and light the God candle, using the Goddess candle as a fire source (symbolic of the womb). "Sun Father, Your journey has left you weary. May this light give you strength to reach toward the heavens again with warmth and brilliance."
After saying so, go through your home and light all its candles, lamps, flashlights, or decorative lights to represent the sun's return.
Face West and say: "Spirit of the West, thank you for cleansing body, mind, and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise purify Earth."
Face South and say: "Spirit of the South, thank you for this warmth of body, mind and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise generate love on Earth."
Face East and say: "Spirit of the East, thank you for this stillness of body, mind and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise bring peace to Earth."
Face North and say: "Spirit of the North, thank you for healing me in body, mind, and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise heal Earth."
Face Center and say: "Ancient Ones, thank you for turning the Wheel that enlightens body, mind, and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise edify Earth."
NOTES:
I know it's got a lot of steps, but they are all important.
If you are worried about "not having the right materials", do not worry. You can substitute as you need, and use symbolism as you need (for example, if you don't have a yule log, use a fallen tree branch, some twigs, etc...)
Happy Yule to you and everyone you love. Brightest Blessings, from: Rose Ariadne
Also read this ebooks:
William Elliot Griffis - Dutch Fairy Tales For Young FolksAleister Crowley - Ritual Viii
Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All
Labels: witch misc tools green books fairy wand witchcraft wicca magickal name bedtime prayers eclectic magick altars altar setup aemeth seal french xvii asclepius truly wicca rituals religion
