Good Wiccan Sabbaths, Holy Days, Holidays & Rituals
Winter Solstice Ritual – Lighting of the Fire
All light their matches and chant 3 times:
CHANT “The sun is not lost, it rises again. The sun lives in me until then.”
All participate in lighting either the bonfire or large central candle. If you are lighting a bonfire, allow it to catch on and enjoy the experience of lighting it with your friends.
Winter Solstice Ritual – Darkness & Dawn
Leader takes the bowl of salt from the altar and explains the next activity.
“The salt is death – it is bitter and yet it is sweet.
“Taste death and know its finality.
“Fall to the ground and feel the coldness of the earth.”
The leader goes around the circle and as each participant holds out there tongue – the leader places a pinch of sale on it. The participant then curls up on the ground and lies quietly still.
The leader then takes his/her own pinch of salt and lies still.
After a long moment has passed – the first person to “die” slowly arises and takes the sugar bowl from the altar and says to the group (still lying quietly on the ground).
“Taste the sweetness of life and know its resilience.
“Arise and know the warmth created by movement and life.”
This person goes around to the group members and places a large pinch of sugar on their tongues. As they receive it – the participants arise and feel renewed.
Winter Solstice Ritual – The Return of the Light
Leader lights each candles on the Yule log while telling the story:
“Tonight we recognize the triple Goddess in all of her forms. We light the candles on the Yule log to honor the virgin, the mother and the crone. This Midwinter, the virgin Goddess bears the God son. He brings the promise of light back to the world. Let us take the promise of light and carry the God and Goddess light forth into our own lives. Now take your unlit candle from the altar.”
The leader lights his/her candle from the altar fire and then in turn lights the candle of the person to his/her left in silence. This person in turn lights the next candle, until all candles are lit.
A medium paced rendition of Deck the Halls as participants parade around the fire 3 times holding their candles. After the third circle – they may stand in one place or continue to circle the fire.
Winter Solstice Ritual – Cone of Energy
If the group is so inclined they may break into dancing and playing percussion and singing of the chant:
CHANT: “She changes everything she touches- “And everything she touches changes.”
