Yule (December 23) is a celebration of rebirth and the
renewing of the old. It is the start of longer, lighter days as the Lord of the Sun arises from His sojourn with the Goddess.
Here, light becomes important as we use sympathetic magic to ensure the return of the sun. The Ancient Egyptians also watched
and waited for the star Sirius to announce yet another birth, that of Horus as the son of Osiris from the womb of Isis at
this time.
The Yule log symbolizes the idea of the continuation of light
and this ritual honors that tradition. Before performing this ritual, you might want to decorate your home with evergreens,
including mistletoe, which is sacred to both Druids and the Scandinavians.
This Sabbat Ritual is designed to go along with the SIMPLE CIRCLE RITUAL. When one does not have time or space for a full ritual, this mini--ritual is both proven and effective.
In addition to the tools you need for the Simple Circle, you
will also need: (1) a Yule log, (2) a Black candle, and (3) 3 white 5 inch to six inch candles, one inch in diameter.
(1) BLACK CANDLE: Ideally, this candle was lit at Samhein (SOW-in)
and extinguished during that ritual as Farewell to the (Sun) God. It is now lit again to once again light His return. This
candle should be about three inches in diameter and three or four inches tall. You can use it from Samhein to Yule and from
Yule to Samhein and whenever you need a "God" candle. If this is your first Sabbat, then buy a new black candle. NOTE: Never
blow out candles or matches. Snuff the candle with your wet fingers or buy a candle snuffer. You can snuff matches in the
incense sand. From time to time you will need to strain the sand (dirt) and get the matches out.
(2) YULE LOG. This can be as simple as a "Pressed-wood" fireplace
log. They are easy to make holes in for the three candles. If you don't have a drill with a 1" speed-bit, simply take a screwdriver
and bore out one inch holes. Make sure they are lined up so the candles are even. Line the candles with aluminum foil at the
bottoms so they don't set the log on fire. If the log wants to roll, simply put a couple of 1/4 inch pieces of dowel on the
bottom of the log to steady it.
(3) WHITE CANDLES. These should be one inch in diameter and
five to six inches long. They represent the three phases of the moon (New, Full and Dark) and also the three faces of the
Goddess (Maiden, Mother and Crone). Buy your candles first before you make the candle holes in your Yule log so you can get
the holes the right size.
METHOD:
Cast your SIMPLE CIRCLE as usual. When you get to the part
right after you raise Power, begin this Ritual as follows:
Light two of the five inch candles and place one on each end
of the Yule Log. Facing East, hold God candle out in front of you (still unlit), and say:
"This candle symbolizes the Sun God. Its final flicker, at
Samhein, His passing. And here, its flame once again lights His return."
Light the God candle from one of the Yule Log candles. Place
the God candle in front of the Yule Log, then light the third five inch candle from the God candle. Face South, hold candle
out in front of you and say:
"Blessed be the Maiden Goddess. May this world be forever young
in Her presence."
Turn to the West, still holding Candle out in front of you,
and say:
Blessed be the Mother Goddess, fresh and pure with babe. And
so shall all that springs from her be strong, adventurous, and bountiful."
Turn to the North, and say:
"Blessed be the deep-rooted Goddess. Wise, Powerful, and Temperate.
The keeper of wisdom and the ever-turning Wheel.
Turn to the East (still holding candle in front of you), and
say:
"Tonight, the Lord of the Sun is born again. The Goddess and
the God are in harmony. The sun reaffirms as the Wheel is turning once again. We praise the Goddess and the newly born God,
our Father and our Mother."
Place candle in Center hole of Yule Log, and say:
"And so mote it be."
Now if liked, each participant may talk about their wishes
for the next year or exchange gifts around the Yule Log.
Close Circle as usual.
