Manor-House Yule Ritual

You will not need to cast a circle unless you intend to do magickal work along with this ritual, but the circle shape will still be used. The ritual, as written, is for the celebration of the holiday. Celebrate the magick of nature and the turning of the Wheel.

PREPARATION

Supplies

3 White Candles for each of the directional points - 12 in all
4 Gold or Yellow Candles
Candle snuffer
Low Alter decorated for Yule*

Optional Items

Appropriate holiday music
Incense
Alter Cloth in a holiday color

THE RITUAL

Start the music and light the incense.

Build a circle of light to represent the feminine by placing the white candles as follows:

Set 3 white candles at the North.
Set 3 white candles at the East.
Set 3 white candles at the South.
Set 3 white candles at the West.

You may place these candles on short pedestals or set them on the floor.

Build a second circle of light, representing the masculine, the God in the Womb, using the gold or yellow candles inside the first circle. If you are using short pedestals for the Goddess candles, place the God Candles on the floor in front of them. If not, place the gold or yellow candles on the floor directly in front of the Goddess candles.

Place 1 candle at the north
Place 1 candle at the East
Place 1 candle at the South
Place 1 candle at the West

Light the first set of 3 white candles at the North saying

As I light this candle
the cold wind blows.

As I light this candle
the cold sky snows.

As I light this candle
the cold wind blows.

Repeat for the remaining sets of 3 candles, East South and West.

Light the one gold or yellow candle at the North saying:

As I light this candle
the warmth will grow.

Repeat for the 3 other gold or yellow candles at the East, South and West.

Move to the front of the alter and sit down in front of it and recite:

It is the time of winter here.
Fires blaze, winter gear.

The promise of spring as the days get longer.
Promise of warmth as the sun gets stronger.

Birds take seed from the feeder in the yard.
Squirrels snatch grain while wary jays on guard.

Storms of white make colors fade to grey.
All Colors muted to the softness of clay.

When the skies clear, colors reappear once more.
As the Wheel turns we again recite the lore.

Goddess gives birth to the God of the Sun.
Promise light and warmth on this day begun.

Winter Solstice is here.
Full of promise and of cheer.

Sometimes dark sometimes bright.
Shortest day, longest night.

As I celebrate the Solstice
the cold sky snows.

As I celebrate the Solstice
the cold wind blows.

I celebrate the warmth and light.
Shortest day and longest and night

As the Wheel revolves its way
Blessed Be, all today.

Now is the time of meditation and introspection of the old year. Take as long as you need.

Snuff out the gold or yellow candles in reverse: West, South, East, North.

At each recite:

Winter Solstice is here.
Full of promise and of cheer.

Snuff out the 4 sets of white candles and recite:

As I celebrate the Solstice
the cold sky snows.

As I celebrate the Solstice
the cold wind blows.

I celebrate the warmth and light.
Shortest day and longest and night

When finished, return to the alter and say:

As the Wheel revolves its way
Blessed Be, all today.

* MAGICKAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE HOLIDAY :

COLORS :
Gold, White, Green, Red

PLANTS :
Mistletoe, Balsam, Fir, Pine boughs and cones, Chamomile, Comfrey, Sunflower, Apple, and any dried summer herbs, Bay, Frankincense, Myrrh, Ivy, Holly, Juniper, Oak, Valarian, Ginger.

Miscellaneous
Cinnamon sticks, Popcorn or Cranberries for garlands, Decorated sachets of fragrant spices. Apples, Oranges, Lemons, Nuts of all kinds

STONES :
Clear quartz, Citrine, Green tourmaline, Garnet, Bloodstones, Rubies