Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 255
Lucia comes forward with the lit candle,
and lights the candles on the Yule log. Lucia
then brings her candle to the Priestess, who
lights her small candle from the larger one.
Then Priestess passes the light to another,
who continues, until everyone in the room is
holding up a lighted candle. Then the tenders
of the log ceremoniously place it onto
Wiccan Rite for Yule
the fire and light it. Everyone sings “Light is
Returning,” by Charlie Murphy.
Winter King then comes forward again,
circling in a spin, faster and faster, finally
throwing off his cloak to reveal Santa suit
underneath. Then with a merry “Ho ho ho,”
the Winter King and Queen turn to the distribution
of the presents under the tree.
The place of meeting should be adorned with the traditional decorations of this season,
with the addition of birch bark and branches. Songs, music, and rhymes may be seasonal but
should all be slanted toward Witchcraft. If there will be dancing before the rite, it should be
bright and gay. The traditional foods are to be eaten, with the addition of pork in some form.
A piece of oak log with 13 red candles in it should be in a central location before the rite, and
placed north of the altar for the ceremony, A Yule tree, fully decorated, should be placed at
the north outside of the Circle.The Great Circle shall be cast in the usual manner.
To begin the rite, the Priestess stands to the north of the altar with the tree behind her.
All in the Circle may light the candles of those near them and the Priestess shall light the
candles on the log. She spreads her arms outwards as the limbs of the moon and invokes:
The ghost of the old year is with us yet. Let us call him forth with rite and dance; let him
feast with us as we bid him farewell.
For in this season the sacred child is born of the Goddess, He of the sun, who shall
reign in joy with bounteous seasons of life, ever rich, for all. With song and dance shall
we worship both—the Mother ever gracious, and the Child of Promise most glorious.
Blessed Be the Goddess most noble, the same through the ages of time, everlasting
through eternity. Io Evohe! Blessed Be!
All salute. The Priestess calls for fast music and all follow her and the Priest about the Circle
in a fast and cheerful dance which becomes ever faster. All shall chant:
Io Evohe! Blessed Be! Io Evohe! Blessed Be!
If the coven members are carrying candles, the last one shoes candle goes out as the dance
proceeds shall be called “Nick,” and must light candles, pour wine, and replenish the incense for
the rest of the night. At the end of the dance, the Priestess or Priest will call for all within the
Circle to drop to a sitting position. The Priestess shall stand before the altar facing north and say:
All blessings to the Lady, and to her sacred Child. Blessed BE! (Sign of the pentacle.)
All: “Blessed BE!” (Sign of the Pentacle.)
Priestess throws a small handful of the magical catalyst* into the incense brazier.
Next should follow the rite of cakes and wine.
Before opening the Great Circle, the Priest shall give the salutation of the year. He shall
say to those of the coven:
Oh friends of our coven, I do bid you to charge your cups and join in the salute to the year.
When all are holding form their cups in salute, the Priest shall call:
Thirteen moons are waxed and waned,
Dancing in the starry vault.
Ancient year is running low—
Day of days draws to a halt.
Greet the Hag and bid her go—
Farewell to the ancient Crone,
For tonight the old guard changeth;
Bid the Maid to take the throne.
Rejoice, rejoice, it is reborn,
the olden curse is washed away—
Shining bright the thirteen moons
Shall rise to greet the newborn day.
A joyous new year! Blessed Be!
All: “Blessed Be!”
All shall drink deeply.
Finally, the Great Circle shall be opened.