Yule to go ritual [Sat. 08 December 2002]

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Dec 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

MeeWah	08 Dec 2002
We are gathered in a clearing surrounded by tall pines & other evergreens. The time is night. Above us, the sky is midnight-blue & clear, the stars are twinkling. The altar is a large, round flat rock atop a square wood base. It sits in the center of the clearing--what will be defined as our Sacred Circle. Hanging above the altar is a wreath of holly & mistletoe, symbolizing the Wheel of the Year: the infinite cycle of beginnings & endings. The altar contains: An athame, a consecrated ceremonial knife. A wand, a tool used to hold power & to direct same. Frankincense & myrhh, lit at altar East, representing Air. A lit red candle at altar South, representing Fire. A bowl of melted snow at altar West, representing Water. A bowl of salt at altar North, representing Earth. Red candles for each participant. Yule log is set a short distance away from the altar. [meewah touches the point of the athame to the water.] "In the name of Mother Goddess & Father God I bless & cleanse this water That it be purified To dwell within this sacred Circle." [touching the athame's point to the salt] "In the name of Mother Goddess & Father God I bless & cleanse this salt That it be purified To dwell within this sacred Circle." [facing north, at the edge of the circle, meewah walks deosil (clockwise) around its perimeter, holding the athame point end out waist high. the circle is created & charged by the will, energy, words, & visualization of power emanating from the athame.] "Here be the boundary of the Circle. Naught but Love shall enter in, Naught but Love shall emerge from within. Charge this by Thy Powers, Old Ones!' [back at north, the athame is returned to the altar.] [the salt is poured into the water & stirred with the athame. beginning north & moving deosil back to north, the salted water is sprinkled around the circle.] "I bless & seal this Circle, In this place that is not a place Where time stands still: A sacred place of Light, Love, & Peace; A haven against Chaos; Between the worlds of Man & the Old Ones-- We thank Thee, Old Ones, For the power ye giveth our rites!" The Calling of the Quarters begins. [next person invokes north or east.]

Pollux	08 Dec 2002
* Pollux goes to the altar, and after bowing he takes the censer with burning incense with both hands. He walks to the East and thus starts the invocation... * I hail to Thee, Oh Spirit of the East! Ancient One of Air, From realms of windy skies and stormy peaks, Present promise of future Spring Sacred light of the Waxing Moon, We welcome You in this ritual! Oh Guardian of Knowledge and New Beginnings Bestow on us Thy Life-giving Breath We invoke and ask Ye to attend our Circle And charge it by Thy Powers on this Night of Yule. So mote it be! * Afterwards, Pollux walks deosil (clockwise) all around the circle, spreading the aroma. Once he is back at East, he raises the censer high to acknowledge the quarter, and slowly places it on the ground of the eastern corner. He bows to East in thankful repsect, then turns to Kiama and invites her to proceed... * [south comes next, with our sister kiama]

Kiama	11 Dec 2002
*Apologies for being late... Ill health kept me away from net...* *Kiama stands with her head raised, her arms raised, and her feet apart, with two large Wands in either hand. She asumes a regal, feiry character* Hail to thee, Element of South! Hail to thee, Firey One! Hail to thee, Hearth Fire, Battle Fire, and Birth Fire! We summon and call thee, To watch over and protect our Circle here tonight, To charge it by thy powers on this Longest Night! So mote it be! *Kiama bows reverantly, and places the Wands by her feet.* *On then, to West!*

Mystick Dragon	12 Dec 2002
(sorry if this is so short, I'm doing my version) From Naelyan, ruler of the dragons of the west, Comes now the power of water, three times blest. *bows in the direction of the West. Dragons follow suit* North is next! --Mystick Dragon

Rhiannon	12 Dec 2002
*Rhiannon stands facing North, feet firmly planted and arms raised.* I call upon the Guardians of the North and Earth. You who are the bringers of growth, prosperity and wisdom. I ask you to join us in our circle. Up from the ground, circle round. From far and near, enter here. So mote it be. *Rhiannon bows to the direction and faces the inside of the circle and altar.* Next is the invocation of the Goddess by crystalmynx! R :)

Sulis	13 Dec 2002
Crystalmynx steps into the centre of the circle, raises her arms aloft and calls out in a clear voice: Gracious Lady of this darkest and longest night I call upon you to bless our circle with your magical light As our mother and as the Great Mother, mother to everything, we invite you to be part of our Yule rite The Wheel of the Year has turned once more We ask for your promise of rebirth Awaken the Goddess within each of us So that we may rejoice as the Sun God is reborn And the light may once again begin to wax. A silent pause as the participants feel the presence of the Goddess join the circle. Crystalmynx steps back, Next DarkElectric will invoke the God. )O(*Crystalmynx*)O(

DarkElectric	13 Dec 2002
Dark moves to the center of the circle, and raises arms aloft with hands poised in the God salute and speaks in a clear voice "Hail the return of the Child of Light, From the Mother's womb on this dark night. The wheel of the year turns, as light increases. He stronger grows, each passing day. Beloved Sun Child. We call you back with love and joy. Hail and Welcome, Blessed Be." Dark lowers her arms and moves back to the outside of the circle. (We're now ready for MeeWah's blessing chant)

MeeWah	15 Dec 2002
The Blessing Chant: "May the powers of the One Spirit, The Most High, The Source of all creation & of Life Eternal; May the Goddess, Earth Mother & Lady of the Moon; & the God, Father Sky & Lord of the Sun; May the powers of the Old Ones: Uriel, Raphael, Michael & Gabriel, Rulers of the elemental realms; May the powers of the stars above & the Earth below, Bless this Circle & this time & we who are with Ye-- So mote it be!" From Malachite: "All the days darkened, life ebbed away, Lost in the shadows, twisted brown and grey, Through the cold midwinter, ice and snow Through an empty land, the north wind blows. But once again the light returns to us To bless us with its warming touch Melt away this darkness, thaw this frost Bring back the green leaves, and the life we lost For this, O Lord and Lady, we are forever thankful, Pray you never leave us dark and hungry, In your name we raise this sacred festival, Please now join us, with your presence make it holy." [discuss the significance of this season; statement of purpose - silverlotus.]

Silverlotus	17 Dec 2002
Silverlotus steps to the centre of the Cirlce and speaks the following: "It is the longest night of the year. Everything is covered in darkness And the world is still. But even as darkness triumphs, It gives way to light. The Wheel turns, and the Sun is reborn. "We feel sorrow for a world sleeping, A world covered with a cold blanket of snow. But our sorrow turns to joy For the Lady has given birth. The Wheel turns, and the Sun is reborn. "Let us celebrate the return of the Lord, The Divine Child Sun Who brings fertility back to the Lady, And light and warmth back to the world. The Wheel turns, and the Sun is reborn." She now quietly returns to her place in the Circle. (On to Zorya and MeeWah for the lighting of the Yule log.)

MeeWah	17 Dec 2002
The Yule log is located on the ground near the altar. The log is of oak, a traditional wood for Yule logs. This one is from the woods where Zorya lives. It lies on a circular, raised bed of layers of small stones covered with a layer of kindling. It will be lit by a piece of wood saved from a previous year's Yule log. Lighting the log on the first attempt is considered a good omen--hence the kindling to aid the lighting. [meewah lights the piece of last year's yule log with the red candle at the altar & lights the kindling all around the log, setting them ablaze.] [zorya is next.]

zorya	17 Dec 2002
(zorya joining meewah) We light this fire in honor of the Goddess, and the birth of her son, the God, the Sun King. The wheel is turning, The light now returning. The darkest of night, Give birth to the light. We thank you Sun King, for bringing us light anew, to shine on our paths. May the light of the Yule, Burn in our hearts and throughout the coming year. [marion is next]

Marion	18 Dec 2002
Marion walks quietly to the Yule log, and watches as the sparks fly upward into the night sky. She takes the black candle and lights it from the burning log. She holds it up so that its flame seems to join the sparks from the fire as they fly upward. "This time marks the end of the ascent of darkness. Until this time, darkness has fought with light and won. Now begins the return of light. We needed the darkness to rest, and to meet our lord. Now we need the light to return so our spirits can once again turn outwards." Marion places the black candle onto the alter and steps back into the circle. Our dear brother Pollux is next.

tarotbear	19 Dec 2002
Tarotbear steps in for Pollux: Tarotbear approaches the altar, hands raised in a suppliant gesture, and pauses. He picks up the white candle, lights it from the black one. His eyes follow the sparks from the Yule log upwards. "In this time of watching and waiting our world grew dark and cold. Sometimes we wait and wait and wonder when someone will answer us. As our wheel turned to darkness, so now the darkness turns into light. The light grows stronger and stronger and pushes back the night. As this log burns the light increases. With this white candle we celebrate the birth of the Sun. The shortest day of the year is being consumed by light! Let our fears be banished as we banish the darkness! Our strength grows as the light grows! Turn outward, see Him banish our darkness! Celebrate the return of the light!" Tarotbear returns the lit white candle to it's place and rejoins the group.

zorya	19 Dec 2002
(zorya smiles a welcome to tarotbear) Now is the time to cast away whatever impedes the appearance of the light. Each person may now unburden him or herself by writing on a piece of paper, those things which have caused them pain and sorrow from the previous year. Then place the papers in the fire, giving them to the Yule log, to be transformed. (zorya places her paper in the fire, and watches it become consumed by the light.)

Marion	19 Dec 2002
Marion approaches the log with her paper. Though she has left much pain behind this year, and feels a sense of contentment, her paper contains words to express her wishes to not only leave in person, but in spirit and to not be bound to the past. The flame consumes the paper, and the brief increase in light is like a burst of joy.

MeeWah	19 Dec 2002
[meewah waves to tarotbear.] Stepping forward to the Yule log, eyes on the leaping flames, MeeWah releases her paper of petition to the gods. (The changes wrought this year have been of both sorrow & joy; bringing both questions & closures. I ask for the strength & the wisdom to accept the things I cannot change, & to change those aspects of self that I do have control over that I may meet with grace whatever I may encounter. So mote it be!)

Phoenix	19 Dec 2002
*Phoenix walks to the altar with his paper in hand* I ask for clarity of mind, for mental blocks to dissappear. I ask you to touch me with your creative hands, and carry me through the comming year. I ask that you keep my cat safe until we are reunited once again. Thank you, Blessed Ones.

tarotbear	19 Dec 2002
Tarotbear walks to altar, sheaves of paper in hand. "These are not only for me, but others who could not join our ritual. May the flames consume them and drive out the darkness of our lives." He waits until they are consumed before he returns to his place in the circle.

Pollux	20 Dec 2002
*Pollux thanks tarotbear, and walks to the altar, his slid of paper folded in the right hand* ... For all that burdens and prevents me from flying free, All that sets me back, frustrates and blocks May all be consumed by the new sparkle within me From fear true stength as New Light from Darkness, so mote it be! ... *He then drops the paper, and visualizes his blockages and obstacles consume as it burns. He doesn't know if he can share them... However, he then goes to his plave in the circle, and winks at Meewah and Kiama to know if he can start preparing the communion*

Sulis	20 Dec 2002
*Crystalmynx steps up to the altar with her piece of paper* May the flames consume the negativity which has held me and my family back this year, may it be replaced with the courage to fulfil our dreams. *She watches as the paper burns and returns to her place at the edge of the circle.*

Rhiannon	20 Dec 2002
*Rhiannon steps to the altar with her piece of paper, which contains her wishes as well as those of others not present.* For all the pain and sorrow we have felt in our lives this year, let it not be in vain. I ask for the strength to learn from these experiences and to take away joy from the learning. Give us hope for the future and cradle our lost loves in your hands until we are reunited. I ask for strength, wisdom, acceptance and guidance in the months to come. So mote it be. *Rhiannon drops the paper onto the flames and watches it burn. All negativity is burned away with the paper, allowing for a fresh new start. She returns to her place within the circle, smiling.* R :)

DarkElectric	20 Dec 2002
*DE steps forward to the altar with the piece of paper containing her wish* "May I gain insight from my experiences of this past year, and use the knowledge to prevent myself from making the same mistakes. May I learn how to live in this world without becoming a casualty of my own ignorance." *Dark places her paper into the fire, and watches as the paper is consumed by the flames. She then steps back and rejoins the circle.*

violinlily	24 Dec 2002
*vio...l... slowly steps forward, holding two sheets of paper, with the names of everyone in her family written on them, a tear sliding down her cheek* she says quietly, w/ a shaky voice: "Over the next year, may the negativity and bad feelings between the two sides of my family disapear, and float away along with the night breeze. Thank you." *vl holds a corner of the paper in the fire, and lets most of the paper burn, then drops the rest in the fire. Turning around, she gives a teary smile to the next person*

Mystick Dragon	25 Dec 2002
*Mystick waves to TB before stepping forward. Her feline like ears shine in the firelight, as do her blue dragon wings and tail. She puts her ears back as she places the two peices of paper into the flame.* All to long I stood by as freinds hurt freinds, and the guy I care about being obbsessed over by his *NOW* ex-girlfriend. I ask that all negativities be burned this night. That she will quit her antics, and that alll willl get along... --Mystick Dragon

Kiama	27 Dec 2002
*Kiama steps to the fire, a small bundle in her hand. In the bundle is her piece of paper, a letter from somebody from her past, apron strings, and a lily. She drops it into the fire, and simply kneels in prayer and contemplation as the bundle burns.* It is done *A huge 'welcome back' hug for Tarotbear is given when Kiama returns from the fire.*

Ursula	27 Dec 2002
hi all, i'm brand new (as of today!) and just wanted to say thanks for posting such a lovely Yule ritual. it was very moving and inspiring. thanks and brightest blessings, ~Urs

MeeWah	03 Jan 2003
The channeling of power is an important part of ritual. Its purpose is to direct the collective energies of all assembled towards envisioning goals fulfilled; individual healing &/or world peace. Zorya shall lead the channelling of power.

zorya	03 Jan 2003
In the name of Mother Goddess & Father God, I/We channel that power I/We raise by my/our individual chant(s) & offering: I/We envision our goals fulfilled. I/We walk our true path In Light, Love & Peace. I/We celebrate my/our kinship With the Earth & the Sky. Blessed am I/are we in sorrow & in joy.

zorya	03 Jan 2003
*zorya closes her eyes, and raises her arms* Spirit guides, guardians, ancestors, I ask for your assistance in channeling our collective energies. Goddess, God, We ask that you receive of our energy and direct it towards ending man’s inhumanity to man by allowing peace and love to take possession of their hearts. Let peace and love disarm their hostility, and lead them to listen to the goodness in their souls. We ask this for the greater good of mankind. So mote it be!

MeeWah	03 Jan 2003
Earthing excess power is another important part of ritual. Group workings always raises significant power that can be sensed physically. Since not all energy is always channeled perfectly, a residue may remain that can be felt as hyper-sensitivity or restlessness. After the group energy has been directed to its purpose, the excess is channeled into the earth, literally. This helps the personal energy field or aura balance or ground itself. This can be accomplished in the following ways: ~Placing the hands palm-down on the ground. ~Lying full-length, belly-side down on the ground. ~Placing the hands on a rock.

MeeWah	03 Jan 2003
A Simple Feast: In the Wiccan tradition, group ritual work is followed by the sharing of refreshments, usually "cakes & wine". The serving of refreshments honors Nature's bounty, provides further grounding & shares the festivities of the occasion with one another. Traditional fare includes drinks such as wassail or a mulled cider, mulled wine, mead, eggnog, juice; teas such as black tea, hibiscus. Foods are nuts, apples, oranges, cakes, pork. I offer Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger; Lemon Zinger; fruitcake. [contributions of a favorite dish or yule song welcomed!]

Rhiannon	03 Jan 2003
I'll bring some eggnog and a nice pork roast with rosemary... mmmm R :)

MeeWah	03 Jan 2003
Rhiannon: Ohh, I can smell them from way over here! Thanks! Which reminds me that I forgot something...

violinlily	03 Jan 2003
Well, if MeeWah meant "dish" as I'm putting it then: I'll bring cups/bowls/serving platters made out of leaves (of course after I asked, and thanked the trees for the leaves). They are great for holding nuts, fruits, and small amounts of liquids in (I've honestly made them b4). I can also bring some chestnuts, to roast, if that's ok!

MeeWah	03 Jan 2003
Rum Balls 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs, rolled fine 1 cup finely chopped coconut *or* pecan meats 1 cup confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 2 tablespoons white corn syrup 1/2 cup rum, brandy *or* Cointreau Mix ingredients thoroughly. Shape with a teaspoon into firm balls. Roll in confectioners' sugar, dry cocoa *or* instant coffee. Makes approximately 50 balls. Store in an air-tight container about a week for the flavor to fully develop.

MeeWah	03 Jan 2003
Violinlily: I love your idea; & environmentally friendly, too! We can roast the chestnuts at the Yule log :D

violinlily	03 Jan 2003
cool!! awesome recipe btw, sounds "nummy"!!! coconut w/ instant coffee, that sounds good! :D (anybody can make these "bowls," all you need is a large leaf, w/ three or four "arms", fold the "arms" in and tie them w/ the stem from the leaf. I have gotten them to hold liquids. And of course, different leaves of different sizes will produce different bowls/ cups etc.) smiles

zorya	04 Jan 2003
*zorya brings chocolate decadence cake and joins her friends around the yule log* chocolate decadence.......oven 300 F 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chopped 1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1/4 cup water 2 sticks unsalted butter softened 1 cup sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 6 eggs, separated at room temp. line bottom of 9" springform pan with foil. grease lightly, and dust with cocoa powder. melt, in microwave, or heavy saucepan over low heat, semisweet and unsweetened chocolate with water, stir often. gradually add half the butter (cut into peices)., stir until each piece melts in. add 3/4 c. sugar, continue cooking on low until dissolved. remove from heat and add remaining pieces of butter, stir after each piece. add vanilla and whisk in egg yolks, one at a time. mix should be smooth. transfer to a large bowl. set aside. beat egg whites in a separate bowl, until soft peaks form. gradually add remaining 1/4 c. sugar, beat untill stiff peaks form. stir 1/3 of the whites into chocolate mixture. then fold in rest until mix is smooth. pour into pan. bake 1 hr. reduce temp. to 250 .F them bake 15 min. more cool. when room temp. invert cake onto plate. cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. remove 2 hours before serving. serve w/ whip cream or vanilla ice cream.

Pollux	04 Jan 2003
*Me simply takes all the stuff my mom has been baking all yesterday afternoon, also because I did the Ricotta cake and part of the Cheese Pie...* :D *Me also starts grabbing biscuits and DODGING THE PORK...LOL* *I hope Kiama will bring in some mead*

Marion	04 Jan 2003
I will bring some lovely smooth Iced Apple wine from Nova Scotia (I still have a couple of bottles). Also some mutli-grain bread and some spread. I have some lovely Roger's Chocolates from Victoria for a taste of sweet, and my sister's home made jelly for the pork.

Sulis	04 Jan 2003
I`ll bring a big bowl of fruit because I always have fruit to ground myself after ritual so here`s some big red grapes, pomegranites, slices of mango and some satumas. Soon there`ll be no room inside this circle with all of this food, we`ll have to get munching. Oh Ill bring some apple juice too because I`m really no good with alcohol. Love and light Crystalmynx xx

tarotbear	05 Jan 2003
I'm bringing a bottle or two of homemade mead. Wickedly good stuff made by my aunt - the ex-nun. Remember - SIP -- not GULP!

Pollux	05 Jan 2003
*Whilst all the participants are focused on their belly and get stuffed up, Pollux Pms Dark Electric to tell her we're waiting for her to thank the God, and thereby start closing this ritual. In the meantime, Crystalminx could thank the goddess first and thus we buy time.*

Sulis	05 Jan 2003
Thanks Pollux. Crystalmynx steps into the centre of the circle and facing North raises her arms to the sky for the last time. Thankyou Lady for your long night of labour Thankyou for your gift of the sun Time is an ever turning wheel and the light has once more returned. We give you thanks and bid you farewell Untill we meet again. All participants pause in silence for a minute as the Goddess leaves. Crystalmynx rejoins the others Dark Electric is next.

DarkElectric	05 Jan 2003
Dark steps to the center of the circle, Faces East, raises her arms in the God salute and says: "Bright Father, we thank you for your blessings. For the lengthening light, with it's promise of warmth and a fruitful harvest. The wheel turns. We live our lives with you, and celebrate our seasons. We are your children. In love and peace, we bid you Hail and Farewell." Dark lowers her arms, and rejoins the circle.

MeeWah	06 Jan 2003
Dismissing of the quarters is next, in the order in which they were invoked. East is first--Pollux?

Pollux	07 Jan 2003
*Pollux is finally back from Uni and puts on his purple robe* *He walks to the east and, after bowing, raises the censer* Oh Guardians of the Swift Breath Clear Spirits of the Intellect We thank you for joining us in this circle And shall meet you again in the next ritual hour Go back to your realms or stay, as you will! So mote it be. [kiama/south is next]

MeeWah	15 Jan 2003
[meewah is taking kiama's place to dismiss the next quarter. facing south, holding her wand in her right hand, meewah traces the symbol to bid farewell to fire] O Spirit of the South, Ancient One of Fire, We thank Thee for graciously attending our Circle & lending Thy Powers To our efforts this night! If go ye must, We say Hail & farewell! Take with Ye our blessings to Thy realms. Blessed be! [west is next--mystick dragon?]

Mystick Dragon	16 Jan 2003
*MD stands, sword in hand as she draws a banishing pent in the air in the direction of west* Go in peace, Dragons of the West. And return again in the ritual hour. --Mystick Dragon

Rhiannon	16 Jan 2003
*Rhiannon faces North, hands raised* We thank you, Guardians of the North for joining our circle... go if you must, stay if you will, So Mote it Be. R :)

MeeWah	16 Jan 2003
Release of the Circle~ [facing north at the edge of the circle, meewah walks widdershins (counter-clockwise) around the circle with her athame pointed at the circle, willing/visualizes the energy being absorbed back into the athame.] I release the boundary of the Circle Where naught but Love entered in, & naught but Love emerges from within. The Circle is open, but unbroken! Mayst the blessings of Goddess & God attend us all! Merry meet, merry part. Merry meet again. I thank ye all for thy gifts to this ritual!

The Yule to go ritual [Sat. 08 December 2002] thread was originally posted on 08 Dec 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.