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(December 21)This Sabbat is the celebration of the rebirth of the God. It is also to remind us that the ultimate product of death is rebirth. It is the shortest day of the year. The Goddess, slumbering through the winter of Her labor, rests after Her delivery. The alter may be adorned with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay, juniper, and/or cedar, and the same may be laid to mark the Circle. Dried leaves can also be placed on the alter.The cauldron, resting on the alter on a heat-proof surface (or in front of it) should be filled with ignitable spirit (alcohol), or a red candle can be placed inside it. At outdoor rites, lay a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.
Arrange the alter, light the candles in incense, and cast the Circle. Invoke the four corners and the Goddess and God. Stand before the cauldron and gaze in it. Say these or similar words:
I / we sorrow not, though the world is wrapped in sleep.I / we sorrow not, though the icy winds blast. I / we sorrow not, though the snow falls hard and deep.I / we sorrow not; this too shall soon be past.
Ignight the cauldron (or candle), using long matches or a taper. As the flame leaps up say:
I / we light this fire in Your honor, Mother Goddess.You have created life from death; warmth from cold;The Sun lives once again; the time of light iswaxing. Welcome, ever-returning God of the Sun!Hail Mother of All!Circle the alter and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames for some time. Chant the following:The wheel turns; the power burns.
Meditate upon the Sun, on the hidden energies lying dormant in winter, not only in the Earth, but within ourselves. Think of birth not as the start of life, but as its continuance. Welcome the return of the God. After a time cease and stand once again before the alter and flaming cauldron and say:Great God of the Sun,
I / we welcome Your return.May You shine brightly upon the Goddess;May You shine brightly upon the Earth,scattering seeds and fertilizing the land.All blessings upon You,Reborn One of the Sun!Works of magic, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate with a feast, then release the Circle.Traditional foods include nuts, fruits such as apples and pears, cakes of caraways soaked in cider, and (for non-vegetarians) pork dishes. Wassil, lambswool, hibiscus or ginger tea are fine drinks for Yule meals.
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