Oak Moon

    The oak tree has long symbolized the male aspect of Divinity and the natural flow between the worlds of the mundane and spirit.  One reason is that its trunk and branches grow and stretch toward the sky in the physical world, while its roots dig deep into the hidden planes of the underworld.  Another reason has to do with the Holly King, who symbolizes the waning year.  The Oak King takes His place at the Winter Solstice, and brings the returning light of the newborn Sun with Him.  And, also, the mistletoe.  Even in the dormancy of winter, this new life sprouts from its branches with berries of white that symbolize the seed of the Lord of the Forest.  It keeps us ever mindful that life is always new, always fruitful and always constant.

   As the Oak Moon grows in the December sky, remember that you play an integral part in the workings of the Cosmos, just as you do in the world you wake up in everyday.  Celebrate the return of the Divine child and New Light by adorning yourself with sprigs of mistletoe, and give candles to others as a reminder that they are each individual flames of the Coming Sun with their own paths to light.

Things to Do for the Oak Moon:

• Wear white and yellow to welcome the Sun.
• Decorate altars with holly, mistletoe and sun symbols.
• Use white candles and burn Full Moon incense, or try burning frankincense for your incense.
• Mark the Circle perimeter with yellow candles or sunflower seeds.  If you use seeds, collect them after Circle and put a few aside for spring planting.  Scatter the rest outside for the birds.
• Serve gingerbread cookies and apple wine or cider for libation.
• Adorn a candle holder with holly, then secure a white candle inside.  Name the candle for any problems or bad habits you've picked up in the last year.  Light the candle and release any unpleasantness by saying:
                  I release you now and I am free
                  You no longer have a hold on me.
                  I banish you with a loving heart
                  And give myself a brand-new start.
  Let the candle burn all the way down, then toss the holly on the hearth fire.  (If this isn't possible, burn the holly in a fireproof dish and scatter the ashes on the winds.) Know that new life has begun.
• If this Moon occurs before Winter Solstice, start a perpetual candle to ease the birth of the Sun.  Begin by blessing a white or yellow seven-day container candle.  Say:
              Light of the World - Light of the Sun
              Bring forth Your warmth when labor's done
              Come forth with ease - come without pain
              And shine upon the Earth again
  Let the candle continually, lighting another container candle from its flame before it goes out.  Extinguish the last candle on Winter Solstice.