and Recipes
One of the Lesser Sabbats. This is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. The Goddess gives birth to the God as the reborn Sun, and in many traditions it is celebrated just before dawn to welcome his arrival. Candles and bonfires are frequently lit to welcome his arrival. The returning light completes the cycle of life, death and rebirth. In many Wiccan traditions, Yule symbolizes the end of the reign of the waning year's Holly-King, who is now replaced by the Oak-King of the waning year (who rules until Summer Solstice).
The cauldron, resting on the altar on a heat proof surface (or placed before it if too large), should be filled with ignitable spirit (alcohol), or a red candle can be placed within it. At outdoor rites, lay a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.
Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle of Stones.
Recite the Blessing Chant.
Invoke the Goddess and God.
Stand before the cauldron and gaze within it. Say these or similar words:
I sorrow not,
though the world is wrapped in sleep.
I sorrow not,
though the icy winds blast.
I sorrow not,
though the snow falls hard and deep.
I sorrow not,
this too shall soon be past.
Ignite the cauldron (or candle), using long matches or a taper. As the flame(s) leap up say:
I 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 is waxing.
Welcome,
ever returning God of the Sun!
Hail Mother of All!
Circle the altar and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames. Say the following chant for some time:
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 altar and flaming caldron. Say:
Great God of the Sun,
I 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 magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast, the release the Circle.
(Scott Cunningham, "A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner�)
Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup dark molasses
� cup shortening
� cup butter or margarine
4 cups flour
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons cinnamon
� teaspoon powdered clove
1/8 teaspoon allspice
4 teaspoons ginger
1 � teaspoons baking soda
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350�F. Mix all ingredients together except flour. Add flour slowly, mixing. Dough should be slightly stiff. If mix seems too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water; if too wet, add flour. Roll dough on floured cutting board to be about �-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to make men. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer to wax paper to cool. Give features with frosting!
Yield: 3 dozen
Source: McCoy, The Sabbats
Use for: Yule
Words by Hilda Marshall
Have yourself a merry little Yuletide
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Yuletide
Make the Sabbat gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away.
Chorus:
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Yuletide now.
Foods: Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced apple cider, wassail, or "lamb's wool"; (ale, sugar, nutmeg, & roasted apples).
* You do not need to use the ale!
Incenses:
Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.
Colors:
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.
Activities:
Caroling, wassailing the trees, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree,kissing under the mistletoe & exchanging presents.
Spellworkings:
Peace, harmony, increased happiness & love.
Symbols:
Yule log or a small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs & wreaths, holly, mistletoe hanging in the doorways, gold candles, clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, & christmas cactus.
