copyright © 2010 m foster photographers

This ritual is intended for the Solitary. It is a private worship ritual, and is written so you can apply your own personal Spiritual Path.

Though I love the out-of-doors and would hope we could all do this in a special location, weather may dictate an indoor ritual. I have made this so it can be done anywhere, by as little as one or with a special friend or two, with as few extra necessities as possible.  Remember, however, that you can deck the halls if you would like, this is all up to you.

I kept the candles, one for each direction. Outside, this would seem all you really need, though if you are in a public place, candles may be out of the question.  You really need none of the trappings, all you need is yourself. All other materials are optional. But I thought the candles would be nice outside, protected in a votive holder or a candle box or fairy light, in case there is wind. Of course, if the place you are worshiping in is your own yard, then decorate for the season.  If it is indoors go as decorative as you want, or as sparse as you want. What ever makes you feel "Yulish".

I kept this ritual generic. Add the names of your God and/or Goddess or the names of the Elements or Directions as applies to your own chosen path. I wanted to be as simple as I could so as not to get tied into fancy planning, or extra work instead of concentrating on the Spiritual aspect of the ritual. Easy wording, simple meditations and as much left to you as possible, so it will end up being YOUR ritual.

  First, set your circle, walking around the circle three times clockwise. Chanting is nice here, maybe one you already know, maybe the one I have written here:

Here the circle I do cast
Call the elements to bind it fast
Beyond the boundaries of Time and Space
I/We create here a Sacred Place
Where none but love has entered in
And with Love I/we now begin.

Face the east, light the candle

Ancient One of the East, Spirit of Air, I/We welcome you to my/our circle this night. For Yule, I/we ask you bring your gift of thought, to enlighten us with the wisdom of common sense. Ancient One of the East, be welcome.

Ancient One of the South, Spirit of Fire, I/We welcome you to my/our circle this night. For Yule, I/we ask you bring your gift of a warm and loving heart, to spread love everywhere I/we go. Ancient One of the South, be welcome.

Ancient One of the West, Spirit of Water, I/we welcome you to my/our circle this night. For Yule, I/we ask you bring your gift of strength to wash over us that we may always offer a hand to those who need. Ancient One of the West, be welcome.

Ancient One of the North, Spirit of Earth, I/we welcome you to my/our circle this night. For Yule, I/we ask you bring your gift of the joy of life to our circle, so we can appreciate every day we have, and share that joy with all we love. Ancient One of the North, be welcome.

I/We welcome the God to my/our circle this Yule; Great Sun Father God, the Winter King, the Sage. Bless my/our celebration, grace me/us with your presence this night, bless my/our circle.

I/We welcome the Goddess to my/our circle this Yule, the Great Moon Mother Goddess, the Winter Queen, the Crone. Bless my/our celebration, grace me/us with your presence this night, bless my/our circle.

This is a time to meditate upon the meaning of Yule, the Gift of Life, the cycle of life, death and rebirth.  What does this mean to you? This can be discussed as a group or as a personal meditation.  What are your personal beliefs on the Cycle of Life and how does this fit into your practice?   Or you can do a meditation on the God and Goddess. You can do this alone or discuss it with your small gathering.

Listen in your heart for the words of the Mother. She speaks to those who listen and have open minds and open hearts. Listen carefully and She will speak to you. So will the God, if you are receptive to Him too. Together they will tell you of Their love for Their children, of Their promise of rebirth. They will hold your hand and lead you through your many lives. They will be there to hold you when you need comfort, to give you the spark of inspiration when you need to know, and They will wrap you in Their cloak of Love when you feel the world is a cold, dark place. Think upon Them, find the place inside of you where They are a part of you. They are your Mother and Father, you are Their children. They love you, as you love Them.

Now, gather into yourself all the warmth this circle brings to you, all the energy you feel from this is yours to draw upon. Fill yourself, and when you have taken all the energy you feel you need, it is time to touch the Mother Earth, and make that all important connection with reality. Touch the earth, go deep into Her soul, feel her. And smile.   Rest now, and meditate on Her goodness.

This is a good time for the cakes and ale, or cookies and juice, or what ever Yule feast you have. Some fruit and wine, some nuts.  Just remember to share with those elements you have called here, spill some wine/juice on the earth, and leave some food on the ground for them. If indoors, place some wine and food on a plate, and take it outside after.

Lord and/or Lady, I/we thank you for joining our circle this evening, bringing your love, joy and warmth to us. Stay if you want, go if you must. Please come back again and always be welcome here.

I/We thank you, Ancient One of the North, Spirit of the Earth, for being in my/our circle this evening. I/we thank you for your gifts. Go now, in peace, blessing all those you meet on your way... Hail and Farewell

I/We thank you, Ancient One of the West, Spirit of the Water, for being in my/our circle this evening. I/we thank you for your gifts. Go now, in peace, blessing all those you meet on your way... Hail and Farewell

I/We thank you, Ancient One of the South, Spirit of Fire, for being in my/our circle this evening. I/we thank you for your gifts. Go now, in peace, blessing all those you meet on your way... Hail and Farewell

I/We thank you, Ancient One of the East, Spirit of Air, for being in my/our circle this evening. I/we thank you for your gifts. Go now, in peace, blessing all those you meet on your way.. Hail and Farewell

Walk three times round your circle counterclockwise, releasing the circle. A chant is nice, but I am rather fond of this closing....

The circle is open, but never broken.
Merry meet, merry part and merry we meet again.

Now is the time for a good, hearty meal for yourself and if you have some friends or a special friend or your lover, this is the time for a good feast and to exchange gifts.

Remember, if you did this alone it is a very special time for you too. Did you buy something special for yourself? You should have! Now is the time to wear it, or listen to it, or read it and enjoy it.