Here is the ritual we used at tonight’s Welcoming Circle:

WINTER RITUAL

ANOINTING— Brigid Oil

May the darkness of the season enable us to see ourselves
And the world around us in new ways. So mote it be!

CASTING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians of the East, Elemental Powers of Air, your cold winds of Winter call us to turn inward. Help us to use this season as a time for introspection and self-examination. Be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians of the South, Elemental Powers of Fire, your warmth drives away Winter’s chill. Help us to use this season to feast with loved ones and create community. Be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians of the West, Elemental Powers of Water, you visit us with the delightful gift of snow. Help us to use this season to awaken our sense of wonder and joy. Be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Guardians of the North, Elemental Powers of Earth, your majestic evergreens remind us that even in the dead of Winter, new life can be found. Help us to ground ourselves in your healing energy so that we may be transformed and renewed. Be with us in the circle tonight. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

Ancient mother of Midwinter, watcher over life and death, the one who rebirths the world, be with us on this winter night! See us through the dark hours and stand with us as dawn births the promise of new life. We are honored by your presence. Hail and welcome!

GOING INWARD—Winter Meditation, Witches’ Datebook 2016, Deborah Blake

Dim the lights and find a spot where you can be undisturbed for five or ten minutes. Sit comfortably and light a white candle. If you want, you can even wrap yourself in a comfortable blanket or shawl. Then say this spell, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths, going deeper inside with each one.

Burrowing like the rabbit, or the bear beneath the ground,
The winter’s hush upon me. I do not make a sound.
Let the world keep spinning without me for a space.
I am turning inward in search of peace and grace.

Activity Sheet—Use this quiet time to listen to what your inner wisdom is trying to tell you.  Click HERE for PDF of activity sheet.

DISMISSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians of the North, Elemental Powers of Earth, in these dark days of winter keep us grounded and surround us with people who make us feel nurtured and loved. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians of the West, Elemental Powers of Water, in these dark days of winter keep us feeling positive and peaceful. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians of the South, Elemental Powers of Fire, in these dark days of winter keep our minds focused on the sacred work you call us to do during this season. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Guardians of the East, Elemental Powers of Air, in these dark days of winter clear all the clutter and distraction of this season so that we may focus on what’s necessary and important. Stay if you will, go if you must. We bid you farewell.

Great Spirit, who is known to us by many names, in these dark days of winter help us to learn the benefits and blessings of the darkness. Use this time in our lives to make our world a better place. We bid you farewell.

Our Circle is now open but never unbroken
Because it is a circle woven in love.
Whatever energy is left in this space
We return to the earth with a spirit of gratitude.
Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again.

Copyright ©2019 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com