This is the ritual we did last night at The Welcoming Circle. Feel free to adapt it to your context. Good Yule!

PROTECTION OIL (David Taliesin)
7-9 drops of Hyssop Essential Oil
1/4 cup olive oi

As we begin our journey toward the light, may the light within shine brighter and brighter.

CASTING THE CIRCLE

Elements of the east,
place of air, the breath of life,
that which we cannot see
but which fills us with inspiration,
be with us now.

Elements of the south,
place of fire, heat of heart’s blood,
that which courses through us,
filling us with passion
and infusing us with life-giving heat,
be with us now.

Elements of the west,
place of water, shape-shifting,
that which constantly moves and transforms,
nurturing creativity
and gifting us with fresh vision,
be with us now.

Elements of the north,
place of grounding, place of birth,
fierce winter land of ice and cold,
endings and beginnings,
always calling us home,
be with us now.

Ancient mother of Midwinter,
Frau Holle, Frigg, Skadi, Cailleach,
Watcher over life and death,
The one who rebirths the world,
Be with us on this longest night!
See us through the dark hours
And stand with us
As dawn births the promise of new life.
Hai and welcome!

EVERGREEN MEDITATION—David Taliesin

Place the evergreen tree handout in front of you, along with some colored markers. Have participants spend some time in silence and reflect on what you’d like to “hang on your tree” during the winter months ahead of us. Since this is a time to turn inward, think about what you need to make you stronger. Do you have any goals/activities for rest/recharging your batteries? Write these words as ornaments on your tree.

DISMISSING THE CIRCLE—David Taliesin

Guardians of the North, Elemental Powers of Earth, as the days grow shorter 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, as the days grow shorter 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, as the days grow shorter 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, as the days grow shorter, 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, Ancient Mother of Midwinter, as the days grow shorter, 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.

Portions of this ritual as notes are copyrighted ©2023 by David Taleisin.