You will need:
*ritual to be before the time of the astronomical Solstice (11:28am in Central Ohio in 2017. Find your astronomical time here)*
Continue reading “Winter Solstice Spiral Liturgy: Day 21, Sacrifice & Order”
I light our hearth fire so that it’s going strong by sunset on Solstice Eve, and spend some time hiding little tea lights all over the house. We then turn out all the lights in the house and gather as a family with my hearth fire lantern and a taper candle in front of the fireplace, and do a short ritual (included below) where honor the Earth, the Kindreds, and then the warmth of the hearth and fellowship that will carry us through the darkest night.
We then transfer the hearth fire to the lantern (which will be our light source for the hunt), and set out to hunt throughout the house to find, and light, all the hidden candles. Right now I send my daughter to find them, and then I light them from the taper candle (lit off the hearth). I imagine as she gets older I’ll be able to let her light the candles, but not yet.
We then gather all the candles from around the upper story of the house and bring them down to the kitchen table, where we have dinner by candlelight. This serves the double purpose of giving us more light, and not leaving candles burning unattended, particularly because we have a cat and a dog.
We then make a toast before dinner about something that makes us happy and that we’re grateful for.
After dinner we take our tray of gathered candles back over the hearth and Solstice Tree, and exchange a single gift. By the time we’ve opened them and played with new toys for a little bit, it’s time for bed. We leave LED candles “burning” in our bedrooms throughout the Solstice night, and then the next morning wake up to greet the Dawn and the newborn Sun. The adults will often stay up to keep vigil through the night. In the morning we go outside to light a small candle, and then come in to finish the spiral liturgy.
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
Continue reading “Winter Solstice Spiral Liturgy: Day 20, Inspiration & Vision”
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
Continue reading “Winter Solstice Spiral Liturgy: Day 19, The Fire of Transformation”
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
I stand rooted deep in the earth and looking to the sky, seeking to find the light within the dark. I ask that my words be sweet as I speak, and that my voice and intent sink into the well, to resound in the deep, and float up on pillar of smoke to the heavens.
Gatekeeper, standing now at the Center of Worlds, carry my voice that the spirits may hear my words and see my heart. May the Ancestors who went before know my love. May the Nature Spirits all around know my gratitude. May the Shining Ones who share their wisdom and love know my devotion. Three Kindreds, be with me as I navigate this liminal time between the end of the year and the beginning of the new. The Storms of winter melt to give way to the Waters so that the Fire may be born.
With each passing day as the night grows longer, I add more light to drive away the shadows, and remember the gifts the season brings.
I have called to the Spirits through the Darkness, and now I call again to them that they may stand with me to remember the Light.
To The Destroyer, bring your light *light candle*
To Solitude, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winds of Change, bring your light *light candle*
To Nourishing Rains, bring your light *light candle*
To Clear Skies, bring your light *light candle*
To Justice, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winner of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Blessing, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Purification, bring your light *light candle*
To The Ferryman, bring your light *light candle*
To Memory & Forgetfulness, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mistweaver, bring your light *light candle*
To The God of the Sea, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mother of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Son of the Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Center of Worlds, bring your light *light candle*
To Hearth & Home, bring your light *light candle*
Within the Fire, I see the Need Fire. Be with me as I ignite this flame for you. Stand with me and help me to see the gifts you bring to the season. Bright bonfire, kindled from simple sticks, you who are calling out and drawing in the gifts that are necessary for growth. From flickering flame to roaring bonfire. It is to you I call out, and to you I sing praises. Need Fire bless me with your wisdom. Show me how to bring your aspects into my life during this time of darkness. Show me how your aspects aid in the return of the light. *take an omen if you feel called to do so, reflect on it and on the aspects of the spirit. Think on how you can apply them to your life* Need Fire, Thank you for your presence here and for the further wisdom you’ve bestowed. *snuff candle, or if you have a safe place to remain attentive to the candle, allow it to burn down*
Spirits all, for being with me as I light a candle to drive away the dark, I thank you. Gatekeeper, for carrying my words, and for guiding me through this liminal time, I thank you.
Now, I remember my connection to the earth, that I may be grounded in this place. May I be enriched by this ritual, by the knowledge I’ve gained, and by the blessings I’ve received. It is time now to go in peace, and remember the gifts of the season.
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
I stand rooted deep in the earth and looking to the sky, seeking to find the light within the dark. I ask that my words be sweet as I speak, and that my voice and intent sink into the well, to resound in the deep, and float up on pillar of smoke to the heavens.
Gatekeeper, standing now at the Center of Worlds, carry my voice that the spirits may hear my words and see my heart. May the Ancestors who went before know my love. May the Nature Spirits all around know my gratitude. May the Shining Ones who share their wisdom and love know my devotion. Three Kindreds, be with me as I navigate this liminal time between the end of the year and the beginning of the new. The Storms of winter melt to give way to the Waters so that the Fire may be born.
With each passing day as the night grows longer, I add more light to drive away the shadows, and remember the gifts the season brings.
I have called to the Spirits through the Darkness, and now I call again to them that they may stand with me to remember the Light.
To The Destroyer, bring your light *light candle*
To Solitude, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winds of Change, bring your light *light candle*
To Nourishing Rains, bring your light *light candle*
To Clear Skies, bring your light *light candle*
To Justice, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winner of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Blessing, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Purification, bring your light *light candle*
To The Ferryman, bring your light *light candle*
To Memory & Forgetfulness, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mistweaver, bring your light *light candle*
To The God of the Sea, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mother of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Son of the Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Center of Worlds, bring your light *light candle*
Within the Fire, I see Hearth & Home. Be with me as I ignite this flame for you. Stand with me and help me to see the gifts you bring to the season. [First born and last born, you Lady of the Hearth. A warm and welcoming flame is yours, dancing merrily as the work of the home is done. From flickering flame to roaring bonfire. It is to you I call out, and to you I sing praises. Hearth & Home, bless me with your wisdom. Show me how to bring your aspects into my life during this time of darkness. Show me how your aspects aid in the return of the light. *take an omen if you feel called to do so, reflect on it and on the aspects of the spirit. Think on how you can apply them to your life* Hearth & Home, Thank you for your presence here and for the further wisdom you’ve bestowed. *snuff candle, or if you have a safe place to remain attentive to the candle, allow it to burn down*
Spirits all, for being with me as I light a candle to drive away the dark, I thank you. Gatekeeper, for carrying my words, and for guiding me through this liminal time, I thank you.
Now, I remember my connection to the earth, that I may be grounded in this place. May I be enriched by this ritual, by the knowledge I’ve gained, and by the blessings I’ve received. It is time now to go in peace, and remember the gifts of the season.
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
I stand rooted deep in the earth and looking to the sky, seeking to find the light within the dark. I ask that my words be sweet as I speak, and that my voice and intent sink into the well, to resound in the deep, and float up on pillar of smoke to the heavens.
Gatekeeper, standing now at the Center of Worlds, carry my voice that the spirits may hear my words and see my heart. May the Ancestors who went before know my love. May the Nature Spirits all around know my gratitude. May the Shining Ones who share their wisdom and love know my devotion. Three Kindreds, be with me as I navigate this liminal time between the end of the year and the beginning of the new. The Storms of winter melt to give way to the Waters so that the Fire may be born.
With each passing day as the night grows longer, I add more light to drive away the shadows, and remember the gifts the season brings.
I have called to the Spirits through the Darkness, and now I call again to them that they may stand with me to remember the Light.
To The Destroyer, bring your light *light candle*
To Solitude, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winds of Change, bring your light *light candle*
To Nourishing Rains, bring your light *light candle*
To Clear Skies, bring your light *light candle*
To Justice, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winner of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Blessing, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Purification, bring your light *light candle*
To The Ferryman, bring your light *light candle*
To Memory & Forgetfulness, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mistweaver, bring your light *light candle*
To The God of the Sea, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mother of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Son of the Waters, bring your light *light candle*
Within the Fire, I see the Center of Worlds. Be with me as I ignite this flame for you. Stand with me and help me to see the gifts you bring to the season. The fire that burns at the center, merging all flames into one that they may be connected in vision, wisdom, and piety. A joyful flame to mark the center of worlds. From flickering flame to roaring bonfire. It is to you I call out, and to you I sing praises. Center of Worlds, bless me with your wisdom. Show me how to bring your aspects into my life during this time of darkness. Show me how your aspects aid in the return of the light. *take an omen if you feel called to do so, reflect on it and on the aspects of the spirit. Think on how you can apply them to your life* Center of Worlds, Thank you for your presence here and for the further wisdom you’ve bestowed. *snuff candle, or if you have a safe place to remain attentive to the candle, allow it to burn down*
Spirits all, for being with me as I light a candle to drive away the dark, I thank you. Gatekeeper, for carrying my words, and for guiding me through this liminal time, I thank you.
Now, I remember my connection to the earth, that I may be grounded in this place. May I be enriched by this ritual, by the knowledge I’ve gained, and by the blessings I’ve received. It is time now to go in peace, and remember the gifts of the season.
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
I stand rooted deep in the earth and looking to the sky, seeking to find the light within the dark. I ask that my words be sweet as I speak, and that my voice and intent sink into the well, to resound in the deep, and float up on pillar of smoke to the heavens.
Gatekeeper, standing now at the Center of Worlds, carry my voice that the spirits may hear my words and see my heart. May the Ancestors who went before know my love. May the Nature Spirits all around know my gratitude. May the Shining Ones who share their wisdom and love know my devotion. Three Kindreds, be with me as I navigate this liminal time between the end of the year and the beginning of the new. The Storms of winter melt to give way to the Waters so that the Fire may be born.
With each passing day as the night grows longer, I add more light to drive away the shadows, and remember the gifts the season brings.
I have called to the Spirits through the Darkness, and now I call again to them that they may stand with me to remember the Light.
To The Destroyer, bring your light *light candle*
To Solitude, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winds of Change, bring your light *light candle*
To Nourishing Rains, bring your light *light candle*
To Clear Skies, bring your light *light candle*
To Justice, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winner of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Blessing, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Purification, bring your light *light candle*
To The Ferryman, bring your light *light candle*
To Memory & Forgetfulness, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mistweaver, bring your light *light candle*
To The God of the Sea, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mother of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
Within the Fire, I see the Son of the Waters. Be with me as I ignite this flame for you. Stand with me and help me to see the gifts you bring to the season. You who are born in the water and kindled on the land, I see you each day as I light my candle, as I begin my prayers. From flickering flame to roaring bonfire. It is to you I call out, and to you I sing praises. Son of the Waters, bless me with your wisdom. Show me how to bring your aspects into my life during this time of darkness. Show me how your aspects aid in the return of the light. *take an omen if you feel called to do so, reflect on it and on the aspects of the spirit. Think on how you can apply them to your life* Son of the Waters, Thank you for your presence here and for the further wisdom you’ve bestowed. *snuff candle, or if you have a safe place to remain attentive to the candle, allow it to burn down*
Spirits all, for being with me as I light a candle to drive away the dark, I thank you. Gatekeeper, for carrying my words, and for guiding me through this liminal time, I thank you.
Now, I remember my connection to the earth, that I may be grounded in this place. May I be enriched by this ritual, by the knowledge I’ve gained, and by the blessings I’ve received. It is time now to go in peace, and remember the gifts of the season.
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
I stand rooted deep in the earth and looking to the sky, seeking to find the light within the dark. I ask that my words be sweet as I speak, and that my voice and intent sink into the well, to resound in the deep, and float up on pillar of smoke to the heavens.
Gatekeeper, standing now at the Center of Worlds, carry my voice that the spirits may hear my words and see my heart. May the Ancestors who went before know my love. May the Nature Spirits all around know my gratitude. May the Shining Ones who share their wisdom and love know my devotion. Three Kindreds, be with me as I navigate this liminal time between the end of the year and the beginning of the new. The Storms of winter melt to give way to the Waters so that the Fire may be born.
With each passing day as the night grows longer, I add more light to drive away the shadows, and remember the gifts the season brings.
I have called to the Spirits through the Darkness, and now I call again to them that they may stand with me to remember the Light.
To The Destroyer, bring your light *light candle*
To Solitude, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winds of Change, bring your light *light candle*
To Nourishing Rains, bring your light *light candle*
To Clear Skies, bring your light *light candle*
To Justice, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winner of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Blessing, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Purification, bring your light *light candle*
To The Ferryman, bring your light *light candle*
To Memory & Forgetfulness, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mistweaver, bring your light *light candle*
To The God of the Sea, bring your light *light candle*
Within the Waters, I see the Mother of Waters. Be with me as I ignite this flame for you. Stand with me and help me to see the gifts you bring to the season. Sweet Maiden, Mother of Waters, Pure and glowing with radiance, You stand in statuesque stillness. You are crowned in the gold of a hundred stars that shine brilliantly down in pure rays. All the Waters of the Earth belong to you: a thousand lakes, and rivers, and streams. Mantled in gold, the wide-expanding Waters are yours. From rushing stream to raging sea. It is to you I call out, and to you I sing praises. Mother of Waters, bless me with your wisdom. Show me how to bring your aspects into my life during this time of darkness. Show me how your aspects aid in the return of the light. *take an omen if you feel called to do so, reflect on it and on the aspects of the spirit. Think on how you can apply them to your life* Mother of Waters, Thank you for your presence here and for the further wisdom you’ve bestowed. *snuff candle, or if you have a safe place to remain attentive to the candle, allow it to burn down*
Spirits all, for being with me as I light a candle to drive away the dark, I thank you. Gatekeeper, for carrying my words, and for guiding me through this liminal time, I thank you.
Now, I remember my connection to the earth, that I may be grounded in this place. May I be enriched by this ritual, by the knowledge I’ve gained, and by the blessings I’ve received. It is time now to go in peace, and remember the gifts of the season.
You will need:
*ritual to be done at or after sunset*
I stand rooted deep in the earth and looking to the sky, seeking to find the light within the dark. I ask that my words be sweet as I speak, and that my voice and intent sink into the well, to resound in the deep, and float up on pillar of smoke to the heavens.
Gatekeeper, standing now at the Center of Worlds, carry my voice that the spirits may hear my words and see my heart. May the Ancestors who went before know my love. May the Nature Spirits all around know my gratitude. May the Shining Ones who share their wisdom and love know my devotion. Three Kindreds, be with me as I navigate this liminal time between the end of the year and the beginning of the new. The Storms of winter melt to give way to the Waters so that the Fire may be born.
With each passing day as the night grows longer, I add more light to drive away the shadows, and remember the gifts the season brings.
I have called to the Spirits through the Darkness, and now I call again to them that they may stand with me to remember the Light.
To The Destroyer, bring your light *light candle*
To Solitude, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winds of Change, bring your light *light candle*
To Nourishing Rains, bring your light *light candle*
To Clear Skies, bring your light *light candle*
To Justice, bring your light *light candle*
To The Winner of Waters, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Blessing, bring your light *light candle*
To The Waters of Purification, bring your light *light candle*
To The Ferryman, bring your light *light candle*
To Memory & Forgetfulness, bring your light *light candle*
To The Mistweaver, bring your light *light candle*
Within the Waters, I see the God of the Sea. Be with me as I ignite this flame for you. Stand with me and help me to see the gifts you bring to the season. Wild and unpredictable. You whose trident stirs the mighty maelstrom, whose waters wash us clean in the storm. You plumb the depths in eddies and swirls, making yourself known to the traveler. From rushing stream to raging sea. It is to you I call out, and to you I sing praises. God of the Sea, bless me with your wisdom. Show me how to bring your aspects into my life during this time of darkness. Show me how your aspects aid in the return of the light. *take an omen if you feel called to do so, reflect on it and on the aspects of the spirit. Think on how you can apply them to your life* God of the Sea, Thank you for your presence here and for the further wisdom you’ve bestowed. *snuff candle, or if you have a safe place to remain attentive to the candle, allow it to burn down*
Spirits all, for being with me as I light a candle to drive away the dark, I thank you. Gatekeeper, for carrying my words, and for guiding me through this liminal time, I thank you.
Now, I remember my connection to the earth, that I may be grounded in this place. May I be enriched by this ritual, by the knowledge I’ve gained, and by the blessings I’ve received. It is time now to go in peace, and remember the gifts of the season.
