Statement of Intent: 
"Since the beginning of time witches have gathered in this season 
To celebrate the rebirth of the Sun. 
On the Winter Solstice - the darkest of nights 
The Goddess becomes the Great Mother 
And once again gives birth to the Sun 
Beginning the yearly cycle anew 
Bringing new light and hope to all the World. 
On the longest night of winter 
Flares the spark of hope 
The Sacred Fire, 
The Light of the World, 
I am present here to welcome the new light. 
As I join the Goddess in greeting the new Sun 
I also welcome the new light within myself." 
Calling the Quarters: 
"Hail guardians of the east, 
spirits of Air, powers of Thought 
I call you to lend your essence 
to this rite and protect me from 
all negativity from the east." 
"Hail guardians of the south, 
spirits of Fire, powers of Will 
I call you to lend your essence to this rite 
and protect me from 
all negativity from the south." 
"Hail guardians of the west, 
spirits of Water, powers of Emotion 
I call you to lend your essence to this rite 
and protect me from 
all negativity from the west." 
"Hail guardians of the north, 
spirits of Earth, powers of Stability 
I call you to lend your essence to this rite 
and protect me from 
all negativity from the north." 
Casting the Circle: 
"I conjure ye O Circle of Light 
to be a temple between the worlds 
In the name of the Silver Lady and the Golden Lord. 
Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, So Mote It Be." 
Invocation: 
"Lady, you who are the beauty of the snowy earth 
and the white moon among the stars 
the mystery of the waters 
the desire in the heart of humanity 
We invite to you to come to this place and attend this rite, 
for you are the soul of nature that gives life to the 
universe." 
"Lord, You who are the freedom of the wild things 
the bright sun that lights the day 
the mystery of the forest 
The resolve in the heart of humanity 
We invite you to come here to this place and attend this rite, 
for you are the body of nature who gives life to the 
universe." 
Meditation: 
"The old solar year has run its course and completed its 
cycle. 
So too have some of our habits or traits completed their 
cycles and outlived their usefulness. 
This is a time for shedding that which is no longer needed." 
(Take a few moments now to consider which things 
you would leave behind as you go into the coming year.) 
(pause to meditate) 
"As the old year dies away 
so to will these old ways will fade into memory." 
"In the beginning we came from the darkness of the womb. 
There we were created, nourished 
and prepared for our birth into the light. 
Within us, we still carry that fertile darkness. 
There we hold the seeds of hopes and dreams to come. 
There we nourish are hopes for love, joy and peace for all. 
We shield these tender roots 
until they are strong enough to come forth and flourish in the 
light." 
(Spend a little time now tending these creations to come. 
Name them, nurture them for they will grow with you 
and bloom in the coming year.) 
(pause to reflect) 
"As the sun strengthens above, so will my new ways grow." 
Reading: 
"I light this candle for the infant Solstice Sun 
One small flame to pierce the darkness 
A ray of hope 
A symbol of the Light within me 
Light that can never be extinguished 
Light that will grow in glory 
Waxing strong, despite the cold to come 
Light that dispels despair and resignation 
Giving us a glimpse of golden days ahead" 
"Behold the light that can never die 
Reborn anew in the Solstice Sky!" 
Before the Chant: 
(While chanting, think of those who you would send positive energy to: 
Loved ones perhaps, those in need of healing or added strength. 
Perhaps people who's names you do not know, who are living with war or 
hunger. You may wish to focus on that which important to you, your 
values, Perhaps the earth itself, or the animals who share it with us 
Whatever it is you wish to send your healing energy to. As we chant we 
will build the our energy with the turning of the wheel. As you chant 
feel the energy of change resonate within you. 
When you stop the chant, visualize the positive energy bursting forth, 
like the sun coming out from behind a thick cloud, and imagine strong 
rays of streaking out, empowering your wishes, and carrying your 
healing thoughts to their targets. The Chant: 
"Hoof and horn, hoof and horn 
All that dies will be reborn 
Corn and grain, corn and grain 
All that falls will rise again." 
Blessing of Cakes and Wine: 
"This food and wine is the blessing 
of the Goddess and God to our bodies. 
I will partake in it freely. 
And remember to share 
what I have with those who have nothing." 
Releasing: 
"Thank you, Goddess of the Moon 
for attending these rites in your honor, 
and for sharing with me your gifts of compassion and wit. 
Hail, and farewell." 
"Thank you, God of the Sun 
for attending these rites in your honor, 
and for sharing with me your gifts of freedom and 
rejuvenation. 
Hail, and farewell." 
"Guardians of the north, 
I thank you for your presence here 
and for your gift of stability. Hail and farewell." 
"Guardians of the west, 
I thank you for your presence here 
and for your gift of empathy. Hail and farewell." 
"Guardians of the south, 
I thank you for your presence here 
and for your gift of purity. Hail and farewell." 
"Guardians of the east, 
I thank you for your presence here 
and for your gift of clarity. Hail and farewell." 
"The circle is open, yet never broken, 
merry meet, and merry part, 
and merry meet again." 
 
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