A family ritual

This is a nice way that you and your family can welcome back the sun. One of the things you will need is a Yule Log. Its nice to make these as a family as you can enjoy collecting the fallen nature to use on your log. Your family log will be a great centrepiece prior to burning it in the ceremony. A fire is great for carrying out the ritual outside. As the Yule Log burns, you and your family can gather round it.

1, If you normally cast a circle, then do this now.

For the adults to say.

The Wheel has turned once more, and the earth has gone to sleep.
The leaves are gone, the crops have returned to the ground.
On this darkest of nights, we celebrate the light.
Tomorrow, the sun will return,
its journey continuing as it always does.
Welcome back, warmth.
Welcome back, light.
Welcome back, life.

2,The entire family now moves deosil – clockwise, or sunrise – around the fire. When each family member has returned to their original position, it is now time for the children to add their part. You can give each child a line to say if you wish to involve them all. Or they can all say it together.

Shadows go away, darkness is no more,
as the light of the sun comes back to us.
Warm the earth.
Warm the ground.
Warm the sky.
Warm our hearts.
Welcome back, sun.

3,Last but not least, each family member of the group should take a moment to tell the others one thing that they are thankful for about, like “I am happy that mum and dad cook us great food,” or “I’m proud of my sister because she does well in all that she tries.”

When you have all had your chance to speak, all walk sunrise once more around the fire, and end the ritual. If possible, save a bit of this year's Yule log to add to the fire for next year's ceremony.


Blessed Be