The Ritual of the Solstice Light
Axiom
The Winter Solstice is the time of the shortest day and longest night. For many of our forebears this was a frightening time as they faced the very real possibility they might not survive through to the spring and summer. There is also the possibility they feared the sun would not return - an idea supported by the vast number of rituals revolving around "sympathetic magic". By creating a small version of what is desired, sympathetic magic aims to bring the larger event to fruition. The preponderance of fire rituals during the Solstice suggest such a concept was in practice. Today it isn't always practical to have a large bonfire, so we make do with smaller versions. This ritual revolves around using candles and focuses upon the spiritual and emotional aspects of the Solstice.
Place a table in the centre of the room - one small enough for all members to sit around and short enough that all children can see its surface. A coffee table is ideal. If you can't do this, use a normal table and chairs or improvise. In the centre place a sun symbol (golden platter, image of sun on paper, etc) and atop it a large yellow/golden/creamy candle - fat is good especially the ones with three wicks). Evenly spaced around the edge of the table in a rough circle place smaller candles (1 wick) - one for each person.
In a smaller ring between the central candle and the outer ring place bowls of Solstice food offerings - seeds, nuts, fruits, Solstice breads and cakes. Make sure they are all sliced and in bite sized pieces with enough for all members to take a few pieces. Place a cup for each member with drinks of choice and include a large chalice/bowl with apple cider/juice/mead/yellow wine - all members will be tasting, so think of the children!
Whoever is running the ceremony (the head) should assemble the group about the table and make the ritual invocation to the Sun: "May the Father share his light and warmth with us in these darkening hours. Bless this, our meal, and as we consume it let us partake of your strength."
The headperson then lights the central candle. As each of the three wicks is set alight, recite the request for blessings: "I ask blessing for us all from He who is the Youth - share your vigour with us. I ask blessings for us all from He who is the Father - share your fertility with us. I ask blessings from He who is the Seer - share your knowledge with us."
Have someone turn out the lights. Proceding clockwise around the table, starting with the headperson, light the candles and ask a personal blessing - it can be silent or aloud. It can be for self or others. While this is happening, the group should refrain from idle chatter.
Once all the candles are lit, share out the food and individual drinks. As people nibble, let those who volunteered earlier tell Solstice tales -- these can include stories of various spirits of December such as Santa Claus, the Holly and Oak Kings, or Ukko and Joulupukki. Finish with a story about the return of the sun - tailor it to children if present and focus upon the joys and familial aspects. Then extinguish all lights - in reverse from the lighting. (Warn the children and if necessary take them outside the door to a small torchlit area where they can see in but have some light).
Leave the room dark for a few moments while everyone thinks about the symbolism of the Solstice and what it means to them personally. Hold hands if you wish. Or not. The headperson then relights the central candle with this invocation:
"As the days lengthen and we feel the hand of our Father warming us once more, let us remember how blessed we are. We are a part of this great cycle - let us not forget our connection. Let each Winter's Night remind us that without this we are nothing - worse than wolves in the cold, we would tear each other to pieces in our blindness and know not what we do. Great Father, we ask that you bless us with your love and help us remember who we are as your warmth returns to renew this earth."
The headperson lifts the Solstice Chalice above the candle so the heat warms the base. Holding it there, say: "As this light bathes this cup, let the sun bathe us all, filling us with blessings."
Take a sip and pass it around clockwise so all may partake. Then let the festivities begin - I suggest placing the Solstice candle up high. Everyone relights their candles and secures them up high too and then party!
