The Standing Stones Yule Ritual

The Standing Stones Yule Ritual.

     Copyright © 1989 Scott Cunningham

The altar is adorned with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay, juniper and cedar, and the same can be laid to mark the Circle of Stones. Dried leaves can also be placed on the altar.

The cauldron, resting on the altar on a heat-proof surface (or placed before it if too large), should be filled with ignitable spirit (alcohol), or a red candle can be placed within it. At outdoor rites, lay a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle of Stones.

Recite the Blessing Chant.

Invoke the Goddess and God.

   Stand before the cauldron and gaze within it. Say these or similar words:
   I sorrow not,
   though the world is wrapped in sleep.
   I sorrow not,
   though the icy winds blast.
   I sorrow not,
   though the snow falls hard and deep.
   I sorrow not,
   this too shall soon be past

A Witches Cauldron.

Ignite the cauldron (or candle), using long matches or a taper. As the flame(s) leap up say:

   I light this fire in Your honor,
   Mother Goddess
   You have created life from death;
   warmth from cold;
   The Sun lives once again;
   the time of light is waxing.
   Welcome,
   ever-returning God of the Sun!
   Hail Mother of All!


Circle the altar and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames.

Say the following chant for some time:

   The wheel turns; the power burns.
   The wheel turns; the power burns.
   The wheel turns; the power burns.

This ritual can be found here:

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.

Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. Wicca also includes Scott Cunningham's own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham.