My UU Pagan group hosts a Winter Solstice service in the church sanctuary each Yule. It is followed by carols, punch and cookies and culminates in lighting the Yule Log at 9 PM.
Most leave at that point, and some linger for a while. Then there’s always the small band who go all night tending the fire.
This morning my spouse and I were among the last standing. We put out the last embers of the Yule log fire with a reading and then singing together as we watched the sun rise.
For a short closing ritual after being up all night, we used these below. Then we bid the corner elements farewell, and parted by reciting “Our Circle is Open.”
Those looking for a simple, short ritual might find it useful.
READING:
“A Pagan Awakening” by Jeff A. Bordeaux
A new life is there,
You hear Her now,
She was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So listen to Diana, and accept Her love.
Hoard not Her gifts : feeling, renewal, music.
A new life is there,
You see Him now,
He was always there,
and you’re forever changed.
So look to Apollo, and receive His light.
Hoard not His gifts : healing, growth, joy.
A new life is there,
Your hands reach it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So touch the earth, and partake of it’s sustenance.
Hoard not it’s gifts : body, green, silence.
A new life is there,
You soar with it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So breathe in the air and gather the wind.
Hoard not it’s gifts : mind, dreams, empathy.
A new life is there,
You’re warmed by it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So build the flame and brave it’s heat.
Hoard not it’s gifts : spirit, will, energy.
A new life is there,
You flow with it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So study the ocean and follow it’s tides.
Hoard not it’s gifts : self, courage, sorrow.
A new life is there,
You’re one with them now,
They were always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So take Their gifts and return them threefold.
Share this magic : friendship, love, trust.
SONG:
“Awaken Me” by Abigail Spinner McBride
Spiral Wound 