Wishing You a Most Merry Yule!

Happy Winter Solstice!

Now, in the ancient ways of our Ancestors, let us make merry for the days of Yuletide!  (Yes, more than one. Twelve, as a matter of fact).

This morning or tonight (if you didn’t already) you can light the 5th and final candle of your Solstice Sun Wheel. (If you are counting down to Christmas, or the final night of Hanukkah, you might light it then, instead).

This is the candle that represents Spirit, the Center, our hearts, the Divine Child, the cauldron of change and the Great Mystery.

Hail to the returning Sun.
We drink to the Old Gods.
To the Holly, to the Oak, and Lady.
A Merry Yule to all!

— A very old Yuletide toast,
from the lore of my dear magical sister, Alruna

Sung to the tune of Hark, the Herald Angels Sing:

Brothers, Sisters, Come and Sing

adapted by Ellen Cannon Reed

I.
Brothers, sisters, come and sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Gardens peaceful, forests wild
Celebrate the Winter Child!

Now the time of growing starts!
Joyful hands and joyful hearts!
Cheer the Yule log as it burns!
Once again, the Sun returns,

Brothers, sisters, come and sing!
Glory to the new-born King!

II.
Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the newborn Sun.
Through the wind and dark of night
Celebrate the coming light!

Suns glad rays through fear’s cold burns,
Life through Death the Wheel now turns!
Gather round Yule log and tree
Celebrate Life’s mystery,

Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the new-born Sun.

May our hearts be glad, my loves!  For now we celebrate that whatever Shadow may have loomed, whatever fears have diminished our spirits, together we have joined to make a vast and ancient magic. 

Let our sorrows be dispelled; the greed, the distortion, the untruths now are revealed and banished.  Let there be glad tidings for all: Hail and Welcome – the Dawn is now growing.

Blessed be, the Light has come!

Wishing you and all your loved ones a glorious celebration filled with wonder, peace, comfort, and joy!

Love,
~ Beth