When I work alone for the solstice, I prepare an alter for Yule. It is on a table that I keep set up for a week or two before the Solstice. On this alter I place all items that represent Yule for me. I have small animal figures because this is the time of year we look to our animal spirits for guidance. A small wish tree will be there as well. It is a small artificial tree about a foot tall. All the ornaments I place on the tree are symbolic to the things I wish to draw into my life. I also keep a green candle to represent the Holly King. I burn it a little every night.
On the Solstice I light my green candle before I start circle. Once in circle have started the ritual work I thank the Holly King for his part in the cycle of the year. I then take my yellow or gold candle and carve a symbol of the sun upon it. I charge it with the energy of the growing sun. I anoint it with a cinnamon and rosemary oil blend. I now light the yellow candle from the green candle and say:
       "As the Holly King leaves to rest, (Snuff green candle after you light the yellow)
       "The Oak King is reborn and brings with him the strength and warmth of the Sun and so I now turn the wheel of the Year, So mote it Be!"
Now keep the yellow candle on your Yule alter until it has burned out. I put away the green candle for the following solstice in summer when we call the Holly King back.
 
By Audrey Jackson