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. 


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. 


Meditate upon the Sun, on the hidden energies lying dormant in winter, not only in the Earth but within ourselves. Think of birth not as the start of life but as its continuance. Welcome the return of the God. After a time cease and stand once again before the altar and flaming caldron. Say:

Great God of the Sun, 
I welcome Your return. 
May You shine brightly upon the Goddess; 
May You shine brightly upon the Earth, 
scattering seeds and fertilizing the land. 
All blessings upon You, 
Reborn One of the Sun! 


Works of magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast, the release the Circle. 

- by Scott Cunningham, "A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner"

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