Family Yule Ritual

Because this is not a supper ritual we don't do the standard Circle casting and calling of the quarters for it. Instead we just establish sacred time and Welcome the Goddess and the God. This candle ritual is based on one by Ceisiwr Serith in his book THE PAGAN FAMILY. The best part about this ritual is that the kids have such fun doing it. Now when we talk about getting ready for Yule they know which ritual it will be: "Oh, goody! We get to turn off all the lights!" Although it's a "fun" ritual for them, they're actually remembering that Yule is The Winter Solstice and that means the dark time is coming to an end. We've established a family tradition which I hope they'll carry on with their own kids. )

SPECIAL NOTES: This is the Winter Solstice. Solstice means "sun stands still." This is the longest night of the year, the night that darkness rules. It also marks the turning though. From here on the days will slowly be getting a little bit longer and the light a little bit stronger as the Wheel turns back towards Springtime. Yule is halfway around the Wheel Year from Midsummer, which is the Summer Solstice. It's the first official day of Winter. Most of the customs that come to us today about Christmas originated in Pagan times with Yule. Like bringing a tree into the house, and decorating it with fruit and popcorn. Or putting candles in the windows. And let's not forget the holly and the ivy. Or the songs, like Deck the Halls. Or the stories. One of our family's favorites is "THE FIRST SONG." It was written by Andras Arthen of MotherTongue and can be found on their album: THIS WINTER'S NIGHT. I will include it in a separate posting for those who would like it.

EXTRA SUPPLIES: Seasonal decorations, a bell, the Sun candle (we use a 9-inch yellow pillar candle), a small votive candle for each person at the table (it's nice if your child can have their favorite color) and the safety lighter.

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Begin by having the children turn off all the lights all over the house, to simulate the dark of the year. 

Be sure to explain to younger kids why you're doing this, before you start, so they don't get scared. If you have an upstairs have them start there first. Making sure you leave a light on on the stairs so they can find their way back down. Younger children will probably need an escort, since the dark is scary for them, even if this ritual is supposed to be fun. Work your way back towards the ritual table, turning everything off as you go. When you're ready everyone should be gathered around the table and the house should be in complete darkness, except for one candle to read by.

The Adult says quietly:

Tonight is the Winter Solstice

The night that we celebrate Yule.

Tonight is the longest night of the year

The night when darkness will rule.

Making sure the safety lighter is right at hand, the Adult blows out the last candle, plunging the room into darkness. Keep the little ones close so they don't get scared because the house will be very dark and very quiet. Sit there in the quiet and let the dark grow. After a minute the adult says:

But the light will turn this night

Click the lighter and let flame burn brightly for a second. Then end with:

To return

And turn the dark to light once more.

The adult then lights the Sun candle and says:

Tonight the dark time ends.

Pause for a moment and then continue:

Since Midsummer the Wheel has turned

Bringing us into the dark time.

But tonight the dark ends.

It is Yule, the Winter Solstice.

And from here the days will get longer

The Sun will start to grow stronger

Winter's hold will be loosened

And soon Spring will come back.

The adult lights his/her candle from the Sun candle and places it in the middle of the table saying:

The Wheel is turning

The light is returning!

Then each person at the table, starting with the adults and proceeding to each child from the oldest, lights their candle from the sun candle and repeats:

The Wheel is turning

The light is returning!

When everyone has had their turn and all the candles are lit, bask in the glow of the candle light. Now is a good time to talk about the importance of light to the different celebrations of this holiday season. 

Pagans have the Yule log, Christians light Advent candles, Jews light the menorah for Hanukkah and African-Americans, the kinara for Kwanzaa. (If you're looking for a neat holiday video for the kids, pick up THE PUZZLE PLACE Christmas tape. It doesn't actually say "pagan" but it handles the whole light thing very nicely) The meaning of the light might vary from culture to culture but they have in common that all their rituals take place on or near the Winter Solstice. This then should be a time of great celebration and rejoicing. Yule might be the longest night of the year, but it marks the return of the Sun. The change won't come over night of course, but the Wheel has turned and spring is on the way.

When you're ready send the kids hurrying through the house to turn all the lights back on -- and I mean ALL the lights. Every light in every room should be turned on (at least for a little while) to drive away all the darkness and shadows.

When everyone is back at the table the Adult says:

Winter is a time of darkness.

But it doesn't last forever.

It is only a stop on the Wheel

And soon the Wheel will turn again

And bring us back to Spring.

This is the lesson the Earth teaches us,

That no matter how dark it gets

The light always returns.

The night will always end

And a new day begin.

Now you can put out the Yule candles. The Adult goes first and says:

May the light of the Yule candles

Burn in our hearts

All throughout the Winter

And through the coming year.

Blessings of the Season on us all.

Each person extinguishes their candle (using a candle snuffer or long metal spoon for safety) in the same order they lit them. As they put it out have them say: Blessings of the season on us all. The ritual is over!

Excerpts from A WICCAN PRIMER: Rituals for Children ©1996 Wind*Dancer