Ceremony - Alban Arthan (winter solstice)

Wear a light colored robe or clothing, with a dark cloak or shawl covering.

Sit, facing the central candle, and meditate on this darkest time of the year. 

I proclaim the Winter Solstice. It is the turning point of the whole world. The time of nadir and rebirth. I proclaim the time of greatest night. The Winter Solstice is marked throughout the whole world and belongs not to one area or one people, but stands for truth universal. 

Now is the time to mourn that which is finishing and dying. Now is the time to acknowledge all that has gone before and is no more. 

The warm breezes of the high summer are a memory. I am far from that place and now I witness the darkest point. The oak is bare, the earth is cold, the sky is black - from where could hope arise? I am as far from summer as  I could ever be. It seems the very land around me is dead. The cold and the dark have grown strong. I mourn the passing of the bright days.

My eyes are wet with the tears of dreams lost to the dark. My inner vision is misted by grief. The world is spiraling in the darkness, lost to the light, with the sun veiled in a dark disguise.

Now extinguish the candle and sit in the darkness. 

I stand at the centre of a mysterious universe. Let the silence enfold as I take a moment to feel the power of this place... the power around me... the track of the sun around the earth... the pulse of the earth beneath me... the power of life and of death...

Visualize the Earth and the Sun in space, the distance between them, their movement, the tilt of the Earth’s axis away from the sun. Picture where you are sitting on the globe. Feel the power of the earth beneath you, the pull of her gravity, and, if it feels right, let yourself gently sink down into the deep dark Earth.

Let the darkness be felt with my mind and heart. Only out of darkness does light arise, for darkness is the fosterer of splendor. Only when I have mourned the passing of the old can rebirth occur... I know well that there will be a new dawn tomorrow, after this the longest of nights. Yet often I forget this simple truth. When I let go of my longing for the past, I am free to nurture the still small light of hope in my heart.

Let yourself forget about time, about work, about your cares and concerns. The Earth is deep and dark, all enfolding, all absorbing. It is deeply restful, just to lie within the earth. You don’t have to do anything or make anything or change anything.

In the darkness of the longest night, we await the dawning of the waxing year…

Cast away whatever impedes the appearance of light.

Remove your dark cloak/shawl and stand up. Feel yourself reborn with the light, and willing to carry that light out into the dark world. Light the central candle again, saying: 

The light is reborn on Earth as it is in my soul. I proclaim the creation of all things, the revolution of all that is past towards a new good.

Every death is the seed of birth. Each new life brings a gentle flame of hope into this world. May we all protect this sacred flame. May the earthly guardians of wisdom unite together in peace and harmony to protect this planet, our home. This I ask for the children of the world.

From the one source of all Life, Light and Love, our own tiny flames have been kindled. Feel the strength of those flames united. Within our daily lives, let us unite our thoughts and our actions with all those who work for peace in this world - with all those who work to build a safer Earth for the generations to come.

May the power of this moment inspire me, here at the rebirth of the light. May the light pervade me. May my soul be strengthened. May the power of this moment inspire us, here at the rebirth of the light. May our lives and our hearts be filled with joy.

Ceremony closing

As the radiance of this ceremony fades, let it remain as a light in my heart. May my memory hold what my eye and ear have gained.

I swear, by peace and love to stand,

Heart to heart and hand in hand.

Mark, O spirit, and hear me now,

Confirming this, my sacred vow.

May the harmony of the land be complete.

May the blessings of the Spirit be always with me. I declare this ceremony of  ________________ closed in the apparent world. May its inspiration continue within my being.

Ceremony opening

Pause for several breaths, consciously leaving your daily concerns aside, allowing yourself to relax. 

Together with the Earth beneath me...

Together with the Sky above me...

Together with the Sea around me…

Feel the earth beneath you and the sky above you, feel yourself grounded and centered.

O Spirit, I ask for your blessings on this my ceremony of  _________. I ask for your blessings, guidance and inspiration on this my ceremony.

Take a few moments to meditate on peace, and to feel peace within you.

Deep within the still centre of my being, may I find peace.

Silently within the quiet of the grove, may I share peace.

Gently within the greater circle of humankind, may I radiate peace.

May there be peace in the North.  …South …West …East

May there be peace throughout the whole world.

Let all disturbing thoughts be laid aside.

Grant, O Spirit, your protection,

and in protection, strength,

and in strength, understanding,

and in understanding, knowledge,

and in knowledge, the knowledge of justice,

and in the knowledge of justice, the love of it,

and in the love of it, the love of all existences,

and in the love of all existences,

the love of Spirit and all goodness.

The horizon is a circle. Of our lives and lands, of time and of the year,

of seasons and of goodness, of birth and of growing, of dying and of rebirth. The enchantment of the apparent world subsides. I stand (in the eye of

the sun/by the light of the stars), here and now, between past and future. The earth below, the heavens above, and the plants and animals around me. 

This is sacred time. This is sacred space. I am fully present, here and now. With every breath I take, I breathe light and life. May the harmony of my life be complete.