I’ve written a new circle cast for our Solstice ritual tomorrow night. For those of you who can’t be with us at Mother Grove Goddess Temple, here is a taste of our celebration. For those of you who will join us, here is a peek into tomorrow’s ritual.

Raising the Circle

A Bright Voice: Here at the gateway of the year,

May we strive to make good cheer.

In our revels shall joy abound

And sorrow be cast underground! (from Caitlin Matthews)

 

North In Winter, the forest is still and deep. The hearts of the trees beat slowly, the bears dream of blueberries and fierce love. Stones are cold, blades of grass sharp as steel. In Winter, the forest is still.

East  In Winter, our breath makes clouds in the chill day. Sunrise comes too early and sunset does the same. Ankle winds force us into stout boots and we wrap our faces against the night. In Winter, our breath makes clouds.

South In Winter, we warm our hands at the fire. Mantles over fireplaces hold fragrant and ever-green branches, hold stockings at Yuletide. Bonfires reach skyward, candles hold promises. In Winter, we warm our hands at the fire.

West In Winter, water is slippery stone. Icicles line the window ledges, jagged teeth. Water, soft and beautiful, falls white upon the fields and beaches. And the sea, eternal, caresses Her dancing tides. In Winter, water is slippery stone.

A Bright Voice: Let the harp of the new Moon sound and mark our celebration! Omnia tempus habent! (There is time for everything!)

 

Releasing the Circle

West: Snow and icicle. Black ice and Brigid spring. Water like stone. Water like stone. Blessed be Water and blessed be all we. Happy Solstice!

South: Bonfire. Hearthfire. Candle and incense. Bonfires reach skyward. Bonfires reach skyward. Blessed be Fire and blessed be all we. Happy Solstice!

East: Clouds of breath. Early dawning. Wrapped against the winds and chill. Breath like clouds. Breath like clouds. Blessed be Air and blessed be all we. Happy Solstice!

North: Tree and stone. Sharp cold grass and dreams of blueberries. The forest is still. The forest is still. Blessed be the Earth and blessed be all we. Happy Solstice!