Yule & Full Moon Ritual

Yule & Full Moon Ritual

BRIEF:
The celebration of Yule is deeply rooted in the cycle of the year and
stems from the very ancient practice of honoring the return of the
sun
after the longest night of the year. A time of transformation, Yule
symbolizes the rebirth of the God to the virgin Goddess.

The return of the sun/son brings hope and the promise of ongoing
life,
the coming warmth, and the awakening of the earth. While the Celts
had
established Samhain as the beginning of the new year, tenth-century
Nordic-Pagans moved the new year to Yule to coincide with the solar
year.

Since this full moon follows Yule it is known as a cold moon or snow
moon rather than a oak moon. With its roots deep in Mother Earth
and its
topmost branches high above ground, the oak was symbolic of living
in
both the material and spirit worlds. Considered sacred by the
Druids,
trees figure largely into the Yuletide season. Yule marked the
succession
from the Holly King to the Oak King. Holly symbolized death; oak
symbolized rebirth.

The use of mistletoe can be traced back to the Druids of Gaul who
gathered it from the highest branches of oak trees. Mistletoe is
also called
"the golden bough" and is considered powerfully magic, especially
for
fertility. At Yule its white berries are plentiful and symbolize the
sacred seed of the God who embodies the spirit of vegetation and the
divine spark of life.

At this time of year holly is bright and vital, promising ongoing
life.
Like holly, evergreen trees were considered sacred because they
didn't
seem to die each year, and so they represent the eternal aspect of
the
Goddess. The Great Mother/Mother Earth remains constant when the God
dies and is reborn each year; endings become beginnings.

With all the sacred trees, holly, and mistletoe brought into the
home,
it's no accident that Yule is a magical time of year. And as the
year
draws to a close and holiday preparations becomes a frenzied blur,
pause
in the moonlight and step out of that frazzled mindset to take a
look
at your life.

Note whether or not you have moved toward your personal and spiritual
goals. It is not important that you ave reached these goals as long
as
you are working in the direction you want to go. Know that you
cannot
change what has passed but you can chart your course for what is to
be.

This months Yule & Full Moon ritual theme is: To celebrate the
rebirth
of the God and the return of light. To state your intentions and
commitments for the year ahead and/or reaffirm your spirituality.

RITUAL SET UP:
*Please read the brief above before the ritual date.
*Arrive to the ritual room early for any last minute instructions
and/or fellowship.
*If your playing festive tunes turn them on early and with the volume
low so they do not break your concentration later.

ITEMS NEEDED:
*four sprigs of mistletoe or holly
*several ribbons or pieces of yarn, 8 inches long
*small basket
*a winter branch - holly, pine, or evergreen - 6 inches long, or
small
enough to fit into your fire proof container safely
*festive or full moon incense
*small cauldron or fire proof container
*matches or a lighter
*four white tea light candles
*god & goddess candles - one gold, one silver, or two white
*altar cloth, can be festive colors of your choice
*festive tunes, welcome but not required
*cakes & ale

ALTAR SETUP:
To the east place: tea light candle
To the south place: tea light candle
To the west place: tea light candle
To the north place: tea light candle
On the right side place: Goddess candle, cakes, and basket of
ribbons/yarn
On the left side place: God candle, incense, and branch

*We will be having the ritual in the Ritual Room. Please arrive no
later than 15 minutes before the ritual starts.

*If you would like to invite friends to this online ritual, your more
than welcome, just make sure they have the items needed on hand and
that
they have the setup information posted above.

*If you have any questions or problems, please contact me either via
PM
on the forums or Messenger. ICQ: 425223915 or e-mail alyce @
freespellsonline . com without the spaces.

Light & Blessings
Alyce Moonfyre

_________________
Rev JP Vanir theUVUP ChrstVampyre
http://www.myspace.com/chrstvampyre
Founder High Priest: TempleUVUP.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TempleUVUP
http://groups.myspace.com/TempleUVUP
TempleUVUP Book 1
http://www.lulu.com/content/818414
http://www.cafepress.com/templeuvup