Also known as Winter Solstice.

PLACE A CANDLE IN THE CAULDRON THAT RESTS UPON THE ALTAR.

CAST A CIRCLE, RECITE THE BLESSING CHANT AND INVOKE THE GODDESS AND GOD.

STAND BEFORE THE CAULDRON UPON THE ALTAR. GAZE WITHIN IT.

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.

LIGHT THE CANDLE IN THE CAULDRON.

I light this fire in Your honour, 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 SLOWLY CLOCKWISE, WATCHING THE FLAMES FLICKER FROM THE CAULDRON.

The wheel turns; the power burns.

SAY THIS FOR A WHILE, MESMORISED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE FLAME'S POWERS. THEN, MEDITATE UPON THE SUN, ON THE HIDDEN ENERGIES LYING DORMANT IN WINTER, NOT ONLY IN THE EARTH BUT IN OURSELVES. WELCOME THE RETURN OF THE GOD. AFTER A WHILE STAND AGAIN BEFORE THE ALTAR.

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 fertilising the land. All blessings upon You, Reborn One of the Sun!

CELEBRATE THE SIMPLE FEAST, THEN CLOSE THE CIRLCE AND THANK THE GODDESS AND GOD FOR THEIR ATTENDANCE.