WINTER SOLSTICE RITUAL - ecospirituality resources

WINTER SOLSTICE RITUAL

Prepare candles, readers, hymn(s), and adaptations. Begin with as little light as possible.

Reading: On Solstice Eve, value the dark. On this longest night of the year, before the light overcomes the dark, sit in the dark and think about the importance of darkness. Bless mushrooms that grow in the dark and honeysuckle that sends its luscious scents into the night. Be grateful for the darkness that soothes us to sleep, the darkness that animals require for hibernation. Give thanks for sheltering dark places: the rich earth where seeds germinate, the caves that harbored our ancient ancestors (and where some of our sun gods were born), the cellars that keep us safe from tornadoes, the wombs that provide our first nourishment. Acknowledge the darkness of suffering, which can deepen our appreciation of life and strengthen our connection to one another. (from In Nature's Honor: Myths and Rituals Celebrating the Earth, Patricia Montley, Skinner House, 2005)

Opening Hymn: (Sing this as a round or use another appropriate hymn.) Long Is Our Winter, Dark is our night, O come, set us free, O Saving Light! 2X Come, set us free, O Saving Light! O come, dwell among us, O Saving Light!

Reader: Let us celebrate a cosmic feast. Let us praise God in whose wondrous garden we dwell. Close your eyes and relax. Become aware of your breathing. (Pause.) Where did the atoms of oxygen come from? When did the air begin?

Reader: In the beginning, there was silence. In the beginning, there was darkness. In the beginning, there was nothing . . . but in the silence, darkness, and nothingness, there was Love.

Reader: About 13.7 billion years ago, in the deep silence, there was suddenly a great explosion of energy. In this fiery moment, every particle now existing received its potential existence. The surface of the stars and the perspiration on our palms all originated in that graced instant.

Reader: About five billion years ago, upon the death of supernovas, our sun began. Earth formed about half a billion years later.

All: Let us give thanks.

Reader: Let us celebrate and honor the gift of fire. It mediates to us the fire of the sun, whose rays bathe each of us and all creatures of Earth. The fire's heat warms us. Fire has held mystery since the first Flaring Forth. It has purified and made sacred. It symbolizes the presence and love of God and a passionate love of life, others, and all creation.

All: May the power, warmth, passion, and mystery of fire be given us! May its radiance permeate deep within our spirit

Light the largest candle. As ready, individuals light candles from this largest candle. When everyone has a lit candle, individuals read petitions. After each, all respond: Let us give thanks.

? For the original Flaring Forth, for the searing explosion that began all we know of the Universe, Let us give thanks.

? For the collapse and explosions of the supernovas that delivered to the Universe new elements that would "one day sparkle as life, as consciousness, as memories of beauty laced into genetic coding" . . . . (The Universe Story, p. 61) ? For the Sun that dominates our solar system, and that makes life on Earth possible . . . .

? For the distance Earth stays from the Sun, for its axis, for the gravitational spin assisted by our Moon . . . .

? For the many positive ways humans have harnessed the fire of the Sun to keep warm, to see, to grow food, to cook, and for those working to sustain a positive balance of using fuel without abusing it . . . .

? For our ancestors who, eons ago, celebrated the longest night of the year and the promise of brighter days . . . .

? For our Mayan brothers and sisters who commemorate the ending of their "long count" of 5,125 years. The Mayans say it marks the new beginning of the next cycle, one marked by an improved relationship between humans and nature. For a new birth of consciousness and compassion -- a global "Birth-day" . . . .

? For our Jewish brothers and sisters who are celebrating their feast of lights this season . . . .

? For our Christian brothers and sisters preparing to celebrate Jesus' coming, the Light of the World . . . .

? For being alive to celebrate the solstice, and for those who are not here with us to celebrate . . . .

? Add as desired.

Reflection time

Optional sharing

Hymn: Whatever the group has chosen to use.

Closing blessing: Today, day begins to take back the night. I wish you all the warmth of lengthening days; light for heart, mind, soul, and body; radiant smiles both given and received; and the dayspring to guide your feet into paths of peace. (France White, SHCJ) Extinguish candles.

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