‘Solstice night’
Merry meet!
Yule is one of my favorite sabbats because it signals the return of the light. I put up a Yule tree and decorate it with symbols of nature and the Goddess. Sometimes that stays on lit night, but more often I choose to spend the night with the light of just one candle.
My tradition has been to sit in sacred space, in silence, throughout the night. I do as little contemplating as possible, preferring to sit with the darkness, become one with the vast stillness, touch the mystery, listen to the deep silence, count my blessings, meditate, journey to visit the crones and read inspirational passages.
I sometimes drift into a light sleep, but the candle never goes out. As morning approaches, I step outside to greet the sun, comfortable with the darkness, but renewed in the promise that it does not last forever.
I also attend a solstice gathering typically scheduled for the night or two before Yule. We arrive and depart in silence, meditate, pray for peace, offer healing and honor the Holy darkness by sitting in it in silence and letting it envelope us. Before we open the circle, we sing a pagan version of “Silent Night” that I have come to think of as “Solstice Night.” The words are below. Perhaps it will find a place in your Yule celebration.
Merry part.
And merry meet again.
Silent Night
Silent Night, Solstice Night
All is calm, all is bright
Nature slumbers in forest and glen
’til the springtime She wakens again
Sleeping spirits grow strong
Sleeping spirits grow strong
Silent Night, Solstice Night
Silver moon, shining bright
Snowfall blankets the slumbering earth
Yule fires welcome the Sun’s rebirth
Hark, the Light is reborn
Hark, the Light is reborn
Silent Night, Solstice Night
Quiet rest, ’til the light
Turning ever the rolling wheel
Brings the Winter to comfort and heal
Rest your spirit in peace
Rest your spirit in peace