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Yule: A Season of Rebirth, Planetary Ritual
for Winter Solstice 1999 |
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Every
planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and expanded awareness,
and contains symbolism that can be universally shared and understood.
By meditating on current planetary themes, we can tune in to its archetypal
energy. As we integrate the planetary energies through personal ritual,
we gain a deeper understanding of our own personal myth. |
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by
Sarolta G. DeFaltay |
This is the time in our yearly cycle when the Sun is reborn and darkness is dispelled. The Yuletide season is drawing near; as the nights grow longer and darker, we have an opportunity to review and complete the current cycle during these final weeks of the waning year. Rituals of purification have been traditional in many cultures just before the Winter Solstice, to prepare the body, mind and spirit for a conscious rebirth in awareness and focus. The Winter Solstice marks the time in our yearly cycle when the Sun is reborn again, and darkness is dispelled: the beginning of the waxing phase of the year. It is the birth of the Sun Goddess, Lucina, who grants wishes to those who light fires in her name, and in her role as patroness of midwifery, assists us in our rituals of rebirth. Astrology and the magical path have long shared a history, and can add clarity and focus when used together. Every planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and expanded awareness, and contains symbolism that is universally shared. By meditating on current planetary themes, we can tune in to the archetypal energy inherent therein, and apply it experientially to our lives through ritual, meditation, and the gradual unfolding of our own personal myth. The astrological charts of the Solstices and Equinoxes have been read by astrologers since ancient times for news of the upcoming season, especially as it pertains to the well-being of nations, their leaders and the condition of the people. Ingress charts (as they are called) are drawn for the exact moment the Sun enters one of the four cardinal signs: Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn). Cardinal energy is initiating, and an excellent time for magickal workings, as practitioners of earth spirituality have known for a long, long time. Winter Solstice
1999 Planetary Themes
This year's chart symbolizes a few different themes, the dominant one growth and self-empowerment, symbolized by the Sun/Jupiter trine, and spiritual ritual and compassion, symbolized by the Neptune/Vesta sextile. The Sun, so central to the mythology of Yule, represents the self, identity, empowerment and success; it is in a harmonious aspect with Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion. This aspect signals a powerful time to perform rituals of growth, empowerment and mind expansion. We can move beyond outmoded concepts of who and what we are...let's live our true selves now, and embody those goals we know are within our reach. Vesta is an asteroid, named after the Goddess of the hearth. She is the preserver of ancient ceremonies, and helps in the transmutation of the sexual force. She represents dedication and aspiration, and the sacrifices that must be made to attain any goal. In aspect with Neptune, the focusing principle of Vesta combines with Neptune's urge to transcend, and long term commitment to a spiritual path can be reinforced now through ritual and introspection. Sun Goddesses Yuletide Herbal
Lore These herbs can be
utilized in ritual by making an incense, or annointing candles with essential
oil. They can be sewn into a charm bag and consecrated (dedicated to a
single purpose), and worn when needed. Light orange or gold candles annointed with frankincense oil or solar tea, and imagine a golden glow in your bath and around your aura. Bathe yourself in the herbs and the solar energy, clearing away anything you no longer need to hold on to. After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle, and place on the altar or at the quarters. The Altar You will need three candles: gold, pale blue, and brown. Ritual Incense Candles: The gold candle represents the Sun/Jupiter trine. Write down how you can expand your awareness by letting go of outmoded beliefs about who you are. Who are you, truly? What can you learn/study in order to expand your sense of self-empowerment? Light your candle as you say your goal aloud, or meditate on its meaning. Repeat with the
following: The brown candle represents the Sun in Capricorn/Moon in Cancer. Write down where you need discipline in order to manifest your most cherished goals. This is where you ground the energies of your ritual. As you light the brown candle, imagine that you have roots that extend deep into the earth, and affirm that the energy of your ritual will be given substance, and will manifest in tangible ways for the highest good of all. When you feel the ritual is complete, thank the Sun Goddess, and burn each paper as you focus once again on the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to the wind and elemental helpers. Thank the nature spirits, Deities or elementals, and close your circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way down, or instead, burn them for a little while for the next several days, symbolizing the newly waxing year. I always like to "charge" a few candles during a Sabbat ritual; I use the large glass-encased candles, annoint them with oil, light them during ritual as above with full intent, add appropriate herbs, and consecrate. I always use them later when I need to focus or bring in some extra energy. You can burn your candle any time you're working on your goal; they can bring you back to your Yuletide ritual, reinforcing your focus on the dreams for the future. May the magic of rebirth take you where you need to be in the New Millenium, in perfect love and perfect trust. Blessed Be. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Call 773.227.1066 for information. She also writes Daily Horoscopes and New Moon Magic for every sign…http://www.i.am/deepskies.
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