A Simple Contemplative Ritual

Today the offering is a simple ritual you may wish to use on day after the Winter Solstice. We have been seeking the light within; we have called forth that light and as we stand in the first day towards the increase of Light, all comes to this sweet point of hope and promise.

What you will need:

• A quiet space where you will not be disturbed and is or can be darkened;
• Something comfortable to sit on;
• Any color candle and holder;
• Matches (preferably the long ones)-not a lighter;
• A warm cup of cider, hot chocolate or tea.

Establish your space in whatever way aligns with your practice, calling it forth as a sacred, safe and quiet space for your working.

Settle in to whatever chair or other bodily support you have chosen. Make note of the strength of it as it supports the contours of your body. Make note of your physical form resting gently in its support and the feeling of density of your manifest form.

Begin to take notice of your breath; the rise and fall of your chest and expansion and contraction of your lungs. Sit back, deepening yourself in your chair. Make note of the comfort you are feeling right now.

Reach out and pick up your cup and begin sipping whatever hot beverage you have brought into the space with you. Make note of the warmth as it trickles down your throat. The warming sensation into your stomach and the general state of well-being that you feel. Envision this warmth spreading into every cell of your body; filling you with heat and comfort.

When you have finished your drink sit back and just simply “be” in the warmth that has now been generated within you. Allow yourself to envision yourself snug and cozy in your bed. It is Solstice night and the darkness surrounds, but you know that the warmth you are feeling within will soon be brought to light in the Dawn Sun’s rising. Make note of how these images make you feel.

Now, reach out and take up a match. Breathe deeply and push the warmth you are feeling out and into your hand and fingers as you strike the match. The flame catches and a min blaze of light flickers and sputters. Take a moment to see it in its complexity and beautiful simplicity and then light your candle.

As the flame of the match touches the wick of the candle, light sputters once again, the warmth of your light responds and in your mind’s eye envision the Dawn of today and the brilliant light of the Solstice Sun that marks the return towards lengthening days.

Sit for as long as you wish, looking into the flame that has lit the darkened space.  Offer the intention of knowledge that you are both that lighted flame and the dark that surrounds. You are the rising of the Solstice Sun and within you, now will growing a light of brilliance that will peak at the Summer Solstice.

When you have received all that is needed, blow out the candle and envision the afterglow of flame. Breathe in deeply and as you exhale see that flame and light grow. Take a few more deep breaths and then allow the image to fade returning you to whatever level of light is in the space you have chosen.

You may use this candle anytime during the year as a reminder of the power you hold within to bring the return of light.  Give thanks to the energy and yourself that have made this an experience of beauty and deepening. And, return to whatever activities you have planned for the remainder of the day/evening.

Blessed Be!