December 18, 2004

Now is the time of darkness but soon it will give way to light. The Old King will be transformed into the Infant Sun. At dawn the Great Lady will give birth to the Divine Light. We watch and await for the Sun to arise from the womb of night .

We started to arrive at Pam’s home at about five o’clock all bundled up to forestall the cold creeping in. And it was mighty cold !!!!! Yule season greetings and hugs abounded as we all settled down to socialize, munch some goodies and catch up on everyone’s lives.

Our Grove elves, all in holiday apparel, set about diligently setting up the altar and the goodie table . They were aided in these chores by Pam’s cat. Although she was not permitted near the mistletoe and holly, she insisted on selecting a prize piece of wheat. Dorothy’s rescued adolescent black Lab contented himself with smoozing in the smoking lounge. In no time flat, things were ready and looking absolutely beautiful – and our elves were relaxing after their chores and joining in the festivities before we began the Ritual.

And the Ritual was wonderful !!!! That is almost an inadequate word to describe it. The entire Grove participated in the readings and meditations. The power and love surrounding us was strongly felt by all. As Pam mentioned after the Ritual was ended, she could feel the Gods among us. It truly was a memorable event. On a slight note of levity, I think the Gods were also pleased with our singing (which most of the time is dubious at best).

The omens were most excellent. The Gods accepted our sacrifice with love and offered us Their protection, love and assistance. The last Rune showed up reversed however. It was the Rune of Joy indicating that we must strive to be serious about our part in the Grove, to work so that we can become truly joyful in our efforts. The year just passed held much that was not joyous, and from that pain we embrace the season of light, determined to mix joy with a seriousness of purpose as our “one united and sacred grove” moves into the light of the future.

As the Ritual progressed, everyone sensed the acceptance of the Gods and as the gates were closed, we could still feel Their presence. This assuredly will be a Rite to remember and cherish.

We continued our festivities with a delicious pot-luck dinner and as we finally sat back comfortable and replete, our Grove elves went about their chores again straightening up for the Chinese gift exchange (which, to use a rather uncronish phrase,) was a hoot. As often happens, there were two or three “hot items”: a proud stag, a finely-crafted wooden box, a silver pentagram. Among much laughter, these and other gifts rapidly changed hands. At the end of the revelry, though, everyone was holding a cherished memento of this year’s birth of the sun.

All too soon the time came for us to depart and return home and as we bundled up to return to the cold, we carried with us the joy of the Yule season and the happiness of being once again with our Grove family.

Many thanks are in order ~~~ Pam, thank you for sharing your lovely home with us, a home that is both beautiful and full of those good “warm fuzzies”.

Vickie and Karen both did a most wonderful job of putting this happy Yule liturgy together. Selene, you did a great job leading the singing and making us sound pretty good (even if nobody knew that one song !!!! We did try humming along !!!!) Thanks also to all the gifts that were brought to take to the children. And as Tiny Tim might have said “May the Gods bless us every one”.