To aid the self-dedicated Wiccan Priest and self-dedicated Wiccan Priestess, here is the ritual script for the Yule Sabbat of The Tree, as slightly adapted for our coven. Additional sources consulted included What Witches Do, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, Wicca, Wicca Craft, Wicca for Life, and The Wheel of the Wiccan Year.
(The Erecting the Temple is performed, Priest and Priestess kiss. On the Altar stand two unlit candles, one on either side of the Altar Candle, which may be decorated with spruce cones, sprigs, ect. Beside the Altar is a Tree decorated with lights, Yule goats, apples, ect. Wrapped gifts are placed on the floor beneath it.)
Priestess: “Now is the sun well on its course through the long dark months of winter.”
Priest: “Let us show our love for the Gods by sending strength where it is needed. Let us kindle here fresh fires to light our Lord upon his way. Fires to give him confidence; to show him our love burns forth even though the hardships of winter be upon us.”
All: “So be it!”
(Priest takes up one of the unlit candles and holds it before him.)
Priest: “Let our Lord bear the blessings of our Lady as he guards us and guides us through the long dark days ahead. May all our power, Wiccans all, be symbolized by this light, as it burns with steady flame, aiding and strengthening that which is there.”
(He lights his candle from the Altar Candle and stands it alongside. Priestess takes up other unlit candle.)
Priestess: “To that do we add a further prayer. One light to take him into the winter, yet another light to lead him back. That our Lady be ever with our Lord is meet and right, and be it so. Let our prayers and thoughts go with him for as he guards us and guides us so do we love him, and so have we trust in all things.”
(Priestess lights candle from Altar Candle and stands it alongside.)
Priest & Priestess: “Let these lights burn till Imbolc time, when we shall know the darkness of Winter is behind us.”
All: “So be it!”
Priest: “And so here be the love of the God for the Goddess.”
(Priest kisses Priestess. Then shall follow the Ceremony of Cakes and Ale, followed by gift-giving, feasting, and merriment.)
Image: Under the Mistletoe by George Bernard O’Neill (1828-1917)
Lincoln Green 