A Sun Ritual

Sometimes, the simplest rituals are the most meaningful. Imagine going outside at dawn, lighting some incense, and then singing a song of praise to the sun as it rises....

I want to share with you a song I learned during my time at the temple. It can be used as I describe above, the crown of a simple outdoor ceremony, or integrated into a more elaborate ritual of any style. The song (and accompanying ritual, if you wish) is perfect to perform at sunrise or on the winter solstice. Or whenever the mood strikes you. I often sing it on cold days when the sun has come out to warm me up. In fact, because I enjoy singing it so much, I frequently find myself singing it just for the hell of it!

So here it is, "The Sun":

Welcome to you, O Sun of the Season!

You, walking high in the heavens,

your footsteps strong on the wings of the heights;

you, the adored Mother of the Stars.

You lie down in the destructive ocean

without misfortune and without fear;

you rise up on the forked wave of peace,

a queenly maiden blooming.

Welcome, Sun of the Season

I've always enjoyed the dark, cold beauty of winter, and as such, I think I fare these short days better than most. All the same, I, like everyone else, look forward to the winter solstice this time of year. It feels like ages since the sun began setting before 5 p.m., even though I know it has only been a month or so. (Thanks for nothing, daylight savings!) The constant short nights make me feel tired and lazy, like a fat, hibernating bear. And while I can cope well enough with the frigid temperatures, they can begin to wear on anyone after a while.

I also know that the winter has only just begun, and that despite the sun's waxing light, there is much more of it left. But I'm a native to this land; the winter is in my blood. I'll continue through the season by enjoying the serene beauty of each snowfall, by drinking gallons of hot chocolate, and by bundling up at night under half a dozen blankets with my kitty. The winter can be unforgiving, and you have to find it's joys wherever you can.

This winter solstice, I will wake up bright and early, sing a song to the sun, and thank it for it's gradual return. I'll take comfort in the fact that the cycle goes on, that in a few months it will be spring.