Oak and Holly King meditation
At Winter Solstice the reign of the Holly King gives way to that of the Oak King, thus marking the shift from our journey into the darkness (the evergreen realm) back into the light (new leaves/deciduous realm). For this meditation you will need two candles - one green and one red. Gather together some friends or family, or enjoy the symbolism of the meditation at your own speed.
Pause to reflect on the purpose of the meditation - to mark the Winter Solstice and celebrate the re-birth of The Sun and of ourselves.
Holly King 'For half the year, day by day, slowly the world has grown darker. For half the year, night by night, slowly the dark has grown longer. Soon that will end as the wheel turns and our land turns back towards the light.
This green candle is dedicated to the Holly King - to healing and to re-birth. May the green colour of leaves fill us all with healing and balance.' (Lights green candle)
Pause to consider what individual 'gifts' we each bring to the Winter Solstice. ie warmth, stillness, peace, love, understanding etc. State them out loud as appropriate.
Oak King (holds red candle which isn’t lit till later)
‘I dedicate this red candle to the Oak King - to boundless joy and optimism. May the beauty of it enter all here with warmth and companionship and freedom of self-expression.’
Oak King stands before each person in the circle and asks 'Are you ready for the Sun to return?' (Each person responds as they feel appropriate.)
(Each person to read a line)
The Wheel is turning
And the light is returning
Shadows are fleeing
The cold will go away
And once more we will dance in the warmth
Light is returning
Warmth will come again
Summer will be here once more
Plants will grow again
Animals will be seen once more
Life will continue
Green will come again
Death will not be forever
The Sun is returned
He is born again
(If there's a group of you - you may like to read this through three times)
The Oak King is lit from the Holly King and the Holly King is snuffed out.
We celebrate the Sun's birthday and with this re-birth, so too all of nature begins to live again. A new cycle begins.
