Winter Solstice, 2000
   written by Glendower

Hail, Great Mother, Arianrhod of the Silver Wheel, Star Goddess, 
  Sky Goddess, Goddess of Rebirth, Full Moon Goddess. 
Hear our prayers on this, the longest night of the Dark Season.
 
Hail, East, whence comes the first solemn winter light each day, 
  the gateway of the dawn. 
Hail, Guardians of Air, givers of morning breezes scented with snow, 
  fir and cedar, spruce and pine, the evergreens that symbolize 
   survival in the midst of death.
 
Hail, South, the seat of passion, winter home of our feathered kin. 
Hail, Guardians of Fire. Bring us the warmth of crackling hearth fires, 
  the heat of winter love before them, the comfort of winter wine in our blood. 
Give us the cheer of festive candles and close friendships.
 
Hail, West, where lies the Great Sea and the source of winter storms. 
Be gentle with us, we pray. Hail, Guardians of Water. 
We ask your mercy, all we who have the salty taste of the sea in our blood, 
  we who are the human children of the Great Mother.
 
Hail, North, where sleep our animal brothers and sisters now, 
  watched over from silent shadows by the ancient mushroom and the brooding moss. 
Hail, Guardians of Earth, whose halls are dark and wet, cold and waiting now, 
festooned with crisp holly, mistletoe, and ivy. 
Our prayers run through you on the holy streams, chanting icy orisons: 
  invite back the light and give us respite.
 
Hail, Center, the destination of the Great Wisdom. 
Lead us by the hand along these dark winter trails 
  once again to life and safety. 
We are children and we have been lost and cold in this dark forest. 
Deliver us, we pray. Guide us and comfort us.
 
Great Arianrhod, thank you for your mercy once again. 
The Season of the Crone now ends. 
Thank you for giving us strength and patience once more, and for allowing us 
  to sit at the feet of the Crone to reflect and consider as the Dark Time passes. 
Open now the way to the Vernal Equinox and the coming of The Bride, 
we ask in humility and new wisdom. We bless She Who Teaches us with patience and love. 
 
Hail, Great Goddess and Mother.