Winter Nights / Wintermōnaþ
The Venerable Bede tells us that the Anglo-Saxons divided the year into two seasons: Summer and Winter. The latter commences on the full moon of the month, which roughly corresponds to our October.
Winter Nights, Vetrnætr in Old Norse and Winterfylleth in Anglo-Saxon, is a Norse tradition that marks the beginning of the winter season. This ancient multi-day festival, is held roughly 28 days following the fall equinox and three moons before Yule. It is a time to honor the spirits of the ancestors and the Norse gods and to seek their blessings for the coming winter months. It is a feasting (blót) featuring storytelling, and memories, as the community comes together. This is a time to reflect on the deep connections between the natural world and the spiritual realm, especially the lands of the Dead.
November Eve Solitary Rite
Decorate your altar with dried leaves, pine cones, winter vegetables, pomegranates. Stand before the altar with phallic wand in hand, chant:
Eko, eko, Azarak Eko, eko, Zomelak Bazabi lacha bachabe Lamac cahi achababe Karrellyos Lamac lamac Bachalyas cabahagy sabalyos Baryolos Lagoz atha cabyolas Samahac atha famolas Hurrahya!
Addresses the representation of the Goddess or Divine Spirit.
As went enter winter’s icy embrace,
The mother remains in her grace.
Her breath may bring frost, her touch may bring cold,
Yet by her dark presence, secrets unfold.
She walks the night with silent tread,
A crown of stars upon her head.
In her shadow, we confront our fear,
But also gain strength to face the coming year.
Dark goddess of winter, hear my plea,
Grant me wisdom and set my spirit free.
In your realm of shadows and chill,
Teach me to find peace and be still.
Place the wand on the altar and raise the dagger above the altar. Invoke the god:
Dear Lord of the shadows,
God of birth, life, and return.
Open wide thy gates through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones return this night,
To make merry with us once more.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O comforter, consoler, giver of peace and rest,
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid.
Rested and refreshed among our dear ones,
We shall be born again by thy grace
and the grace of the Great Mother.
In the same place, at the same time,
May we meet, know, and love them again
And embrace us in the shadows of this night.
Raise a toast to the divine spirits, then close the circle.