Building on a tradition of candlelighting at this time of year, here is an inclusive ritual inspired by the New Universe Story that you can use in your home, family, even the work place. From all of us at Gaia Centre Board, Have a hope-ful and sustainable Season of Renewal. Assemble 5 (preferably beeswax) tapers or t-lights. Decorate with some evergreen cuttings. Read together or post readings for each week. The central candle is lit first and used to light all other candles.
Dec 1 Radiance candle

As afternoons darken candles guide our way through December. When gloom dims our love or smothers dreams, let there be Radiance. For whoever suffers the long night, we send them this light: out of the darkest emptiness, 14 billion years ago Universe flared forth as Radiance. We are creations of light. We welcome this candle's call to our inner light, be bright!

December 8 Reverence candle

On these mornings when dawn sleeps in and we awake to lasts night's darkness,
we light a candle of reverence. In its light may we see Earth anew,
she feeds our hungers, gives medicines for our ills, and water to refresh all life.
May we walk with reverence through snowy shadows and leave a light footprint.
May we greet each neighbour, footed or winged, as revered friend, as light-made-life.

December 15 Centering candle
To find what we need we light this candle and follow bear, frog, and squirrel.
Centering, centering, circling deep they build a nest and seek retreat.
How brilliant is Nature who sends winter to reveal mystery's secret -
Deep within, past dark's door, the brightest light, your divine essence burns.
When we center, center, centre, we find ourselves deep, grounded, and aglow.

December 22 Simplicity candle
As Solstice passes, sun plays hide and seek but mostly hides. We can lose our way
in the frantic rush to fill the darkness with coloured lights and glittery baubles.
We light a candle of simplicity that we might see more clearly our gifts of abundance.
In it's glow let us sit and sit, wrapped in the long blue-black nights, counting our riches:
health, family, home humble home, peace in our land, good work to do, and more... Simplicity's light, it is enough.

December 29 Unity candle
The longest day has come and gone.
As one, our house and Earth home sigh in hopeful unison.
Where there's conflict of race or creed let light show clear the seamless web.
Where war rages let this flame reverberate on every side
showing clear the family resemblance.
When we race to control the future, may resonance rule.
Against all duality, for a new year of hope, we light a candle of unity