Reader:
Inactivity turns to wrath,
as we remember the warmth of sunshine,
and hold the Earth responsible for our confinement.

All:

Let there be joy in the in cold and the dying.
The seeds of new life are borne on the winter wind.



Demeter:
The Earth has taken you from me
And so my wrath accordingly
Shall fly. Today, against the land
In anger I will set my hand

Corn and cattle, all will die
The rivers run with dust, and I
Shall not relent, until I see
Persephone returned to me



Reader:
What bargain may we make with Time?
Will the seasons turn more quickly,
or stay with us longer to suit our needs?

All:

Let there be joy in the cold and the dying.
The seeds of new life are borne on the winter wind.



Demeter:
The Gods have witnessed this foul deed
And mighty Zeus shall intercede
He will return you to my care
If you have eaten nothing there

Persephone:

But mother, in my dark ordeal
The pain of hunger did I feel
And I was given in my need
A taste of pomegranate seed

Hades: (to Demeter)

For this, my lady, half the year
Your daughter will attend me here
And then once more to you ascend
Now let this pact our quarrel end



Reader:
Winter is for bedding down,
gathering our strength that we may burst forth
with energy and joy to welcome the season of new beginnings.

All:

Let there be joy in the cold and the dying.
The seeds of new life are borne on the winter wind.



Demeter:
So will it be, within the land

Hades: (to Persephone)

That when each year you take my hand

Persephone:

The living, breathing world you see
Shall wither and retire with me

But when, in springtime, I once more
Am to the world above restored

Demeter:

A mother's joy at your rebirth
Will waken and renew the Earth



At this point, the drama is ended. Distribute one or two pomegranate seeds to each person in attendance. You may all eat together at the end, or one at a time as you receive your seeds, whatever feels right to you. As you eat, feel your kinship with Persephone. Feel the strength that comes from your community, and feel yourself as a part of the great and endless cycle of death and life. Distribute the following lines as you see fit, but find a way to distribute them somehow. It's important.


With Persephone, we have journeyed to the land of the dead,
and returned safely to the light and warmth of Spring.
May we grow with the brightness of the young God,
and open ourselves to the energy of creation.

Goddess of Winter, Goddess of Life,
Keep us close in your embrace.

Accept us as your children
and buoy us upon the tide of time.

With love, we thank and honor you
for the world that blooms within us once more.

All:

Blessed be!


The simple feast: Eat, drink, be merry! We have all survived another winter! When you feel you're through (or when all your candles burn out), open the circle according to your custom, bidding thanks first to the Goddess and God, and a hearty farewell to the Guardians. Here's a matching set if you need them.

God of the growing light
For the Spring
For your warmth
For your power
For the lengthening day
For the energy that surrounds us
For your presence within our circle
We thank you, and ask your blessing,
Until we gather here again.

Goddess of Earth, mother of all
For the Spring
For your love
For your power
For the pomegranate
For the fertility of the world we share
For your presence within our circle
We thank you, and ask your blessing,
Until we gather here again.



For the Guardians, I normally use Starhawk's, because they're simple and beautiful. Here's how they go:

Spirits of the East (South, West, North...)
We thank you for your presence here
And ask for your blessing as you depart
May there be peace between us now and forever (extinguish your candles as you go).

And one more thing:

All:
The circle is open, and yet unbroken
May the love of the Goddess be ever in your heart
Merry meet and merry part
And merry meet again.

Blessed be!