The altar is decorated with evergreens such as pine, rosemary, bay, juniper and cedar. The same can be arranged to mark the Circle. Dried leaves can also be placed on the altar.

The cauldron, resting on the altar on a heat-proof surface (or placed before it, if too large), should have a red candle can be placed within it. At outdoor rites, position a fire within the cauldron to be lit during ritual.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and incense, and cast the Circle.

Recite the Blessing Chant or your own words
Invoke the Goddess and God
Stand before the cauldron and look within it.
Saying these or similar words:

I sorrow not, though the world is wrapped in sleep.
I sorrow not, though the icy winds blast.
I sorrow not, though the snow falls hard and deep.
I sorrow not; this too shall soon be past.

Light the cauldron (or candle), using long matches or a candle.
As flames bound up say:

I light this fire in Your honor, Mother Goddess.
You have created life from death; warmth from cold;
The Sun lives once again; the time of light is
Waxing. Welcome, ever-returning God of the Sun!
Hail Mother of All!

Circle the altar and cauldron slowly, clockwise, watching the flames.
Say the following chant for some time:

The wheel turns; the power burns.

Meditate on the Sun, on hidden energies lying dormant in winter, not only in the Earth but within ourselves. Think of birth not as the start of life but as its continuance. Welcome the return of the God.

After a time coming to a close and stand once again before the altar and the flaming cauldron.
Say:

Great God of the Sun,
I welcome Your return.
May You shine brightly upon the Goddess;
May You shine brigthy upon the Earth,
Scattering seeds and fertilizing the land.
All blessings upon You,
Reborn One of the Sun!

Works of magic, if necessary, may follow.
The circle is released.

Scott Cunningham, Wicca A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner, (Llewellyn Publications, 1992) p. 127