Yule | Winter Solstice | 21st December

Yule also known as the Winter Solstice usually falls on the 21st December (celebrated between 20th -24th December), is the celebration of the shortest day and longest night of the year. The sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky in the Wheel of the Year's cycle. Yule is the celebration of the abundance of light, we are celebrating even though the darkness has taken over our green earth; we are aware that from this day forward the days will become lighter. It is a time for renewal in all aspects and makes us aware that the brighter and longer days are near.

At this time, fires were traditionally burnt by the Celts in order to frighten off the wintery cold and welcome the sun. Symbols of Yule:

Yule log Traditionally a log is set on fire on the evening of the 21st and kept burning until the early hours of the next morning to welcome the return of the light.

The Evergreen

Evergreens represent everlasting life and were traditionally hung around doorways and windows. Each has a symbolism of its own.

Mistletoe

Greatly revered by the Druids, this is the healer and protector. It is carefully cut to ensure it never touches the earth. It's magical properties are believed to be connected to the fact that it lives between the worlds, between sky/Summerland ("heaven") and earth.

Holly

Another evergreen of protection, holly's spiky bristles are believed to repel unwanted spirits. Newborn babies used to be sprinkled with 'holly water', water in which holly had been soaked, especially potent if left under a full moon overnight. Holly is sacred to Holle, the Germanic underworld goddess, and symbolizes everlasting life, goodwill and potent life energy. Its red berries represent feminine blood. Together, mistletoe and holly represent the Sacred Marriage at this time of year with the re-birth of the Sun.

Yew

Tree of regeneration and rebirth as no other - it sends up new trees from its roots and grows to a very great age. It is deeply connected with the spirit realms and the ancestors. Often used as the central 'world tree' in ritual spaces and was often planted in graveyards. (It's very poisonous).

Pine

Its branches bring healing and joy to the home, burning it will purify.

The Wreath

It was traditional to make wreaths from evergreen - the Wheel of Life as evergreen. These were hung on doors or laid horizontally and decorated with candles.

The Yule Tree

In ancient Rome, pine trees were an essential part of Goddess groves. On the eve of the Midwinter Solstice, Roman priests would cut down a pine tree, decorate it and carry it ceremonially to the temple celebrations. People decked their homes with boughs of evergreen trees and bushes in pots. Pines and firs were cherished as a symbol of rebirth and life in the depth of winter. Pagan families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm in the cold winter months - food and treats were hung on the branches for the spirits to eat.

Orange Slices Slices of orange are hung on the Yule trees to represent the sun.

Gift Giving This is the Birthday of the Sun (re-birth/returning of the light etc.) From ancient times the giving and exchanging of gifts has been a vibrant tradition of this festival. Candles

This is the festival of light out of darkness and the tradition of lighting candles is ever popular. Red, green and the gold of the Returning Sun are the colours of Yule. Deck your home and altar with evergreens and festive candles. Activites/ways to celebrate: If you are not aware, Christmas as we know it, was traditionally the pagan holiday Yule. Many ways that you can celebrate Yule are similar to ways Christmas is celebrated now. So, you can decorate pine trees and yule logs etc, as many of these things are meaningful to both holidays. - Decorate a Yule Tree; (As mentioned above) around this time of year it's a tradition for pagans to bring pine trees into their homes and hang food on them for wandering spirits, so that on the coldest day of the year the spirits have somewhere to reside and have food for this day and night. - Make plans for herb garden. - Write your goals for the next year. - Burn small pieces of pine in your cauldron for good luck in the new year. - Create an Evergreen/Pine wreath to hang on your front door. - Create decorations for the Yule tree from pine cones, acorns, berries or sticks - any natural materials you can find. - Light candles - Craft a dried orange slice garland -Celebrate the Sabbat with a meal with Yule related food for your loved ones. Food/drink: Cinnamon-flavoured or spiced cakes Ginger tea Hot apple cider Spiced mulled wine Seasoned soups Spiced buttermilk bread Nuts Crystals: Bloodstone - Bloodstone is also an effective mood stabilizer in the world of crystal healing. Bloodstone boosts the innate healing power inside you by quieting a preoccupied mind and refocusing your energy on repair and renewal of wounds you've collected over the years. Clear Quartz - Clear Quartz is known as the "master healer" and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals and brings the body into balance. Emerald - Called the “Stone of Successful Love,” Emerald opens and nurtures the heart and the Heart Chakra. Its soothing energy provides healing to all levels of the being, bringing freshness and vitality to the spirit. A stone of inspiration and infinite patience, it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love. Garnet - Garnet awakens our inner-fire and helps produce some of the strongest life force energy in the entire mineral kingdom. Pure strength and fortitude is activated within and the confidence in one’s self will raise to an all-time high. Once we are comfortable with ourselves, we are then capable of transmuting the most negative vibrations into positive ones. Your everyday focus should start pertaining more to yourself and your personal growth. Understanding who you truly are in this world is a lifelong struggle, but Garnet will nudge you into the right mindset. Citrine - Citrine promotes motivation, activates creativity and encourages self-expression. Enhances concentration and revitalises the mind. It releases negative traits, depression, fears and phobias. Emotionally balancing. (I like to carry the relevant crystals around with me, meditate with them or place them at my altar).

How will you be spending Yule? ____________________________________________________________ * DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ailments of any sort - All crystal properties are based on metaphysical beliefs, and should not be used as a substitute for medical care, please always seek the help of a medical professional for any health concerns.

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