Yule
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The Simple Facts
Yule: the Winter Solstice, Yuletide (Teutonic), Alban Arthan (Caledonii)Yule coincides closely with the Christian Christmas celebration.
The Yule tree is perhaps the most common tradition still in existence from times of old. Garlands of popcorn, dried rosebuds and cinnamon sticks are traditional decorations for the tree.
Pagan families would bring a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm during the cold winter months. Bells were hung in the limbs so you could tell when a spirit was present.
Food and treats were hung on the branches for the spirits to eat and a five-pointed star, the pentagram, symbol of the five elements, was placed atop the tree.
The colors of the season, red and green, also are of Pagan origin, as is the custom of exchanging gifts.
A lesser known tradition is the burning of the Yule log. Magical symbols are carved into the log prior to it being set ablaze on the evening before Yule, to be burned until morning. A solar festival, Yule is celebrated by fire and the use of a Yule log. A piece of the log is saved and kept throughout the year to protect the home. That piece is used to light the next year's log.
Failing this, a Yule candle can be used. Choose the largest red candle you can find, and carve symbols into its side. Surround with holly, mistletoe, cedar or rosemary and light it to burn through the night to ensure a prosperous year of warmth and light.
Yule is a celebration of the rebirth of the sun.
The God who died at Samhain is born from the virgin Goddess. This is the time of the new year when the Goddess turns the Wheel of the Year to its beginning point. This is the shortest day of the year and it celebrates the return of the God as seen in the lengthening of daylight.
Here, on the longest night of the year, the Goddess gives birth to the Sun Child and hope for new light is reborn.
Yule is a time of awakening to new goals and leaving old regrets behind.
The Winter Solstice or Yule is one of the Lesser Wiccan Sabbats, and it is also the shortest day of the year, and hence - the longest night. This usually takes place on December 20th or 21st, although it does sometimes occur on the 22nd or 23rd (check your calendar as it changes from year to year). Other than the most common name of Yule, various other names for the Winter Solstice include Midwinter, Yuletide (the Teutonic version), Alban Arthan (Caledonii Tradition, or the Druids), Feill Fionnain (Pecti-Wita Tradition, which falls on December 22nd). Yuletide lasts from December 20th through December 31st. It begins on "Mother Night" and ends twelve days later, on "Yule Night", hence the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tradition. Alban Arthan, unlike all the others, is not considered a fire festival. (Images to the left and below are by Anthony Meadows and from 1998 and 1999 Witches' Calendars. Click on either image to go directly to Llewellyn's Web Site.)
Some other names for this Sabbat that are used less commonly are: Sun Return, Pagan New Year, Saturnalia (Roman), Great Day of the Cauldron, and Festival of Sol.
Yule is a time of the Goddess of the Cold Darkness and the birth of the Divine Child, the reborn Sun God. It is a time of renewal and rebirth during Winter, and the turning of the Earth force tides. A time when the waxing Sun overcomes the waning Sun. In some traditions, this is symbolized by the struggle between the Oak King and the Holly King.
The Holly King, represents the Death aspect of the God at this time of year; and the Oak King, represents the opposite aspect of Rebirth (these roles are reversed at Midsummer). This can be likened to the Divine Child's birth. The myth of the Holly King/Oak King probably originated from the Druids to whom these two trees were highly sacred. The Oak King (God of the Waxing Year) kills the Holly King (God of the Waning Year) at Yule (the Winter Solstice). The Oak King then reigns supreme until Litha (the Summer Solstice) when the two battle again, this time with the Holly King victorious. Examples of the Holly King's image can be seen in our modern Santa Claus. He dons a sprig of holly in his hat, wears red clothing, and drives a team of eight (total number of Solar Sabbats) reindeer, an animal sacred to the Celtic Gods (deer). Mistletoe and holly came into modern Christmas celebrations through the memorializing of this battle. The holly with berries are hung in honor of the Holly King and mistletoe in honor of the Oak King. Although the Holly King and Oak King are mortal enemies at the two Solstices - Yule and Litha - it should be remembered that they are actually two sides of one whole, and neither would exist without the other.
Since this is a Solar Festival, it is celebrated by fire and the use of many candles orthe Yule Log. The colors of the season - red and green - are of original Pagan descent. Symbols representing Yule include an eight-spoked wheel symbol, evergreens, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, Yule Trees (very similar to the familiar "Christmas Trees"), or a small potted tree, and Yule Logs. There are a couple of different versions of Yule Logs:
1) Many enjoy the practice of lighting the Yule Log. If you choose to burn one, select a proper log of oak or pine. Carve (with your Bolline) or chalk upon it a figure of the Sun (a rayed disc) or the Horned God (a horned circle). Set it alight in the fireplace at dusk, on Yule. This is a graphic representation of the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within it and think of the coming warmer days. Traditionally, a portion of the Yule Log is saved to be used in lighting next year's log. This piece is kept throughout the year to protect the home.
2) The second type of Yule Log is not burned up, but rather holds three candles for burning. Find a suitable log of oak or pine and flatten one side of it so that it will lay flat. Drill three holes in the side that is up, the correct size for holding three taper candles. The candles should be red, green and white (to represent the season), or green, gold and black (to represent the Sun God), or white, red and black (to represent the Great Goddess). You can further decorate your Yule Log however you choose to - using holly, mistletoe, red ribbons and bows, or whatever you prefer.
The act of decorating the Yule Tree, wreaths of holly, and the exchange of gifts are also Pagan derivatives. The Yule Tree can be a living, potted tree which can later be planted in the ground, a cut one, or even an artificial one. The choice is yours. Appropriate Wiccan decorations range from strings of dried rosebuds, cinnamon sticks, popcorn or cranberries for garlands to bags of fragrant spices hung from boughs. Quartz crystals can be wrapped with shiny wire and suspended from sturdy branches to resemble icicles. Apples, oranges, lemons, nuts of all kinds and cookies hanging from boughs and branches are strikingly beautiful; and can be real or artificial, depending on your taste. These natural decorations were customary in ancient times. The reindeer stag is also a reminder of the Horned God. You will find that many traditional Christmas decorations have some type of Pagan ancestry or significance that can be added to your Yule holiday.
Deities to honor at this time of year include all Newborn Gods and Sun Gods, and all Mother Goddesses and Triple Goddesses. Appropriate Yule Gods include Apollo (Greek), Ra, Osiris, Horus, (all three are Egyptian), Lugh (Irish-Celtic), Odin (Norse), Father Sun (Native American), and Jesus (Christian-Gnostic), to name a few. Goddesses might include the Morrigan, Brigit (both Celtic), Isis (Egyptian), Demeter, Gaea, Pandora, Selene, and Artemis (all five are Greek), Juno and Diana (both Roman), Astarte (Middle Eastern), Spinning Woman (Native American) and the Virgin Mary (Christian-Gnostic).
Ritually, you may want to light fires within the Circle (in the cauldron, for instance), light candles and carry them around the Circle or bring the Yule log into the Circle and include it in your ceremony. Bayberry candles can be burned to ensure prosperity, growth and happiness throughout the following year. These can be inscribed with runes for health and money, or whatever is desired before lighting. They shall be lit at sunset and allowed to burn until they go out by themselves. An old Germanic poem says "A bayberry candle burned to the socket brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket."
Spellwork for balance, beauty, peace, and harmony are great to perform at this time of the Pagan year. Love spells and spells to increase happiness are also appropriate. Key actions to remember for Yule are introspection and meditation.
The most common colors used at this Sabbat are red and green, but gold and white are also quite appropriate. Stones to be used at this celebration include bloodstones, rubies, and garnets. Animals associated with the Yule Sabbat are stags, squirrels, wrens and robins. Mythical creatures associated with Yule are the Phoenix, and trolls. Herbs and plants that can be used include holly, mistletoe, evergreens, poinsettias, bay, pine, ginger, valerian, and myrrh.
The foods of Yule include nuts, fruits such as apples and pears, cookies and cakes of caraway soaked in cider, and (for non-vegetarians) pork are all traditional fare. Fine drinks for the Yule celebration or meals include Wassail (a hot drink made from wine, beer or cider, spices, sugar, and usually baked apples---served in a large bowl), lamb's wool (ale mixed with sugar, nutmeg and the pulp of roasted apples), hibiscus or ginger tea, and apple cider.
And now here is a nice little excerpt for Yule by Silver RavenWolf...
The Yule Wish Tree
by Silver RavenWolf
Often, the items we truly need cannot ride home with us in a bag from the mall during the holiday season countdown. The day before Thanksgiving, take a trip to the tree nursery and find a small, potted evergreen. On your way home, purchase a few yards of red, green, and white ribbon. During the Thanksgiving supper, introduce the tree to the family and the tribe to the tree. Each member of your clan should tie a ribbon on the tree to represent an intangible blessing they would like for the upcoming Yule season. Wishes could be for peace, enough rest, health, etc. Bless the tree and set it where it will have enough light.
When family and friends visit, explain the purpose of the wish tree to them and give them a ribbon to tie on the tree, too. The tree is for everyone. If you plan to use the tree in ritual, have everyone participating make a small ornament, empowered for strengths like self-esteem, goal planning, security, etc. and hang it on the tree while connecting with the divinity of their choice.
On the first day of February, remove all the ornaments and ribbons. Burn the ribbons and cast the ashes to the winds. Pack the ornaments away. Next year, when you open the box, you can de-magick the ornaments and return them to their owners, or hang them on your big tree in memory of last year's prosperity. Continue to take good care of the tree over the remaining winter months. Don't forget to give it water and plenty of love. In the spring, you can plant the tree outside on your property or on the property of a friend.
(The above "The Yule Wish Tree" by Silver RavenWolf is quoted directly from Llewellyn's 1995 Magical Almanac, page 264, Llewellyn Worldwide Publications, 1994.)
And now I will list several recipes that I have gathered from various places, noted on each...
Yule Salad
Recipe by Althaea
1/2 bag fresh cranberries
3 lg stalks celery
3-4 large carrots
1 large orange
1 can crushed pineapples
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, your preference)
1 large (or 2 small) box raspberry, or raspberry-cranberry Jello
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Open can of pineapples and drain, saving the juice. Put aside. Mix the saved juice from the pineapples and 1 cup of cold water together.
Prepare Jello according to directions, but where the directions call for 2 cups cold water, use the 1 cup cold water/pineapple juice mixture. Before you add the cold mixture to the hot, add the sugar to the hot Jello mixture, and dissolve, then add cold water/pineapple juice mixture, combine well and refrigerate. Be sure to put into a large salad or mixing bowl.
Shred the carrots finely - put aside.
Finely chop celery with a knife or food processor. (I only like the flavor of celery, not the texture, so I use the blender to chop it up very fine)
Chop or crush walnuts
Grate orange peel with fine grater (a cheese grater will do).
Peel orange and clean as much of the pith (the white stuff) away as possible, and section by hand.
In a blender put the cranberries, one handful at a time into the water and chop finely. Add the orange sections and chop more coarsely (using the pulse button on your blender). Add to the Jello mixture. Add all other ingredients to the Jello mixture and mix well. Refrigerate over night.
Topping for salad:
You may top with whipped cream or Cool Whip, but I love this topping the best, it is a nice accent to the sweetness of the salad.
1 cup sour cream
1 cup real mayonnaise
Blend well and place by the tablespoonful on top of the gelled salad. Enjoy!! Happy Yule!
Joanna L. Davis (aka Althaea)
Wassail
Recipe by Althaea
1 gallon apple cider
1 fifth Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
2 sticks cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1 large cardamom pod, cracked (optional, hard to find sometimes)
1 medium peice of ginger root
A piece of cheese cloth or a coffee filter
Tie all dry ingredients up in the cheese cloth or coffee filter. Put the rum and apple cider in a large pot and bring to a slow boil. Add the dry pouch and simmer for an hour. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Joanna L. Davis (aka Althaea)
Pagan Wassail
For the Wassail's Baked Apples:
1 dozen cooking apples
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
butter or margarine
3/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons sugar
Core apples and place in an 8 X 8 inch baking pan. Mix sugar and cinnamon, fill apples with mixture, dot tops with butter. Add boiling water and sugar to pan and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 60 minutes.
For the Wassail:
1 cup water
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon nutmeg, grated (for luck)
1/2 teaspoon mace
2 teaspoons ginger (to prevent arguments)
6 whole cloves (to influence people in high places, and for luck)
1 stick cinnamon (same as cloves)
6 whole allspice
1 dozen eggs, separated
4 bottles sherry
2 cups brandy
Combine first eight ingredients in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Beat egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks. Fold whites into yolks. Strain spice mixture into egg mixture and stir. Combine sherry and brandy and bring almost to a boil. Gradually add liquor to spice and egg mixture, stirring rapidly as you do so. Before serving, add baked apples to foaming liquid. Serve in a large cauldron.
(The above recipe for "Pagan Wassail" in directly quoted from Laurie Cabot's book: "Celebrate the Earth: A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition", pages 71-72, a Delta book, published by Dell Publishing, 1994.)
Gingerbread Men (and Women!)
(Makes about 3 dozen medium-sized cookies)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup dark molasses
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 cups flour
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon powdered cloves
1/8 teaspoon allspice
4 teaspoons ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients except the flour. Add the flour slowly, mixing each addition thoroughly. The dough should be slightly stiff. If the mixture seems too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water; if too wet, add more flour. Roll out the dough on a floured cutting board to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters shaped like little dough people to make the shapes. Place these on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes (time is only approximate). Transfer the cookies to wax paper to cool. Give your gingerbread people features by using colored frosting from a pastry tube.
(The above recipe for "Gingerbread Men (and Women!)" is directly quoted from Edain McCoy's book: "The Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways", page 68, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.)
Yule Incense
Recipe by Scott Cunningham
2 parts Frankincense
2 parts Pine needles or resin
1 part Cedar
1 part Juniper berries
Mix and smolder at Wiccan rites on Yule (on or around December 21st), or during the winter months to cleanse the home and to attune with the forces of nature amid the cold days and nights.
(The above recipe for "Yule Incense" is directly quoted from Scott Cunningham's book: "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews", page 100, Llewellyn Publications, 1992.)
Oil For Sabbat: See OILS
Yule Oil - Put in soap or annoint candles
4 drops pine
3 drops cedarwood
3 drops cinnamon
2 drops frankincense
2 drops juniper
Add a pinch of dried pine needles from your tree with garnet, green tourmaline, and clear quartz crystals. A great Yule tree smell with the hint of log fires and spicy pomanders!
Winter Solstice Ritual Potpourri
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
20 drops musk oil
25 drops pine oil
1 cup oak moss
2 cups dried mistletoe
1 cup dried poinsettia flowers
1 cup dried bayberries
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 cup dried holly leaves and berries
3 crushed pinecones
Mix the musk and pine oils with the oak moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
(The above recipe for "Winter Solstice Ritual Potpourri" is quoted directly from Gerina Dunwich's book "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 164, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995)
And finally, here are several nice devotional incantations/poems with proper credit given to each author...
Enjoy and May Ye Blessed Be!
Renewal
by Lief Elder
winter pounces
sinking its fangs into the gentle flesh of the earth,
paralyzing it.
frozen.
the world grinds to a halt
the north wind flies unleashed,
howling fury.
the God is dead.
given up his life in the last harvest.
the Goddess stands alone
mourning his passing with every moon
awaiting the return of the Sun Lord
with the gentle coming of spring.
Yule
by Julianne Toomey
The Dark of Midwinter
Grows and spreads
Holding earth in its lifeless embrace
Beyond the barrenness
Is a time of rejoicing
A time of rest and rejuvenationbr> Of the stillness of rivers running below ice.
The days shorten and grow colder
Night deepens
Yet still stars dance against the furry expanse of sky
Diamond pinpoints against velvet black.
There comes the midpoint
The shortest day
The longest dark
And we rejoice
For winter's death
Soon gives way to spring
As the Balance swings again.
The Lady ceases to mourn Her beloved
Feeling the stir of new life within
Instead She rejoices
In the birth of the one
Who wil restore Her
And us.
Invoking the Holly King
by Ginger Strivelli
Today we do bid Hail to our beloved Holly King
With these ancient carols, we do again sing
He who is called Father Christmas is returning yet again
As the Solstice's longest night has finally begun
We await you, Santa Claus, Lord of Winter
To honor you on this day that you always were
Saint Nicholas, patron of children on Gaia's sphere
This invocation, we pray you do hear
Come bless us, upon this season of the Yuletide
Great Holly King as you fly upon your sleigh ride
Whether your gifts to us be physical or spiritual
We know that they will always be most magical
Grateful, because we know your blessings' great worth
We offer a blessing of our own --- Peace on Earth!
Old Ones, Dear Ones
by Link (Anthony)
Old Ones, Dear Ones, Standing Stones
Ancient time piece, ancient thrones.
From Solstice to Solstice and all in between
Beloved King joins beloved Queen.
Old Ones, Dear Ones, to the North
Hear us now, please do come forth
Old Ones, Dear Ones, to the East
Join us now, please share our feast.
Old Ones, Dear Ones, to the South
Share our kiss, mouth to mouth.
Old Ones, Dear Ones, to the West
Be one with us, oh sacred guest
Standing Stones from times of Old
Ancient witness to secrets untold.
Throughout time, we've come, we've passed
But your circle endures and lasts.
A Sample Ritaul:
This Ritual shall be performed during the evening hours, sometime after Sunset. Sweep area, starting in the North and moving deosil, with your magickal broom to cleanse the Circle area and "sweep away" any lingering negative energies. Set up the Quarter candles (North-Green, East-Yellow, South-Red, West-Blue) and/or other items symbolizing the elements at the Four Quarters. Set up your altar as desired, and face it to the North, covering it with a red or green altar cloth. Place all of the items listed below in their proper places upon it. For this ceremony, decorate the altar with holly, mistletoe, evergreen, pine cones, ivy, berries, ribbons, and whatever else feels right. Having a Yule Tree nearby the altar will add a lot to the ritual. Along with your usual ritual tools and items, have upon the altar:
Red or Green Altar Cloth
Holly Sprig (placed upon the altar)
Mistletoe Sprig (placed underneath the altar, for use later)
Three Candles in Holders for the Triple Goddess
(1 White, 1 Red, and 1 Black - arranged around the Cauldron)
Cauldron with a Green Candle inside
Incense - Any of the following either alone or mixed together to make a Winter Blend:
Cinnamon, Myrrh, Cloves, Frankincense, Aloes Wood, and Saffron
When all is set up, take a shower or bath for purification and don your Ritual Robe or other ritual attire. Be sure to wear your Magickal jewelry, if you have any. Sit quietly and meditate for a little while - to ground and center. When you feel ready to begin, play some quiet peaceful music for the ritual.
Cast the Circle... Light the God and Goddess candles. Leave all the other candles unlit until the appropriate time within the ritual. Have the green candle placed inside the Cauldron, surrounded by the white, red, and black candles. Also have the sprig of Holly upon the altar, and the Mistletoe sprig tucked away underneath the altar. Sit quietly meditating within the cast Circle for a little while... When you feel ready, begin your ceremony with these words:
"Blessed be the season of Yule.
This is the Winter Solstice,
the longest night of the year.
Darkness reigns triumphant,
yet gives way and changes to Light.
The Sun King has gone into the realms of Death ---
yet, within the Sacred Cauldron of Rebirth,
he is once again transformed into
the Newborn Divine Child of Light.
Blessed be the young Virgin Goddess
who gives to her people tonight
a Newborn God.
Blessed be the Newborn Sun King."
Pause and reflect on the meaning of this spoke in the Wheel of the Year for a few moments, then continue... saying:
"All is cold, and I await the coming of Dawn.
As the Sun rises, the Triple Goddess once more
gives birth to the Divine Child.
In silence and wonder I stand before
the Sacred Cauldron of Rebirth,
knowing that one day I too must pass
through the Cauldron to be reborn.
For this I now give honor to the Triple Goddess."
Light the White candle near the Cauldron, saying:
"White is for the Maiden.
Blessed be the Virgin, innocent and fresh.
May you plant your seeds of joy and
new beginnings within my life."
Light the Red candle near the Cauldron, saying:
"Red is for the Mother.
Blessed be the Mother, fertile and loving.
May you grant me gifts of creative ideas and
the strength to bring them to completion."
Light the Black candle near the Cauldron, saying:
"Black is for the Crone.
Blessed be the Crone, powerful and wise.
May you give me wisdom to
understand the Magickal Mysteries."
Light the Green candle inside the Cauldron, saying:
"Green is for the Newborn Lord of the Forests,
the Divine Sun Child who comes once more into the world.
I welcome you, Child and Consort of the Triple Goddess."
Face the North, raise your arms and say:
"Rejoice, O Powers of Earth!
Welcome the Divine Child."
Face the East, raise your arms and say:
"Rejoice, O Powers of Air!
Welcome the Divine Child."
Face the South, raise your arms and say:
"Rejoice, O Powers of Fire!
Welcome the Divine Child."
Face the West, raise your arms and say:
"Rejoice, O Powers of Water!
Welcome the Divine Child."
Take up your Athame and banish the Old Year by drawing a banishing Pentagram in the air, saying:
"Farewell to the Old Year.
Farewell to the Holly King."
Now draw an invoking Pentagram in the air and say these words:
"Welcome to the New Year.
Welcome to the Oak King."
When you are done, replace your Athame on the altar.
Next, remove the Holly from the altar and place it out of sight. Then place the Mistletoe, the symbol of the Oak King, on top of the altar in a place of honor. Say these words:
"Blessed be the King of the Waxing Year.
I pray you will guide your children safely
through to the season of warmth and light."
Take the Goddess candle in your left hand and the God candle in your right, saying these words:
"Tonight the Goddess and God are reunited.
Tonight Life begins anew, and Light begins anew.
Blessed be the One Light.
Blessed be the Divine Force of Creation."
Move the candle flames together so that they are one. Spend a moment reflecting on its meaning, and then replace the candles side by side on the altar. Continue with these words:
"Hail, O God of the Woodlands and New Life!
I give you honor and ask your blessing."
Sit in silence to receive His blessing... then continue, saying:
"Hail, Triple Goddess, bringer of Light out of Darkness
and New Life out of the Cauldron of Rebirth.
I give you honor and ask your blessing."
Again sit in silence to receive Her blessing. Drink from the Chalice, pour a Libation to the Lord and the Lady and save some to be put outside for the little people. When you are finished, proceed with the Cakes and Ale Ceremony. followed by Releasing the Circle in your usual manner.
Please note this ritual is based on the Northern Hemisphere correspondences of elements and their colours, and directions and so on.
If you need any help with anything Wiccan, Witchy or Pagan. need a potion or spell help E-Mail me, or add me to your MSN Messanger with ask_a_witch@hotmail.com
