The season of Yule is marked by the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. From this day forward, period of sunlight increases until it reaches the Summer Solstice. Related to this experience is an ancient belief in the rebirth of the Sun God at the Winter Solstice. The idea of a renewed Sun God is at the core of the spiritual message of the Yule celebration.
The Yule season is a time to renew and refresh relationships. This includes the relationship with yourself as well as with family and loved ones. The primary message of Yule is a hope that cannot be denied.
The message of hope is represented by the inclusion of evergreens as decorations for the Yule season. The addition of holly berries symbolizes the life force that is present even in the decline of nature as the seasons pass from fall to winter. A wreath of evergreen (decorated with holly berries and hung on the door or an interior wall of the home) serves as a reminder of the unending circle of life. A traditional Yule log works well to connect with the principle of renewal and rebirth.
- Raven Grimassi. (Click here for the full article.)
Some Yule activities~
♥ Go wassailing! Or gather a group of friends, mix hot toddies, and sing your favourite carols in the comfort of your home.
♥ Choose a tree in the forest and decorate it with cranberry & popcorn strings for the birds & woodland animals.
♥ Decorate your own Yule tree with homemade ornaments and lots of sparkle!
♥ Make a Yule charm: "To attune with the return of the sun, combine equal parts of bay laurel, cinnamon and nutmeg in your mortar and pestle. Grind them together and place on a circle of green cloth. Bind it with red thread and carry it with you on the winter solstice. All three herbs are considered to be ruled by the sun. This charm will enhance psychic awareness, project positive energy, and emanate a warm and spicy aroma." - Provenance Press’s Guide To The Wiccan Year: A Year Round Guide to Spells, Rituals, and Holiday Celebrations by Judy Ann Nock.
♥ Decorate and hand out Yule cards to all of your friends.
♥ Stay up until sunrise - or wake up right before - to welcome the Sun!
♥ Celebrate the return of the sun by wearing gold jewelry and lighting lots of candles.
Brightest of Yule blessings,
Faula
Happy Yule!
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