Blessings for Yule and the Winter Solstice! The Wheel of the Year has turned once again and we find ourselves celebrating the Solstice today. Today is the beginning of winter and for many of us, that means getting ready for some colder days and snow that may be headed our way. While I don’t mind snow around the holidays I’m usually quite ready to move on as soon as the first day of January comes around. While the snow can be beautiful, and there really is something to be said for those quiet nights of snow I still prefer when we can have our gardens back and I can spend time by my pond. However, this year we are a bit more excited about things as we have a new snowblower. It should make clearing the snow so much easier. It definitely will be a massive help on the days that we get a lot of snow.
The December Solstice is the longest night and shortest day of the year. While we are experiencing the longest period of darkness, we must remember that today is also the day that we prepare for the return of our Sun God. As we turn the Wheel of the Year today we will find that our days, once again, begin to lengthen as the strength of our Sun God grows and we are able to enjoy his light a bit longer. It’s the perfect night to celebrate the darkness of the night, and use this time to pause and reflect upon days gone by, while understanding that the light is returning to us bringing us the energy of growth and new beginnings in our lives. It’s also the perfect night to go look at all the holiday lights and decorations that are shining so brightly everywhere.
Today is also Yule! Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. So many different traditions are being passed down each year through families and I find them all so much fun to learn about. Some that I am familiar with are the hanging of dried apples and oranges as they represent the sun and help to bring that energy towards us. Holly and Ivy were used as decorations to help attract Nature Sprites or spirits to come and join in the celebrations. You may find that a sprig of Holly was kept near the door to welcome holiday guests and bring them a bit of good fortune. Bay leaves were burned to bring prosperity in the coming months. This is also the night that the Yule Log was typically burned as well. The Yule log was supposed to be a log from your own property or a gift from someone. It was meant to burn on the Solstice night and then smolder for 12 days. A more modern tradition involves adding three candles to the Yule log in celebration. As a witch, I like to choose a log that has the wood that has the magickal properties that I wish to draw in the coming year. You can also hang branches with ribbons on them that have the magickal properties you wish to draw towards you.
While Samhain is the time that we often celebrate our Ancestors, I find this is often an important time of year as well. I can feel their energy around us and honestly some times I can feel it stronger. I believe this is because at this time of year we often engage in traditions that have been passed down through our families like hanging certain decorations, making certain recipes, or even lighting candles in memories of loved ones who may not be with us. Each year I make sure to do at least one thing that honors my loved ones on the other side. It often winds up being a lot more. I find that I often wind up teaching my children a lot about their elders that walked before them around this time of the year.
No matter how you choose to celebrate I wish all of you the most wonderful holiday season, filled with health, love, joy, and happiness. Be open to the ways that others celebrate as well. There are so many things that we can learn from each other. Some of my friends were participating in a recipe exchange with Christmas cards this year. I caught it too late but I will watch for it next year as I think that’s so much fun.
I hope that you all have a Blessed Yule!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
P.S. If you haven’t ordered a Yule reading yet they are still on the shop! I have several of them for you to choose from.