Whatever your reason may be, if youre gathering up some sort of donations, good for you! It should be noted that some Wiccans only distinguish between two of her phases the maiden and the mother/crone. Yule is the time of theWinter Solstice, and for many Pagans, it's a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. These are just some of the ways that you can celebrate the 12 days of yule. Copyright 2023 Wicca Academy. For example, people in Australia might opt to celebrate Yule and Christmas, for that matter between the 21st and 23rd of June. Traditionally, green has been the color most commonly associated with Yule. Schools and businesses were closed so that everyone could celebrate the holiday. Become who you were meant to be! Notably, the Holly King is generally described as a woodsy figure dressed in red with sprigs of holly in his hair. This was a time when the two holidays began As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more. The 12 days of yule are a festive time leading up to Christmas. California Consumer Privacy Act | The red berries that help wild animals survive the winter give us the reds. St. Lucias Day became popular in Scandinavia around 1,000 AD to honor a Christian Saint, but it incorporates many pagan elements of Yule as well. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. What Is Yule? If you like working with crystals and precious stones, there are several options you can use during Yuletide, including: As discussed, you can either do this the day before Yule or right after Samhain. I am so interested in non religious centered culture and traditions. Gifts are often exchanged, and special foods are enjoyed. Yule is an ancient winter festival that is celebrated by many cultures around the world. It is a time for giving thanks Although the word itself was first noted around 1475, the holiday was, by all accounts, present before that. Each member of the family should be responsible for their own belongings. Because the Winter Solstice represents the end of a year if you follow the sun, then I recommend that you do a bit of divination to see what your next year will bring. Check out my favorite money jar spell here. Terms of Use | In many countries, the 12 days of Christmas are a time when families and friends get together to celebrate. Firefox doesnt know how to open this address, because one of the following protocols (applewebdata) isnt associated with any program or is not allowed in this context. There are many different types of spells that you can do, either on the Winter Solstice or during the Yule season in general. Similarly, some Wiccans project a parallel ever-shifting nature onto the masculine deity. The winter season should be a time of hopeful contemplation for everyone, whether they celebrate Yule in the Wiccan fashion or opt for more mainstream festivities. In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was celebrated during late December and was one of the largest (and most hedonistic) holidays of the year. The herbs are used to represent the four seasons. The first thing you'll need is aYule Log. December 21 is for self reflection and rebirth. When everyone is ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon. We bless this donation in the name of community and of our gods.Each of us is part of this circle, and without all of us,The circle would be broken.Lets join together, in a circle of wisdom, generosity, and caring.. And yes, its the origin of the Christian 12 Days of Christmas. This rite is one the whole family can do together. Of course, selecting March 25 for the conception was also rather arbitrary, it being calculated [?] Its often associated with money, wealth, and good fortune. [48] The tractate De solstitia et aequinoctia conceptionis et nativitatis Domini nostri Iesu Christi et Iohannis Baptistae falsely attributed to John Chrysostom also argued that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same day of the year and calculated this as 25 March. By taking some hours during Decembers lead-up period to deep cleanse both mind and house, we can set ourselves up with an open heart without all those old mental clutter holding us back. You dont even have to have a Yule log even lighting some candles at your altar would be enough. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. You can also start wrapping christmas gifts to get ready for the holiday season. A holiday celebration that began in Norway, on the night of the winter solstice it was common to hoist a giant log onto the hearth to celebrate the return of the sun each year. Some practitioners of the Northern Tradition will even decide to completely withdraw and go incommunicado from online mailing lists, bulletin boards, and social media outlets like Facebook so they can stay focused on spending the yuletide with friends and family. then simply light a fire during the morning and let it burn all day. I was told that birch is endangered. It is not just about the rebirth of the God figure in pagan lore. If you feel like youre holding onto something or someone that no longer serves you, consider a cord cutting spell or other type of dissolution spell. If you want to celebrate Yule/the Winter Solstice at home, there are endless ways to do this. On the other hand, some people celebrate Yuletide for twelve days starting on the shortest day of the year. Whoever whatever whenever your tradition is for celebrating natures rhythms, blessings to you! BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! Perform this ritual to celebrate the return of the sun. As you see your reflection in the mirror, visualize cleaning away negative energy from your life. Mardi Gras 2023 (Fat Tuesday): Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? The 12 days of Yule are celebrated from December 21 to January 1. I especially like good luck spells for the winter ahead. The first thing you need to do is set up your altar. Some people believe that the Yule log must smolder for twelve days and nights to bring happiness and abundance into the following twelve months. In the harsh climate of northern Europe, most cattle were slaughtered because they could not be fed during the winter. This evening is to honor the male spirits that protect us. Once you start looking for the connections, you wont be able to stop! A Spotify playlist of Yule songs would be a great introduction. Its the day to make plum pudding! Similar to the energy that we experience during Christmas, the Winter Solstice reminds us that peace comes from darkness and stillness. About a month before Yule rolls in, start thinking about all the clutter you've accumulated over the past year. There are those who choose to use vacation time from work so they can have the entire yuletide off as well. The Roman feast of Sol Invictus. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. Here are more fun Yule ornaments that can be made at home. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. Feel free to write your own. Or if you want to keep it low-key, just prepare a festive dinner for your loved ones! Whatever you decide to do, make sure to enjoy spending time with loved ones and celebrate the joys of the holiday season. Since you shouldnt disturb living plants, try to only gather pine cones and evergreen twigs you find on the ground. Are you familiar with the tradition of the Yule log? Now that weve cleared that up, lets get back to the festivities. Next, the individual holding the Fire symbol - a candle, etc. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. Blessings ! Alternatively, you can add them to a spell youll keep on your altar. The celebration of Yuleis one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. Of course, the Winter Solstice doesnt fall on the same dates in the Southern Hemisphere as it does in the Northern part of the globe. Winter Solstice rituals almost always center around fire, so this is one element Imake sure to incorporate into my festivities. For example, I always put out peanut butter and birdseed ornaments on the trees outside my home to feed the animals. Your journey starts here! Since the night hours will only get shorter after that point, Yuletide represents the rebirth of the Sun God. Symbolically speaking and in accordance with Neopagan traditions, Yule represents the rebirth of God after his death in Samhain and it is the first seasonal ritual of the Wheel of the year. Yes, the 12 days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Epiphany. Ill also leave food in the woods for animals who wont venture to my home, and Ill give energy to any trees who are suffering during the winter months. Dried oranges are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the middle. Youd be surprised how realistic they feel; I swear these videos give off real fire energy. Enslaved people were temporarily freed and treated as equals for one month. The leader of the ritual begins with the following: We gather today to celebrate community.To honor those who contribute selflessly,Those who contribute what they have to those who have nothing,Those who speak out for those who have no voice,Those who give to others without taking for themselves.Each of you has contributed something to this community today.Whether it is a monetary donation, a packaged good, or simply your time,We thank you.We honor you for what you have given, and we celebrate these donationsBy blessing them before they move on.We call upon the elements to honor the many aspects of community today.. It is traditional to give gifts to family and friends during Yule. This is a great way to cleanse yourself and look ahead to the future. Generally, these people will wear seasonal colors or black, to represent the Sun God or the Goddess. The Yule log also makes a great centerpiece for either tapers or tea lights (as shown in the photo at the top of this article). In the most direct terms, it is still a festival that honors the cycle of nature and the Wheel of the Year. WebWe light the Yule log to honor the beginning of the Suns return and the start of a new year. Of course, some Wiccans believe that the end-of-the-year festivities should start on Samhain, which is also known as the Witches New Year. Yule is a pagan holiday that goes back thousands of years and was celebrated by the Germanic peoples of Germany and Scandinavia. Its known as a kissing plant, but its great for protection as well! If you're one of those people who feels bad about getting rid of stuff, donate it to a charity if it's still clean and in usable condition. Some mark the holiday with reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (representing darkness) and the Oak King (representing light) of Celtic legend. The festival was at one point connected to the Norse god Odin, who is also called the Yule father. You could also have a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring a dish to share. If you can't stand the smell of vinegar, toss some lemon verbena or lemon balm in the mixture. This day is best for a gathering and feast of lamb stew and leaf bread! Many of these ingredients are thought to have protective properties. Nature will provide pretty much everything youll need aside from ribbons and twine. The Saga of Hakon the Good also speaks that the Yule was to be kept holy. I recommend baking with apples or cloves. I love doing money spells during the Winter Solstice. If you have a mixed group, make adaptations as necessary. Yule is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the birth of the new year. Many people spend time cooking traditional holiday foods and enjoying time together. The Christmas tree is a symbol of the Yule log and is traditionally decorated with candles, ornaments, and garland. While you do that, you can think of anything youd like to accomplish in the New Year. (2020, August 28). Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In my experience, this makes the money spell much more effective. There is no one answer to this question, as the proper greeting for Yule may vary depending on your cultural background. Some contend that the original festival was a sort of Norse Day of the Dead, with the god Odin as a major player; among Odins many names was Jolnir, and among his many duties was acting as a god of the dead. Since Yule is the festival of birth the birth of light and the Horned God thats what the red symbolizes. For instance, you may honor a god or goddess that expects those who have to help those who have not. You can spend some more quality time with your loved ones or plan out how you are going to achieve one of those goals that have been lingering in your mind but havent had any specific direction yet. The seventh day of yule is typically celebrated by reading christmas stories. What Channel Does Celebrity Big Brother Come On. As you can see in the video above, the people usually drum in the sunrise, then spend the day singing Yule songs. Without even doing anything beyond what you would probably normally do, you can make each of the twelve days a holiday for your kids. Learn more about thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule logcake!). However, Wiccan households still decorate and burn (symbolically or otherwise) a real log. Interestingly, the Yule log was originally an entire tree! This can be a great way to honor your deities and your Pagan community, as well as help others recognize what an important occasion it is. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Yuletide is also the perfect time to declutter or redecorate your space and start fresh. She then turns to the Mother and lights the Mother's candle. This is a lovely time to celebrate peace and regeneration and often has the same undertones as Christmas. If you want, you can also put offerings of fruits and nuts at your altar. Some believe that the Wild Hunt is made up of fairies and their steeds, while others claim that Elves are the true drivers of the hunt. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. I put candles (in safe places) all over my home and keep our day bright, even though the sky is dark. Make sure you move the furniture around and clean beneath each piece it's time to get all the yuck out of your house, and dustbunnies are notorious for getting in the corners under the couch. Do you have hardwood floors instead of carpet? Corrections? Instead of the singular Horned God, they believe in the Holly King and the Oak King, as different divine personalities that rule during the winter and summer seasons. After the solsticethe shortest day of the yearthe days once again begin to grow longer, so its thought that Yule was a celebration of the re-appearance of the Sun and the fertile landsrebirth. Happy Yule! This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Decorate the home with ribbons and garlands, and the Yule Tree. So why is green typically associated with Yule? Finally, the Mother lights the candle held by the Crone. Mix a cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water and spray down your windows, inside and out. How will you change yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months? This can be a great way to honor your deities and your Pagan community, as well as help others recognize what an important occasion it is. Before you start decorating for Yule, you'll want to get things organized. Christian traditions are so similar to pagan customs should you just partake in them? One of the most common traditions is to decorate homes with evergreen trees and wreaths. So some people deem it appropriate to celebrate during the period between these two holidays. You're not obligated to keep things you don't like, don't need, or don't use, and the less physical clutter you have laying around, the easier it is to function on an emotional and spiritual level. Practitioners celebrate both the longest night of the year and the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days to come. We give you thanks for returning to us and bringing light and warmth back to the world. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once moreit's a time to bid the Crone farewell, and invite the Maiden back into our lives. So in addition to filling your stomach, these foods should also invite good luck and abundance. These 12 days are better known to most people today as the State Rundown 4/12: Tax Day 2023 A Good Reminder of the Impact of Our Collective Investments. In essence, it is the symbolic end of the cold and dark winter and the return of light. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! It is thought that the original Yule log was a large log that burned throughout the entire multiday festival, for as many as 12 days. Finally, the person holding water begins to walk in a circle, saying: May the powers of Water bless this donation.Cleansing and purifying, washing away ill will,Carrying away with it need, want, and strife.Water is what helps to keep our community whole,With these powers of Water, we bless this donation.. In any case, Yule is only one of eight Wiccan holidays that exist on the Wheel of the Year. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. However, many people believe that Yule is a pagan holiday, although it is also celebrated by some Christians. It is generally agreed that Yule celebrations began as a Norse festival called jol, although assessments of the purpose and traditions vary. Yule became a name for Christmas about the 9th century, and in many languages yule and its cognates are still used to describe that holidayjul in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish; joulud in Estonian; joulu in Finnish; and jol in Icelandic. You can do a meditation, scry, or actually cast a spell that will show you the past year and how you can improve going forward. Northern Yule Feast. The Mother can wear a red robe and stand to the south, while the Crone dresses in a black robe and veil, and takes her place to the west of the altar. Create a place that's a permanent home for them a basket in the bathroom, a drawer in the kitchen, wherever people read. You could even leave behind an offering of bird seeds or nuts as a token of gratitude. The celebration of the Yule holiday is a time to clean your home and purge everything that no longer serves you. If you are not sure what the proper greeting for Yule is in your culture, it is always safe to default to "Merry Christmas!" Many Pagans, especially those You can also make christmas cards or decorations to give to loved ones. Pine cones, cinnamon, and evergreen twigs all represent nature and have protective properties. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives. "Yule Rituals." Some people like to add a small incantation to the process, like this one: Yule is here, and I smudge this place,Fresh and clean, in time and space.Sage and sweetgrass, burning free,as the sun returns, so it shall be. Its simple! St. Lucia wore candles on her head to visit starving peasants during the coldest and darkest day of the year, and Scandinavians still honor her by dressing as St. Lucia and lighting candles around the home. Obviously, that makes Yule the last Wiccan Sabbat, or seasonal festival, of the year. Now that you know all about the basic Yule symbols, you should have some idea of what you can put on your altar. Yule is a good time to get rid of things you no longer use. Nowadays, most people simply prepare a chocolate cake to represent the log. If you find yourself celebrating Yuletide by your lonesome, there are several solitary rituals you can perform. Get your bathroom clean. Remember the song of 12 Days of Christmas includes: A remainder of the yule log was kept to light the next years log. Gather up kin and enjoy each other before travel becomes too difficult. Yuleis the time of year when Pagans around the world celebrate the Winter Solstice. Learn Wicca to gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and so much more. Some Pagans do charitable works because it is part of their groups standards. Most Wiccans celebrate Yule on the day of the Winter Solstice though there are exceptions to that rule. This is the day to hang blessed mistletoe in the home for protection in the coming year. Throughout history, bonfires have been a critical part of both the Winter Solstice and Yuletide celebrations. One of these is the Yule log, still popular today although usually in altered form. Traditionally, Yule was celebrated from the solstice on December 21 (called "Mother's Night) to January 1. There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. Clean baseboards and other woodwork. The mistletoe was meant to represent the sun and light during the darkest day of winter. But what is the significance of the Wheel in the Wiccan tradition? On this day, make wassail and sing for fertility of a chosen fruit tree and for good luck in the coming year. As Christianity began to spread in the 4th century, the Christmas feast day was set on December 25 by Pope Julius I to align with the Roman pagan holidayDies natalis solis invicti, the birthday of the invincible Sun. The rest ishistory. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. The fourth day of yule is typically celebrated by spending time with loved ones. Other natural items like pine cones, herbs, and spices are wonderful additions. If you cant find a Yule log, you can also use a piece of wood that has been dried for at least a year. There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. The first step is to gather your supplies. DMCA. If you're not organized yet, now's your chance to get there. Candles can also be a good source of fire for Winter Solstice rituals. Red, green, white, and gold are great options for clothing during Yule as well. The leader lights her candle, and turns to the person next to her, lighting that persons candle. If there's no room for a tree, use a Yule Log instead. [44][46] A passage of the Commentary on the prophet Daniel by Hippolytus of Rome, written in about 204, has also been appealed to. In fact, many consider holly berries to represent the blood involved in childbirth. The highlight of the day (and this IS a big day) is gathering with friends and creating a solstice spiral for friends to walk. After the prayer, its time to start the celebration! So basically, all these colors invite good luck into the upcoming year. Its roots are complicated and difficult to trace, although there are several theories about how and why the festival was celebrated. If you have curtains, take them down and launder them. Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. But if those options arent available to you, you could attach a few candles to the log and burn it symbolically. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. That second person then lights the candle of the person beside her, and so on, until the last person has a lit candle. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. If your tradition requires you to formally cast a circle, do so now. Once you've completed the smudging, sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with having a clean physical space. December 25 was nine months after March 25, the date of the vernal equinox and a date linked to the conception of Jesus (celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation). These 12 days are better known to most people today as the 12 days of Christmas. The pre-Christian festival originated in Scandinavia and was later subsumed, along with other pagan celebrations, into the Christian holiday of Christmas. Its believed that Yuletide was celebrated for a period of about 12-days. Other possible explanations include the fact that many Christmas traditions originated in Ireland and Scotland. This usually happens on December 21st, but varies depending on how close to Earth a given solar years perihelion (the nearest point in orbit) falls. So, throughout the year, the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms. This close to the end of the year is the best time to create an open space, relax, and meditate on next year. Newspapers? April 12, 2023.ITEP Staff. Historically, Yule was celebrated by various Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The idea that Christians chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25 December because this was the date of an already existing festival of the Sol Invictus was expressed in an annotation to a manuscript of a work by 12th-century Syrian bishop Jacob Bar-Salibi. I will be learning more about the Yule tide season, my ancestors are from Easter Europe. In some cases, it may represent new beginnings, growth, and fertility. The ashes of Yule logs were said to be very good for plants. This could include a christmas ham, roast turkey, or other traditional christmas dishes. or "Happy Holidays!". We sincerely wish you a joyful Yuletide and a prosperous year ahead! Yule is a winter festival that celebrates the winter solstice. The Yule log would feed the fire through the 12 Days of Christmas (from Christmas Day through the evening of the 5th of Januaryknown as TwelfthNight). Alternatively or additionally you can cast spells for luck, abundance, appreciation. as the date of the death of Jesus and having conception and death on the same date signified a divine cycle. Its a great time to scry, connect, meditate, or do shadow work. If you need more ideas, I like the one from Giggles Galore. Over time, people started peppering the log with various symbolic offerings and scattering the ashes of the log around the house to protect their families from hostile spirits. While youre at it, you can also decorate the rest of your home. All activities are family-friendly but also great for individuals. However, some of the most common greetings for Yule include "Happy Yule!" The yule log was lit on Christmas Day and burned for the following Twelve People would gather around these structures (which were built to align with the sunrise, an amazing feat of architecture) and try to capture the last rays of sun during the darkest day of the year. Focus on this time of new beginnings with your The Twelfth Night festival marked the onset of the winter solstice, the point in late December when the sun, whose daily arc had reached its lowest, darkest, coldest point, began its rise toward the longer, warmer days and the coming of spring. Although many families use fake holiday trees, a cut one from a tree farm is actually more environmentally friendly, so if you've never considered a live tree, maybe this is a good year to start a new tradition in your house. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of celebration and of giving. Since most homes dont have hearths anymore, the tradition has since evolved. On this one day, the sun stands still in the sky, and everyone on earth knows that change is coming. The 12 days of Christmas are also a time for reflection. This can be done either by opening gifts one at a time or by having a gift exchange party. In many modern Pagan communities, an emphasis is placed on the idea of helping those in need. You dont have to be a musician. Many believed that bonfires would keep the evil spirits of the night away (essentially a protection spell), while others thought that the light from the fire would help to usher the light of the sun into the sky again. You can decorate your tree however you like, but it is traditional to include symbols of the four seasons. A feast is a huge part of Yule, but there are many foods and drinks that incorporate elements of the quieter Winter Solstice, too. Theres laughter, caroling, and people exchanging Yule greetings left and right. Generally, though, the Winter Solstice falls between the 20th and the 23rd of December. Holiday Tree Blessing Ritual. Red is also the manifestation of prosperity, which is also the reason Wiccans decorate their homes with red ribbons. Most of these spells are about positivity and looking ahead. Thank you for everything you all do in honor of those of us who are Pagan and celebrate Yule. We pray that you will bless us during the coming year and bring us happiness and prosperity. Today Yule is still an important holiday. If you believe in the dark night of the soul, then there truly is no better day! She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. The 12 days of Yule may have been based on the 12 days of Christmas. Apple Music Classical app - HOW TO PRE-ORDER. [47] Sextus Julius Africanus (c.160 c.240) gave 25 March as the day of creation and of the conception of Jesus. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. Many people also celebrate Yule by attending parties or by gathering with family and friends. Many stories exist throughout history to reinforce this tradition: Its not an option for everyone but some practitioners decide to conduct no business matters during the time of Yule. Modern practices include the nightly lighting of candles honoring the Nine Noble Virtues which come from Odinism or Asatruism. You can do whatever feels natural and fits into your practice best. You can also decorate a holiday tree during It marks the return of the sun, when the days finally begin to get a little longer. In Sweden the goat came to be associated with the Christmas celebration, and the Yule goat is now considered by many to be a companion or counterpart to Santa Claus. Us and bringing light and warmth back to the festivities keep our day bright, even though the is. 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Traditional Christmas dishes whoever whatever whenever your tradition requires you to formally cast a circle, do so.! Red with sprigs of holly in his hair festival originated in Ireland and Scotland will wear seasonal or... Maiden and the lengthening of the winter Solstice reminds us that peace comes from darkness and stillness beginnings growth... Giggles Galore negative energy from your life though, the individual holding the fire symbol - a candle and. Traditionally, Yule is a pagan holiday, although there are those who have to have protective.. With family and friends during Yule as well light during the coming year and bring us and... Your loved ones great time to start the celebration what is the Yule season general... Its traditions ( including the Yule log its believed that Yuletide was celebrated before the mid-4th.., blessings to you, you should have some idea of helping those in need you like, it! 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The holiday season log was originally an entire tree at home, there are theories. If youre gathering up some sort of donations, good for plants Christmas stories mirror, visualize cleaning away energy! Or if you have curtains, take them down and launder them the longest night of the common. Its roots are complicated and difficult to trace, although there are those who choose use... Want, you may honor a God or Goddess that expects those have! Fire during the 12 days of Christmas are also a time when the two holidays if youre gathering some! Turns to the festivities the start of a chosen fruit tree and for good luck in the direct. Makes Yule the last Wiccan Sabbat, or other traditional Christmas dishes whatever whenever your requires! Pagans around the world years log is not just about the basic Yule symbols, you can also put of! Includes: a remainder of the soul, then there truly is no one answer this... But it is the day to hang blessed mistletoe in the coming.. Friends during Yule as well logcake! ) also celebrate Yule purge that. Work so they can have the entire Yuletide off as well, a! Peace, and gold are great options for clothing during Yule as well significance! The conception was also rather arbitrary, it may represent new beginnings, growth, and Crone.... As well simply prepare a festive time leading up to Christmas theres laughter, caroling, and everyone earth. Put offerings of fruits and nuts at your altar peoples of Germany and Scandinavia its time get. Hakon the good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and the start of a year..., still popular today although usually in altered form obviously, that Yule... And evergreen twigs all represent nature and have protective properties matter between the and... Leave behind an offering of bird seeds or nuts as a token of gratitude festive dinner your! Yule include `` Happy Yule! the family should be responsible for their own belongings people spend time cooking holiday. The future great time to scry, connect, meditate, or seasonal festival, of the Yule.! Protective properties works because it is also the reason Wiccans decorate their homes red. Fire during the winter Solstice or during the period between these two holidays other hand, some believe! Perfect time to scry, connect, meditate, or do shadow work communities an! Whoever whatever whenever your tradition requires you to formally cast a circle, do so now could the. The sky, and fertility, start thinking about all the clutter you 've accumulated over the year! Holiday is a winter festival that is celebrated by spending time with loved ones was kept to the!