• also called Yule, Midwinter, Solar New Year
  • A Lesser Sabbat, one of two solstices
  • Date varies from year to year - typically on or near December 21st, calculated as the sun at 0 degrees Capricorn.
  • the longest night of the year, the point from which the days lengthen and brighten
  • the rebirth of the God
  • occupies the north-east quarter of the Wheel of the Year; north-east being the gateway between death and life, it is the Sabbat of rebirth.
  • the second Sabbat in the season of Earth
  • a quiet and introspective season - the time between Samhain and Yule is appropriate for meditation, and inner reflection.
  • themes include light out of darkness, rebirth, new life, transformation, inner renewal, warmth in the cold, giving thanks for the hearth fire, honouring friends and family

    Symbols

  • evergreen trees and boughs
  • holly and ivy
  • candles
  • yule logs
  • stags
  • solar images
  • colours include red, green, white, black, and gold

    Activities

  • decorating with evergreens and holly
  • giving gifts to friends and family, especially handmade
  • playing parlour games
  • feasting with friends and loved ones
  • wassailing (caroling - there are Pagan carols to be found)
  • keeping a vigil to greet the newborn Sun at dawn
  • lighting candles against the darkness
  • burning a Yule log to strengthen the Sun
  • hanging lights to brighten your personal space
  • ringing bells to drive away the darkness

    Foods

    Yule traditionally utilizes 'storage' foods; things that can be made ahead and put away for winter, and also special treats, things one didn't ordinarily have.

  • apples, plums, and pears
  • roasted meats; beef, goose, turkey
  • mulled wine or cider
  • nuts
  • oranges (a solar fruit!)
  • pomegranates
  • cakes with nuts or preserved fruits
  • mincemeat pies
  • cookies and other hearth-baked treats

    Gemstones and Minerals

  • Amber
  • Citrine
  • Garnet
  • Green moss agate
  • Green aventurine
  • Moonstone
  • Snow quartz
  • Sunstone

    Herbs, Oils, and Resins

  • Birch - creativity, beginnings (*Warning* - do not ingest. Oil may burn sensitive skin.)
  • Bayberry - earth, good luck, fortune, happiness. (*Warning* - this plant is an abortifacient, and should not be handled or ingested by pregnant women.)
  • Cedar - fire, longevity, physical energy, strength, success.
  • Cinnamon - comfort, peace, tranquility, prosperity, warmth (*Warning* - cinnamon essential oil can burn the skin! Use with care, always.)
  • Frankincense - solar fire, luck, empowerment, inspiration, meditation, protection
  • Juniper - fire, fertility, protection, strength.
  • Mistletoe - consecration, fertility, luck, protection, renewal, virility (*Warning* - highly toxic. Do not ingest!)
  • Orange - good luck, happiness, money, prosperity.
  • Pine - cleansing, consecration, protection, strength. (*Warning* - Oil may irritate skin and mucus membranes. Do not take internally.)
  • Pomegranate - fertility, prosperity, renewal
  • Spruce - fertility, protection, strength.
  • Wintergreen - good luck, prosperity. (*Warning* - handle carefully. Can irritate skin and mucus membranes.)

    Incense Recipe

    This is my own recipe for a Yule incense; it is loose, and meant to be burnt on charcoal. A part is simply whatever you choose to use as a measure.

  • 2 pt. frankincense resin
  • 2 pt. pine needles or resin
  • 1 pt. cedar
  • 1 pt. juniper berries