As the Winter Solstice occurs, the Celtic festival of Yule begins. As the sun passes a halfway mark in the celestial heavens, it is essentially being reborn into a new cycle of life, growing brighter and stronger every day until the Summer Solstice. Bonfires would be lit and a giant Yule log wassailed and set a light in hopes the sun would be reignited to rise higher and brighter in the sky, banishing the cold Winter.

This “rebirth” of the sun, the rebirth of the god of the goddess and the birth of the Child of Light (or Promise) are common themes shared by many different peoples. Many customs and observances that we now see as Yule, Winter Solstice and Christmas have roots predating Christianity, making this one of the most ancient and important festivals. This was a turning point in the midst of the bleak midwinter when ancient Celts would bring evergreens into their homes as living symbols of the promise of Spring. To the ancients, bringing in plants that live when all else appears dead and kindling of a large fire were necessary rituals in the endless cycle of the year to spark life back into the land.

With the advent of Christianity, the outward focus shifted from the rebirth of sun and land to the birth of the Son of God who was to bring new life and eternal light. As the underlying theme from the more ancient pagan celebrations remained intact, it was only fitting that the church added the celebration of the birth of Jesus to the already existing customs occurring in late December. While the birth of a god at winter was common in many traditions, much of modern secular Christmastime revelry comes from the pagan Roman celebration of Saturnalia. This festival celebration of the god Saturn was rife with markets of fine wares, gift giving, elaborate feasting, partying and the spreading of goodwill and merrymaking.

ASSOCIATIONS
· Animals: reindeer, stag, wren, phoenix
· Colors: gold, white, green, red
· Element: earth
· Food: mulled wine and apple cider, cookies, gingerbread, pears, nuts, turkey, beef, pork
· Plants: bayberry, pine, rosemary, cedar, mistletoe, holly, poinsettia
· Power: renewal, rebirth, transformation

DECORATIONS
· Evergreen boughs, garlands and wreaths
· Poinsettias, paperwhites and amaryllis
· Evergreen trees decorated with sun images or natural ornaments
· Images or wintertime, snowmen, etc.
· Candles

ACTIVITIES
· Decorate the house with evergreens and dried items from the garden
· Make a wreath using dried sunflower heads and berries and place outside for birds
· Ring a bell at the exact time of the Solstice to welcome the returning sun
· Cast sunflower seeds into the yard to feed the birds
· On the Winter Solstice create a circle of candles, one for each family member and have each in turn light their candle thinking of a Yule wish; if you are solitary, light a candle for each with a blessing for their good health and fortune

YULE INCENSE
1 part sandalwood - protection, healing, spirituality
2 parts frankincense - protection, spirituality
2 part myrrh - protection, healing, spirituality, purification
2 parts pine needles - purifying and cleansing, protection, healing, money
2 parts cedar – purifying, protection, healing, money
2 parts juniper - protection, psychic powers, health, love
1 part cinnamon - success, healing, psychic powers.
1 part ginger - money, success, power, love,
3 drops orange oil - a solar scent, purification, love

Posted in: The Wheel of the Year