“Without the dark, we would never see the stars.”

Cheesy as that may be, it is still very true and an excellent reason for us to rejoice and celebrate even the darker times during a year. And the winter solstice gives us another great opportunity to do so. Despite the darkness that prevails this time, Yule is one of my favourite Sabbats. There is just something about celebrating the return of the Sun in the midst of the (often freezing) winter.

On 21st (until 23rd) of December those following the Wheel of the Year are celebrating Yule, or Winter Solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the shortest day and longest night of the whole year, but also the turning point of winter. From now on, there will be a few more minutes of daylight every day until June.

While we need to remain a bit more patient until the warm rays of the sun will bless us once again, we can take this opportunity to rest – just like the earth, the plants, the seeds, the animals are taking rest during this time.

How can you celebrate Yule?

As mentioned above, the Yule Sabbat is a time for rest, quiet & family but also about new hope and setting of intentions. So rituals and decorations generally revolve around the theme of inviting light and warmth into your home. A lot of things that we celebrate on Winter Solstice will seem familiar to you, as these traditions have been adapted by newer religions and cultures.

Rituals during Yule

• If you have some available floor space, make a Yule spiral from evergreen branches. Twist them together to form a three-layered spiral on the floor, you can also use string lights to mark the borders. Then you walk into the spiral, holding a candle. At its center, sit down, take a few deep breaths and meditate for awhile on what your intentions are for the new year, what it is, that you can let go of and what you would like to embrace instead. Leave the candle in the middle of the spiral and slowly make your way back out, thinking about and manifesting your intentions. This represents the long winding way out of winter into spring and summer.
• Burn a candle through the night to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. If it isn’t safe to do so, use LED candles.
• Watch the sunrise come up. You can hold a watch over your candle all through the night, while meditating on your intentions for the new year or you can wake up just before sunrise to watch the return of the light. Are you a city witch? Then live stream the sunrise over Stonehenge which is broadcasted here: https://www.stonehengeskyscape.co.uk
• Make a Yule Log. In ancient times a large log was burned during the longest night of the year. It had to be harvested or gifted but never bought. People would decorate it, set it ablaze and then let it burn and smolder for 12 days. If you don’t have a fireplace to burn a Yule Log, you can find a smaller log, decorate it with pine cones, evergreen branches such as holly and place 4 candles on top to symbolize the burning log. Choose a type of wood that aligns with your intentions.
• Hold a feast! Pagans would never pass up a good opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. During winter times it was crucial to the survival of all as well. As food became scarce and warmth was rare, people kept closer together to support each other.
• Make a wreath from evergreen trees and decorate it with pine cones, holly berries and dried fruit.

How to decorate your altar (and house) on Yule

• Candles are crucial to this Sabbat as they symbolize the light that we are seeking. Red, white, green and gold taper candles are the perfect fit for your altar this time.
• Anything shiny like golden coins, stars, etc are perfect to represent the sun
• Holly & holly berries for red and green
• Evergreen trees to represent the undying nature
• Oranges and red apples, decorated with cloves
• Crystals such as Citrine (Sun), Labradorite (Protection), Garnet (Rebirth), Black Onyx (Connection with yourself)

“May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken and true, brings faith to your soul and wellbeing to you. Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence find rest, and may the days that follow be abundantly blessed.”

Blessed be!