What is YULE?

Yule is the period traditionally celebrated between late December and the end of January, marking Winter on the Wheel of the Year. It is also one of the names given to the Winter Solstice, which falls on or around the 21st of December each year.

One of the roots of the name Yule comes from the Norse name Odin, King of the Norse gods, which was Jolnir. In old Europe, Yule was the name for the Winter Solstice, originating from the Norse word for wheel, Jul.

For Pagans, Yule is their traditional festival to mark this time of year. On the darkest, longest night, that of the Winter Solstice, communities of old gathered around the Yule log to celebrate the birth of the son of the Goddess. Known as the 'Star Child,' this son would become the Sun God (RA), representing the return of Light, and within a few days the nights would begin to shorten.

To celebrate the return of Light, and within a few days the nights would begin to shorten.

To celebrate the returning of Light, families would bring out their stored food and enjoy cheerful festivities. Even in times of poor harvest, the 'Star Child' would have inspired whatever celebrations were possible. Dances, special songs and the decorating of houses and trees would all take place up until what is now known as Twelfth Night, where Yuletide feast was brought to an end with a final day of merriment and activities.

Sources: www.paganwiccan.about.com

Dieties of Yule

•  The Holly King
• Saturn
• Mithras
• La Befana
• Ameratsu
• Odin
• Frau Holle
• Cailleach
• Lord of Misrule

Setting up a Yule Alter

There are a myriad of symbols associated with winter and the Yule season. The Norse people placed great significance on the enduring symbols of fir, pine, holly and other evergreen plants. Pine, in particular, is associated with life and rebirth, as may trees can grow from a single cone.

Mistletoe has long been considered a magical plant, sacred to the Celtic Druids in particular, as well as the Romans and Greeks. Mistletoe was originally added to other evergreen leaves to create "kissing bushes," and also has roots in ancient Norse myth.

Candles, greenery, snowflakes, crystals and images of the Holly King are all easily obtained and can be mixed to make a beautiful seasonal alter. 

Add fruit & nuts, snowflakes, icicles, candy canes, bells and sun wheels or other solar symbols.

Gold discs, candles, anything bright and shiny can represent the sun. What about a yellow candle carved with solar symbols? You can also add evergreen boughs, sprigs of holly, pinecones, or a Yule log. Even consider, antlers or reindeer, along with other symbols of fertility.

Your Yule Shopping List:

• Green/Red/Silver altar cloths
• Ritual Robes/Cloaks
• Chalices/Drinking Horns
• Cauldrons/Simmer Pots
• Candle Holders
• Gifts for Family/Friends
• Gemstones
• Colored Candles
• Hand Crafted Incense
• Cleansing Water
• God/Goddess Statues
• Pine/Cedar Essential Oils 

Cheers to Your Wassail!

Wassail is a traditional hot English bevy. A combination of apple brandy (apple jack), fruit juices, and lots of winter spices: allspice, mace, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Whole small apples, oranges, and kumquats have often been roasted and added to the mix.

In its traditional presentation, wassail is served from a large silver bowl and ladled into silver or pewter goblets with bright red ribbons tied around their bases. Wassail is also used as an apple tree spirit offering to bless orchards, drive away evil spirits, and increase abundance.

Another fun custom, is to carry your wassail bowl - originally made from applewood, from house to house - where you sing, drink, and have the bowl refilled before going to the next house! It is a sign of Good Luck to be visited!

What's in Wassail?

Ingredients:

2 Quarts Apple Cider (Hard Cider, Red Wine, or non-alcoholic)

3 Cinnamon Sticks

1 tsp. Allspice

1/2 tsp. Whole Cloves

A grating of Nutmeg

Several Small Apples

A couple of small Mandarins or Tangerines

A small handful of Kumquats, Raisins, and/or fresh Cranberries (optional)

Plain or Apple Brandy (Optional)

Put everything in a kettle and simmer gently until the apple's skin bursts. Serve with a dollop of brandy for those who wish it. To stimulate the ancient custom of apple wassailing, drink apple cider or wassail in a outdoor setting (even under fruit trees, if you happen to have some), and offer a cheer to great fortune in the coming year. Maybe you go around the neighborhood and share your wassail? All in Great Cheer! Or create a Simmer POT!

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