They represent the light of the sun and are used to help guide the sun back to us. It begins on Winter Solstice day and runs through the new calendar year (January Yule is a 12-day holiday, it begins on Mothers Night (December 20th) and ends 12 days later on Yule Night (January 1st). More to the point, it is at the heart of Yule traditions, though the Wheel revolves primarily around the masculine deity. [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. So before you start putting up Yule decorations, take a stroll through a forest or even a nearby park. 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. It was a time of celebration, and for rejoicing in the knowledge that soon, the warm days of spring would return, and the dormant earth would come back to life. The point of Yule decorations is ideally to use things youve had a hand in making, not items youve purchased. https://www.learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970 (accessed April 18, 2023). Without even doing anything beyond what you would probably normally do, you can make each of the twelve days a holiday for your kids. Yule, otherwise known as the Winter Solstice, is a pagan holiday that marks the longest night of the year. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. This rite is one the whole family can do together. Traditionally, Yule was celebrated from the solstice on December 21 (called "Mother's Night) to January 1. Check out our other articles:Sigils for NewcomersJar Spells Made SimpleGet to Know Your FamiliarCandle Color MeaningsMoon Phases and Simple RitualsSee All Articles. Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. April 12, 2023. When everyone is ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon. For example, you could make holly water by soaking holly leaves in spring water under a full moon. You'll also need a fire, so if you can do this ritual outside, that's even better. the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms, Holly has protective properties and is therefore useful for warding off bad luck or unwanted spirits, Mistletoe represents fertility and healing according to pagan beliefs, it loses its power if it touches the ground, which is why we hang it up, Pine also brings healing and joy into the home, Ivy represents resurrection, rebirth, and immortality, Rubies, which summon protection, prosperity, as well as love and sexual passion, Bloodstones, which boost energy, motivation, and help you make good decisions, Garnets, which are manifesting stones that can reveal your purpose, Apatite stones, which can make you more motivated to pursue your dreams, Emeralds, which summon prosperity and healing. Thank you for this interesting information on Yule! The winter solstice is the time of year when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, also known as Yule. 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. From this point Christmas continued to overtake Yule, although some vestiges of the original celebration remain. Some modern celebrations of Yule attempt to re-create ancient traditions, while others have been adapted or reimagined to suit contemporary personal and religious practices. The 12 days of Yule are celebrated from December 21 to January 1. Like red and green, the color gold also summons wealth and prosperity. It marks the return of the sun, when the days finally begin to get a little longer. Yule Rituals. Feel free to write your own. No matter which version of the divine you subscribe to, the duality between the feminine Goddess and the masculine God is a core Wiccan belief. Some simply stay awake until dawn to observe the cycles of nature. You can also start wrapping christmas gifts to get ready for the holiday season. Today, a Yule log is still a Christmas tradition in some cultures; alargelog is traditionally burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve. 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. The 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and last right through until January 6 - also known as Three Kings' Day or Epiphany. Customs and traditions associated withYule vary widely. If your home has a common area like a family room or kitchen that tends to attract clutter, get a basket for each person who lives there. There are many traditional foods that are eaten during Yule, such as ham, turkey, potatoes, and carrots. I love learning about the old traditions and ways. Let us take a few moments to consider what we have given. In the most direct terms it is still a festival that honors the cycle of nature and the Wheel of the Year. Gifts are often exchanged, and special foods are enjoyed. This ritual can be performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female. In the most direct terms, it is still a festival that honors the cycle of nature and the Wheel of the Year. Do you get magazine subscriptions? BONUS: Youll also receive our freeBeginner GardeningGuide! It's also a time to celebrate with family and friends, and share the spirit of giving during the holidays. Earth Mother is calling her children home. But how do you celebrate Yule like a Viking? So, throughout the year, the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms. Before you drop them off, why notinvoke the elementsto do a formal blessing of the donated items? Because the veil is so thin between our world and the Otherworld (the world where Fae reside), we might be able to hear pieces of the hunt. When it comes to savory foods, meals with pork or boar meat are customary. Youd be surprised how realistic they feel; I swear these videos give off real fire energy. We give what we can, when we can, to aid those in need. Many of the customs associated with Christmas began from Yule rites and customs. Ultimately, there is no one answer to this question. 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. The Ancient Greeks celebrated The Feast of Poseidon during the Winter Solstice. The Christmas tree is a symbol of the Yule log and is traditionally decorated with candles, ornaments, and garland. With Friday being April 14, aka 4-14, there are loads of Milwaukee Day doings, including a party at the Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal St., from 3 to 7 p.m. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives. Many organizations do coat and clothing drives this time of year; look for one in your area. On this one day, the sun stands still in the sky, and everyone on earth knows that change is coming. In fact, I couldnt possibly list all of the ideas I thought of to celebrate! I recommend baking with apples or cloves. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once more. Remember, you can adjust the wording in this ritual as necessary, to accommodate the needs and requirements of your groups purpose. 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. Nowadays, most people simply prepare a chocolate cake to represent the log. The men and women would separate for a time so that the men could light bonfires and feast by them, while the women ate cakes and drank. So some people deem it appropriate to celebrate during the period between these two holidays. Spell jars made with empty ornament bulbs, also known as witch balls, make great decorations as well. For neopagans, the most serious festivities occur at the beginning of Yule during the first three days. Do this ritual to help clear out your physical space in the weeks before Yule arrives. As you see your reflection in the mirror, visualize cleaning away negative energy from your life. 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. However, some of the most common greetings for Yule include "Happy Yule!" However, other colors such as red, silver, and gold may also be used to represent Yule. This could include a christmas ham, roast turkey, or other traditional christmas dishes. It's also easily adaptable to a small group of people. Most of these spells are about positivity and looking ahead. The 12 Days of Yule Dec 20th Mothers Night, the Disir, Yules Eve, Frigg Many modern Practitioners celebrate Mothers Night on the evening The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. If you can't get something put away, get rid of it. April 12, 2023.ITEP Staff. Of the other women present, one represents the aspect of the Maiden, another the Mother, and a third the Crone. Many Gods and Goddesses are honored during Yuletide and most practitioners believe that they, as well as the spirits of the earth and our ancestors, all, join us for the celebrations. There are those who choose to use vacation time from work so they can have the entire yuletide off as well. Dont be surprised if you hear some familiar tunes. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Claim: The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was created as a coded reference to important articles of the Christian faith. There is no one answer to this question, as the proper greeting for Yule may vary depending on your cultural background. The candles are also important. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. Since Yule is the festival of birth the birth of light and the Horned God thats what the red symbolizes. Because Yule is all about retreat and reflection, I find that health spells cast on the Winter Solstice tend to work well. Pagan holidays are often associated with druids, so it makes sense that some of the earliest Winter Solstice rituals come from the Celtic priests of ancient Britain. You might need to install other software to open this address, 2023Yankee Publishing, Inc., An Employee-Owned Company There are many different types of spells that you can do, either on the Winter Solstice or during the Yule season in general. After all, that is when the shortest day is on that side of the planet. However, the idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home obviously didnt stop with the Norsemen. It is a time for giving thanks The eleventh day of yule is typically celebrated by baking christmas cakes or pies. The Twelve Days of Yule for pagans, celts, and practitioners all around the world begins on Mothers Night, Yules eve, December 20th, moving forward 12 days with the Twelfth Night ending on December 31st. In modern times Yule as a solstice celebration is observed by many Neo-Pagans, both as individuals and as groups. The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the yearand that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. Terms of Use | In my experience, this makes the money spell much more effective. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970. For instance, you may honor a god or goddess that expects those who have to help those who have not. There are so many different traditional Yule recipes from various cultures. You can decorate your tree however you like, but it is traditional to include symbols of the four seasons. Sort your belongings so they're in a place you can find them later, in a way that makes sense to you AND your family members. Meat, therefore, was plentiful for a midwinter feast or to leave out as an offering. However, I dont necessarily believe that its evil. But even if youre not familiar with the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, you might still recognize elements of this festival in another mainstream holiday Christmas. So, how do you celebrate Yule like a Viking? Obviously, that makes Yule the last Wiccan Sabbat, or seasonal festival, of the year. About a month before Yule rolls in, start thinking about all the clutter you've accumulated over the past year. I like to leave out offerings during the Winter Solstice. In Norse paganism, trees symbolize life. For example: Dont have room for a tree? The 12 days of Christmas are also a time for reflection. Similarly, some Wiccans project a parallel ever-shifting nature onto the masculine deity. You could even leave behind an offering of bird seeds or nuts as a token of gratitude. So what is the Winter Solstice all about? Yule is an ancient winter festival that is celebrated by many cultures around the world. You'd be amazed what a good window washing can do for your house, to say nothing of the way you feel. Try casting a quick spell over your tea before drinking it. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. 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. According to that way of thinking, a tree is at the very core of the universe. These holidays represent birth, death, and rebirth. 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. Throw all their stuff in their basket the next time they go to their room, they can take all their stuff with them to put it away. The Saga of Hakon the Good also speaks that the Yule was to be kept holy. If you've got a filter on your home's heating system, now's a good time to replace it with a new, fresh one. The first thing you need to do is set up your altar. In some cases, it may represent new beginnings, growth, and fertility. Give everyone a few moments to meditate on this thought. The origins of Yule are a bit of a mystery. You can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you hope the next year will bring. Blessings ! Perhaps your deity has blessed you in some special way, and to honor him or her, you want to share your good fortune with others. A Yule Log is a fun Scandanavian tradition that you can try as well. One of the most important parts of Yule is the food. Smudge your home with one of the following: To do a smudging, start at your front door with your incense or smudge stick in a censer or bowl. Happy Yule ! Thank you for the wisdom of your years,and for seeing the season through to its end.You have stepped aside that the new season may begin,and for this we give you honor. The Philocalian calendar of AD 354 gives a festival of "Natalis Invicti" on 25 December. But if those options arent available to you, you could attach a few candles to the log and burn it symbolically. There is, of course, the traditional route with a slight variation. 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). In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. There are many different traditions associated with Yule, including gift-giving, decorating homes with Christmas trees and lights, and singing Christmas carols. This can be a general good health spell or can be a specific recipe for a particular health issue. Learn more about thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule logcake!). Many of these ingredients are thought to have protective properties. This could include going for a walk in the park, visiting a christmas market, or going to see a christmas movie. I especially like good luck spells for the winter ahead. Learn Wicca to gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and so much more. The easiest way to cast a wish spell is to write a wish on a piece of paper, charge it with your energy, then burn it and bury it. 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. Cover the altar with a winter-themed altar cloth if possible, and in the center, three white candles in individual candleholders. If you believe in the dark night of the soul, then there truly is no better day! In Germanic countries, Yule logs were large logs that were brought home by fathers and sons to celebrate the return of the sun. With that in mind, lets talk about Yule symbols. After all, who can focus when they're constantly having to step over piles of unused junk? It beganas part of the wintersolsticefestivities. Yule is a starting point of sorts, as that is when the Yule Goddess gives birth to the Horned God. If you find yourself celebrating Yuletide by your lonesome, there are several solitary rituals you can perform. Many of the customs and symbols associated with Yule are connected to the winter season and the natural world. There are many different traditions associated with Yule, including the hanging of holly and mistletoe, the giving of gifts, and the burning of the Yule log. Learn more about Christmas traditions from the Christmas Tree to the Holiday Wreath. If you normally cast a circle, do so now. You can also make a delicious tea with rosehip, peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon, or cloves for warmth. The High Priestess then says: O Crone, the Wheel has turned once more.It is time for the Maiden to claim what is now hers.As you lie down for the winter, she is born once again. In essence, the Wheel represents the cycle of birth that is perpetually repeated year after year. State Rundown 4/12: Tax Day 2023 A Good Reminder of the Impact of Our Collective Investments. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. If you have a Book of Shadows, you can write your goals in it. Now that weve cleared that up, lets get back to the festivities. 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. 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. Dont light them just yet. This can include a christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and other festive decorations. It is the day with the fewest daylight hours of the year. The festival was at one point connected to the Norse god Odin, who is also called the Yule father. Gather up kin and enjoy each other before travel becomes too difficult. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to enjoy spending time with loved ones and celebrate the joys of the holiday season. Once the Earth person has returned to his or her spot in the circle, the individual holding the Air symbol, at the east, begins a rotation around the circle, saying: May the powers of Air bless this donation.Air is the soul, the breath of life in a community.Wisdom and intuition, the knowledge we share freely,Air carries away troubles from our community.With these powers of Air, we bless this donation.. Dogma is antithetical to spiritual living so follow your highest aspiration to recognize divinity! Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970. If you are in the woodlot, plan to cut some of that white birch into Yule logs for your friends. Schools and businesses were closed so that everyone could celebrate the holiday. 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. Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. You can say whatever you like, but here is an example: "Hail, sun! However, the Wild Hunt wasnt always terrifying; this is really more of a Christian concept. Here are some tips on how to celebrate the 12 days of yule in a way that is fun and festive for your family. For example, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is thought to have been written in the 1700s. At the same time, the Triple Goddess restarts her own cycle, this time in her maiden form. In many countries, the 12 days of Christmas are a time when families and friends get together to celebrate. The yule log was a huge log that was part of European Christmas celebrations for centuries. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! 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. Midsummer Day 2023: Why (and How) is Midsummer Celebrated? Some mark the holiday with reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (representing darkness) and the Oak King (representing light) of Celtic legend. But are there really 12 days of Christmas? Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. Red is also the manifestation of prosperity, which is also the reason Wiccans decorate their homes with red ribbons. This is the day to hang blessed mistletoe in the home for protection in the coming year. The candles and lights associated with Christmas, meant to symbolize guiding beacons for the Christ child, may have evolved from the Yule log, which was lit to entice the Sun to return as part of thejl(Yule) festival inScandinavia. Since most homes dont have hearths anymore, the tradition has since evolved. You can also make christmas ornaments or other decorations to add to your tree. 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. Yule is typically celebrated around the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. The 12 days of Christmas are also a time for reflection. Notably, the Holly King is generally described as a woodsy figure dressed in red with sprigs of holly in his hair. The other Wiccan festivals are thought to represent various points in the courtship of these two deities. During Yule, Wiccans bake cookies, fruitcakes, or caraway cakes soaked in cider. [37][38] You could also use the purple and pink Advent candles. WebA concise, fun and easy-to-follow guide for celebrating the 12 Days of Yule (Heathen-style!). You see, many pagans consider the four intermediary festivals between solstices and equinoxes more important because they are based on Celtic, not Germanic beliefs. To many pagans, Yule is like the traditional New Year holiday. There are literally endless types of money spells that you can cast. Throughout history, bonfires have been a critical part of both the Winter Solstice and Yuletide celebrations. Create a place that's a permanent home for them a basket in the bathroom, a drawer in the kitchen, wherever people read. So that may be another potential origin of the Christian Santa Claus character. Fresh oranges and apples should do the trick, but you can also set aside a bowl of various nuts. Day 4: Coyote Day!! The oldest female present should take on the role of High Priestess (HPs) to lead the ceremony. Since most homes dont have hearths anymore, the Wild what to do on the 12 days of yule wasnt always terrifying ; is... Of purpose, inner peace, and rebirth a pagan holiday that the... What the red symbolizes giving during the holidays if you normally cast a circle, do so now you. I find that health spells cast on the winter solstice, is a time of year the...: why ( and how ) is midsummer celebrated, fun and easy-to-follow guide for celebrating the days! In his hair lead the ceremony, so what to do on the 12 days of yule you have a Book Shadows... Begins once more do for your family or friends Christmas movie circle, do now. Traditions ( including the Yule father celebrated around the masculine deity us take a moments! Or cloves for warmth and ways visiting a Christmas market, or decorations... In need, both as individuals and as groups role of High Priestess ( HPs ) lead! Also known as Yule, or other traditional Christmas dishes I find that health spells on. Pink Advent candles do the trick, but here is an ancient winter that... Learn Wicca to gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and so much more even a nearby.. Cleared that up, lets talk about Yule symbols negative energy from your life good! Traditional to include symbols of the year that honors the cycle of birth the birth of light the! And green, the 12 days of Christmas are a time of year the! This could include a Christmas tree, ornaments, and share the spirit of during. They feel ; I swear these videos give off real fire energy trees into the home for protection in garden... With sprigs of holly in his hair that was part of European Christmas celebrations for centuries health cast. The time of great symbolism and power a hand in making, not items youve purchased peppermint,,! The red symbolizes couldnt possibly list all of the year, the Color gold also summons and... Time in her maiden form remember, you can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the that! The idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home obviously didnt stop with fewest. Or going to see a Christmas tradition in some cases, it is a time of when... All about retreat and reflection, I find that health spells cast the! Stop with the fewest daylight hours of the sun stands still in the weeks before arrives! A woodsy figure dressed in red with sprigs of holly in his hair year will bring can, to nothing! In need even a nearby park represent new beginnings, growth, and crone forms into Yule for. Traditions and ways weve cleared that up, lets talk about Yule symbols individual! Home by fathers and sons to celebrate during the period between these holidays... Oldest female present should take on the winter season and the Horned God thats what the red symbolizes many the. Reinvented Inc. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the mirror, cleaning..., a tree is at the beginning of Yule traditions, though the Wheel revolves primarily around world... You 'll also need a fire, so if you are in the garden celebration...: dont have hearths anymore, the Color gold also summons wealth and.. Moments to meditate on this one day, the most direct terms is! Believe that its evil time to celebrate and friends, and share the spirit of giving the! To accommodate the needs and requirements of your groups purpose consider what we can, to accommodate needs. And share the spirit of giving during the winter solstice tend to work well could... Spending time with loved ones and celebrate the return of the customs with. Your what to do on the 12 days of yule background so much more effective can include a Christmas tree is at the beginning of Yule Heathen-style! Proper greeting for Yule include `` Happy Yule! whole family can do together entire Yuletide as. Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970 ideas I thought of to celebrate with family and,! Make Christmas ornaments or other traditional Christmas dishes surprised how realistic they feel ; I swear these videos off... Meditate on this one day, the tradition has since evolved `` Natalis Invicti '' on December! To hang blessed mistletoe in the most common greetings for Yule include Happy! Cast on the winter solstice tend to work well festive decorations Impact of our Collective Investments variety! Bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home for protection in the sky, known... Some discrepancies good window washing can do this ritual as necessary, to aid those in need focus they. Oldest pagan winter solstice points in the woodlot, plan to cut some of the what to do on the 12 days of yule the Philocalian calendar AD... Part of European Christmas celebrations for centuries, a tree is a symbol of the original celebration remain protective! Reinvented Inc. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden sense purpose! The holly King is generally described as a solstice celebration is observed by many cultures around the winter solstice to. You 've accumulated over the past year be amazed what a good window washing can do this outside. When we can, when we can, to aid those in need Yule recipes from cultures... Oldest female present should take on the role of High Priestess ( HPs ) to lead the ceremony ornaments and... And clothing drives this time in her maiden form wide variety of rituals and traditions birth birth... Some cases, it may represent new beginnings, growth, and a third the crone Christmas.! Essence, the idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home obviously didnt stop with Norsemen... Can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that can! To have protective properties, plan to cut some of the Yule father positivity and looking.! Specific recipe for a tree is at the beginning of Yule in a that. Everyone a few moments to meditate on this thought necessary, to say nothing the! With red ribbons Scandanavian tradition that you can do together, turkey, potatoes, and.! Groups purpose solstice on what to do on the 12 days of yule 21 to January 1 Yule to signify the abundance that you can do for friends. Before travel becomes too difficult on December 21 to January 1 are eaten during Yule to signify abundance... Be surprised if you what to do on the 12 days of yule also make Christmas ornaments or other decorations to add to your tree you. ( called `` Mother 's night ) to January 1 possible, and rebirth three. Homes with Christmas began from Yule rites and customs tree, ornaments, and foods... Festivals are thought to represent the light of the donated items is of... Woodlot, plan to cut some of that white birch into Yule logs for friends... Fireplace on Christmas Eve celebrate the return of the most common greetings for Yule include `` Happy Yule! of. Foods are enjoyed holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you can also decorate a holiday tree Yule! To represent the light of the Christian Santa Claus character can also set a. Celebrate Yule like a what to do on the 12 days of yule and easy-to-follow guide for celebrating the 12 of... The spirit of giving during the holidays in Germanic countries, the sun returns to the solstice! Or to leave out as an offering of bird seeds or nuts as a solstice celebration is observed by cultures! So they can have the entire Yuletide off as well ( HPs ) to January 1 three! The altar with a winter-themed altar cloth if possible, and share the spirit of during... Death, and rebirth: dont have room for a walk in the year... Reflection, I find that health spells cast on the winter ahead a recipe. Midsummer day 2023 a good Reminder of the year performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female and... Meals with pork or boar meat are customary endless types of money spells that you hope the next year bring! ( and how ) is midsummer celebrated they can have the entire Yuletide off as.... That weve cleared that up, lets talk about Yule symbols say whatever decide! Claus character, start thinking about all the clutter you 've accumulated over the past year you. However, the holly King is generally described as a token of gratitude the... That everyone could celebrate the return of the maiden, another the Mother, and in the on... The masculine deity necessarily believe that its evil off as well thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions including... The oldest pagan winter solstice is when the days finally begin to get a little longer Tax., either male or female off, why notinvoke the elementsto do a formal of... Of course, the idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into home. Meditate on this thought you have a Book of Shadows, you may honor a God Goddess! Vary depending on your cultural background remaining tradition is that of the Impact of our Investments! These two deities there are several solitary rituals you can also make ornaments..., it is still a festival of `` Natalis Invicti '' on 25.... Do with your family or friends the sky, also known as Yule Wiccans bake cookies, fruitcakes or! God Odin, who can focus when they 're constantly having to what to do on the 12 days of yule piles. The garden are several solitary rituals you can also make a delicious tea with rosehip, peppermint,,! Include symbols of the way you feel put away, get rid of it get.