More about the Season of Yule

(Photo: wytchwynd photography)

Merrie Meet

Hi as we are very close to the Winter Solstice I thought that now is the ideal time to write a further post about The Season of Yule

So let us begin this post by taking a look at the History of the Ancient Pagan Roots of this Yuletide festival.  

It is not really surprising, when we delve a little bit below the surface, that we find that many of the customs that symbolise this time of year are firmly rooted in Pagan rituals. 

The two most popular rituatls being kissing under the mistletoe and the Christmas Tree.  The evergreen tree is symbolic of everlasting life.

The mistletoe and holly are both symbolic of fertility and were used to ensure the coming of spring.  The red berries represent the life blood of the female while the white berries represent the male semen.

The holly wreath is representative of the Wheel of The Year, because the word “Yule” means wheel.

There are many customs around the world that welcome the Sun and at Yule we celebrate the birth of the Oak or Sun King.  So step away from the hustle and bustle of all the Christmas parties and take a quiet moment to welcome back the Sun yourself.

I have found this ritual for the Solstice.

Darken a room in your home and set a red candle on a small low table.

Kneel at the table and reflect on all your hopes and dreams for the coming New Year

Imagine and visualise the Sun rising up from the darkness to a position high above the earth.

Light the candle and say the following

“I welcome back the life giving light of the Sun”

There is an ancient need that stirs within our souls at this time of the year, it is a need to experience contact with our tribe.  To satisfy this need why not gather friends and family together to watch the sunset and then invite everyone home to light the candles that surround the Yule log.

Have everyone sit around the fire and take turns to tell of their hopes and dreams for the coming year.  Make a spiced punch and have everyone drink from a communal cup that passes amongst the gathered folk.  This communal cup was traditionally called the “Wassail Bowl”

You could, if you wish, extend an invitation to your neighbours to visit your home and share in your festivities.

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So now as we come to the end of this post it is time for me to take my leave of you but not before I say that if you have liked this and the other posts on this blog, please click the link to follow us. 

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So now I will wish you the best things that life can give and say

Love, Light and Blessed Be!

Merlin.