Yule, Winter Solstice
Samhain | Yule | Imbolc | Ostara | Beltane | Litha | Lughnasadh | Mabon | Menu suggestions
Yule is the celebration of the winter solstice, the longest night. The light is returning and the days will get longer. Now is the time to start something new, a fresh start, new projects and a new outlook on the life we’ve been blessed with. We let go of our pain and make room for happiness and pleasure.
Herbs
Holly, mistletoe, rosemary, oak, pinecones.
Incense
Bayberry, pine, cedar, rosemary, juniper.
Colors
Red, green, white, silver, gold.
Decorations
Yule log (round log of oak or pine), mistletoe, wreaths, garlands of dried flowers and cinnamon, apples, oranges, Yule tree.
Food
Nuts, apples, oranges, caraway buns, mulled wine, fried turkey
Ritual
Find a place where you can make a bonfire or a small fire. Sit and have a good time around it. First, make a small ritual to cleanse the area around the bonfire. Tell each other what the season means to you, what it means that the days are getting longer, your experiences earlier this year and how you want the coming light to change and enlighten you.
Make a pitcher of eggnog and pass it around. Before anyone can drink, they have to say something about Yule, the group, school or work. This is a good way to make the bond stronger within the group. If you can’t make a fire, buy some cheap candles and let every person light one, and use them to ‘light your way’ instead of a fire.