Yule Bells Are Ringing

With the longest night looming like a shadow on the horizon, I feel there is a distinctive change in the air – like a stillness from within the dark, as we quickly approach the Winter Solstice and the coming of Yule.  

One of my favourite Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year, I simply adore this season! There is magic in the air, and everything seems to glitter with the promise of light and good fortune to come. The Winter Solstice is a moment of celebration, the triumph of light, as we conquer the final mountain of winter - the longest night - and emerge on the other side – one sleep closer to spring. 

With the dark winter sky enveloping itself around us, the Winter Solstice feels like a turning point – a moment for hope, reflection and inner light. It stands as a reminder that life endures even during the darkest moments, and that there is light to be found, just around the corner.  

The Winter Solstice 

The Winter Solstice, celebrated as Yule on the Wheel of the Year, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, astronomically speaking, and this year it falls on December 21st.  

Honouring the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness, the Winter Solstice stands as a symbol of hope. It is a celebration of life and a promise of warmer days to come. This sacred moment invites us to show gratitude for the sun, honouring her life-giving energy as she is reborn and believed to be at her most magical, radiant, and powerful. 

Observing the first sunrise or sunset after the Winter Solstice is a beautiful way to connect with the sun’s radiating energy, inviting us to sense the shift within ourselves as we witness the renewal of life unfolding around us.  

Yuletide is upon us! 

As we ‘deck the halls’ and sing out with festive cheer, few people realise that many Christmas traditions began long ago as Yuletide celebrations!  

Oh Christmas Tree 

Take the humble Christmas tree, standing tall at the heart of your home. Long before it became a symbol of joy and festive cheer, it was known as a Yule Tree – an emblem for comfort, promise and eternal light, decorated with symbols of healing and hope. Its sparkling lights fill our homes with Christmas spirit, but in earlier times, its branches were adorned with candles to honour the sun and its returning power.  

The Yule Tree was believed to embody sacred energy – fruit was added for abundance, carved runes for protection, and candles to help guide the sun. With the quiet flickering of light and the soft glow of hope, it became a source of illumination through the darkest nights.  

The Yule Log 

One of the oldest Yuletide traditions was the Yule Log, a symbol of protection, warmth, and renewal. Traditionally, families would choose a log of oak, ash or yew and burn it in their hearth on Midwinter’s Eve (The Winter Solstice). This act was believed to give power and strength to the sun as it began its return, helping to ensure fertile land for future crops and protection to the household.  

What began as a powerful ritual to celebrate the sun’s returning power soon became another Christmas tradition and is often represented in the form of a chocolate cake, aptly named the Yule Log.  

Wreaths and Garlands 

One of my favourite traditions of Yule time is creating sacred wreaths and garlands for my home. Evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy, pine, fir and mistletoe, are rooted in spiritual symbolism and have been foraged for their protective, enduring gifts for centuries. 

As a Yule tradition, these plants would be gathered and hung in the homes of our ancestors to invite nature spirits indoors and to keep unwanted spirits away.  

Today, Christmas wreaths are cherished as a beautiful adornment of the home, hung upon doorways as a quiet promise of renewal, rebirth, and the enduring cycle of life.  

Yule Altar 

Another of my favourite traditions is the sacred Yule Altar. Aside from decorating our family tree, the Yule Altar is another visual display in the home, a place for quiet contemplation and reflection of the year that's passed.  

Each year, I enjoy foraging for natural elements to include on my altar, to place alongside some cherished family heirlooms and Yule offerings. Creating an altar is an intuitive act, and no two Yule Altars will ever look the same.  

An altar is a beautiful way to honour the Winter Solstice, Yule, and to show reverence to our ancestors and loved ones, so choose items which feel personal to you and your family. 

Here is a list of items you may wish to consider using on your own: 

Natural Elements 

Foraged evergreens, pinecones, holly and mistletoe to symbolise life and the changing season.  

Candles 

Incorporating candles is the perfect way to honour the sun and the returning light. Red, Green, Gold and White candles will represent the colours of Yule. 

Sun Charms 

As we know, the Winter Solstice is the celebration of the sun's returning power. Including sun charms or gold items will honour this moment. 

Yule Log 

Consider a traditional Yule Log or piece of wood as the centrepiece to your display for enhanced protection and renewal. 

Family Heirlooms  

As a Sabbat of The Wheel of the Year, it is good practice to remember our ancestors and loved ones – to show reverence for the good fortune and protection they provide us throughout the year. 

Crystals  

Incorporating crystals on your altar will help you tap into the energy of the season and provide additional spiritual support. Citrine, Clear Quartz and Moonstone are perfect choices – tune in next week for my favourite selection! 

Wishing You a Happy Yule 

And as we begin to close the book on another year, we embrace the opportunity to look back at the lessons we have learned, to reflect on ourselves, our lives and our journey thus far. 

So, without further ado, from mine to yours, I wish you all a very happy Yule and a prosperous new year filled with love and good fortune.  As always, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for supporting me this year. I can’t wait to see what the new year brings.  

Share your comments below and let me know how you celebrate Yule and what traditions you cherish. I love hearing how you celebrate!