Yule/Winter Solstice Customs and Practices

Many of the ancient traditions surrounding Yuletide are concerned with coping with the darkness and the evils it was thought to harbor and helping the return of light and warmth. Yule Log The Pagan Saxons celebrated the feast of Yule with plenty of ale and blazing fires, of which our Yule log is the last … Continue reading Yule/Winter Solstice Customs and Practices

Wildcrafted Winter Solstice Decorations With Conifers, Holly, Ivy, Bittersweet, And Mor

Part of the fun of the holiday season is “decking the halls” and decorating for the season. By bringing the symbols of the season into our homes, for festivity and communion, we are able to deeply align with the living earth and her turning seasons. And the symbols of this particular season, at the winter […] … Continue reading Wildcrafted Winter Solstice Decorations With Conifers, Holly, Ivy, Bittersweet, And Mor

Gift Giving

Exchanging gifts at Yule is a traditional way of participating in the festive and joyful spirit of the sabbat. At Yule the Sun King is reborn and it is a day of happiness, thanksgiving and good cheer. In olden times, Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples … Continue reading Gift Giving

Holiday DIY: 3 Evergreen Gift Toppers

Evergreen symbolize the promise of Yule: life everlasting, rebirth and immortality. The Celts considered the evergreen sacred because it did not die from year to year, and therefore represented the Goddess who also never dies. Another evergreen of protection, holly’s spiky bristles are believed to repel unwanted spirits. Newborn babies used to be sprinkled with … Continue reading Holiday DIY: 3 Evergreen Gift Toppers

Yule Wreath and Garland

Garlands and wreaths in evergreens are a symbol of Yule, representing the rebirth and renewal of the midwinter sabbat. Garlands are a long chain of greenery, foliage and fruit and wreaths are simply garland made into a circle. Both garlands and wreaths of evergreen symbolize the promise of Yule: life everlasting, rebirth and immortality. The … Continue reading Yule Wreath and Garland