This part of the lesson from a class I taught for the FireFly Academy more than a year ago. I always enjoy reading about and listening to other interpretations of the various Sabbats and Seasonal celebrations. I find it inspiring when people get creative, expressive, and allow the inner muse to emerge. I think this is why I enjoy this holiday season even though I do struggle with the clash of similar idealisms.
Counties, cultures, etc.
Yule – Europe
Christmas – Global
The Winter Solstice – Global
Saturnalia – Roman
Common themes and traditions of Yule
Common themes: A day to recognize the return of the Sun's warmth and light. Also marks the passing of the longest night of the year which is the balance and counter part of Litha/The Summer Solstice. In many traditions the birth of the Sun king is a significant symbol. This Sun King will grow and as he grows he will warm the earth, bring forth Spring, fertility, and bounty.
This is the time of the year when we are encouraged to focus on charity, hearth, home, family, and friends. The tradition of giving is traced back to when villages would combine recourses, stores, and supplies so everyone could make it through the rest of the winter. This led to fellowship and prosperity for all who participated.
Spiritual Focuses/themes: Hopefully you have rested your physical self and your spiritual self during what is thought to be the dark time of the year, from Samhain to Yule. After this period of rest many feel compelled to push spiritual goals and aspirations forward. To do this one must remove any baggage clinging to the soul. Resolving conflicts, forgiveness, humility, and charity are common and effective ways to renew and lighten your spirit.
Common traditions: Decorating the home in greenery, pine needles, branches, berries, Holly, Mistletoe. Placing a fresh cut tree in the home and decorating with bright lights that were thought to help encourage the sun to rise and grow stronger.
Other ways to celebrate: Decorating a pine/evergreen tree
Staying up all night to welcome the sun as it rises
Having a feast style breakfast at sunrise or just after
Burning the Yule Log
Weaving/Knitting/Sewing/Crocheting Warm blankets for the home
Wreath Making
Sleigh Rides
Moon lit walks in the woods
Reading stories about the Fea, Santa, etc.
Sights, Smells, Sounds… Experiencing this Sabbat with all the senses
Experiencing any ritual or special occasion is best when you involve all you senses. This is why we love decorations and holiday meals. Decorations help us create an atmosphere that is welcoming and bright. Candle create a dime and warm setting where we can relax and feel at peace. The scent of Cinnamon, Apple, Citrus, Clove, Pumpkin, and Anise are classic fragrances that begin forth a nostalgic sensation. Think about your favorite drink or food, one you closely relate to this holiday season. The nostalgia from the tastes, sight, and smells are all you need to change your mood and outlook.
Directional Association:
North/Earth: Home, stability, and prosperity
At this time we are focused on family and friends and making them feel welcomed. We attend parties and sometime host parties all to celebrate the season and the relationships we cherish. We are busy wishing everyone prosperity and luck as we enter a new season and year.
East/Air: Intellect, creativity, and new beginnings
Since we have more time to spend indoors it is a great opportunity to catch up on our reading list or even take some classes and learn something new. Those who have hobbies in crafting might find it easier to create. Others may take this time to plan as the new year approaches.
Colors:
Red: Strength, Energy, Health, Ambition, and Vigor
Green: Healing/Health, Loyalty, Fertility, Success, Luck, Growth, Charity, Patients, and
Rejuvenation
Blue: Peace/Tranquility, Understanding, Truth, Devotion, Sincerity, Honor, Wisdom, Inner
Knowing, and Sleep/Rest
White: Purity, a clean slate, the snow, Spirituality
Gold: The God, The Sun, Prosperity, Strength, Wealth, and Male Energy
Silver: The Goddess, The Moon, Love, Gentleness, and Female Energy
Other Common Symbols:
Antlers/Deer/The Stage, Holly and other evergreens, Snow Flakes, Candles, Lamps, Male Deities like Santa Clause, and a new born male God…
.
Music ad Lyric:
When the right music is played we are usually flooded with emotion and sometimes nostalgia. During this time of year the focus is on being happy and joyful. Our ancestors tried to raise their spirits so they can remain positive through the remaining cold months and this is a great custom to carry on. Play music that is nostalgic and inspiring. If you have some dance music you like, play it. If you like "Christmas" carols play them too. Although it may be more appropriate for you to stick with the ones that speak to you and your path rather than songs that are Christianized. However, you may also begin to realize that there are many similarities in our beliefs and the Christian beliefs and then you will be able to see past the song's surface.
Poetry and Story Telling are also great elements to incorporate into your celebration. Two stories I like to share with my daughter and friends are "The Good Wife and the Silver Pine Cones." and "The Yule Fairies" In all cultures food and drink are very important people together in a specific atmosphere.
Foods: Honey, Cheese, Apples, Squash, Nuts, Grapes, Cabbage, Meats, Beans/Legumes, Plums, Pears, Potatoes, Root Vegetables. Anything hearty and earthly. Baked goods are also very big, so try your hand at pies, cakes, breads, casseroles, etc.
Spices and Herbs: Cinnamon, Anise, Nutmeg, Ginger, etc. Drinks: Apple Cider, Mulled Cider, Hard Cider, Ale, Mead, Beer, Milk, and Wine.
It is at this time of year when we should be making ourselves ready to emerge from the darkness. The strengthening of the sun's light is a message to us to also strengthen our own inner light. It is time to begin our own return to the light.
By this time we have spent 6 weeks in darkness and in many areas the cold weather depression compounds and in some cases consumes... some times its called the winter blues.
It is with the return of light and warmth we can realize that depression and darkness is only a cycle and will not last if we choose to let it go.
The message is find joy, let your self release the sense of hopelessness you may carry with you from time to time. Like the sun you will shine again and you are able to brighten the world in your own unique way!
Deities:
| Female | Male |
Diana Persephone Isis Ishtar (Babylonian) Danu Frau Holde (German) | Saturn Bacchus/Dionysus Dagda (Irish) Lono (Hawiian) Chandra (Hindu) Mithras |
Pre-Dates Christ
Mythology of his birthday was spread all over Persia, Egypt and Asia. He was born to a virgin mother in a barn/manger.
His birthday is known as the "Birthday of the Invincible Sun"
He is also known as the Child God of all Gods
Followers would continually pray for his return each Yule
A simple ceremony. A celebration for everyone.
This is a simple way to enjoy the holiday as you bring joy into your heart and mind, share some quality time with family and/or friends while recognizing the coming bounty and fertility
You will need:
- Candles: Red, White, and Green
- Upbeat, Happy Dance or Holiday Music
- Family and/or Friends
- Cookie Dough or Ginger Bread Dough (Homemade or Refrigerated)
- Flour and a rolling pin
- Other supplies for making cookies (Icing, candy decorations, Special cookie cutters in the shape of the sun, deer, evergreen trees, Santa, etc.)
- Directional Candles
Gather your family and/or friends and make an evening of making cookies while enjoying the company of those you love. Place the directional candles in the quarters of your kitchen and invite your loved ones in. Have one or two people mix the dough, others roll it out and cut the shapes out, and the rest can bake them. When the cookies are baked and cooled everyone can try their hand at decorating them. This is a great time to share with your friends and give them blessings for the season.
For a more adult style cookie use ginger bread cutters and make Ginger bread person anatomically correct to symbolize the coming fertility and celebrate sexuality.
Enjoy the season and allow the feelings of warmth, prosperity, and peace be yours all year!
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