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One of the Lesser Sabbats. This is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night
of the year. The Goddess gives birth to a the God as the reborn sun, and in many traditions it is celebrated just before dawn
to welcome his arrival. Candles and bonfires are frequently lit to welcome his arrival. The returning light completes the
cycle of life, death and rebirth. In many Wiccan traditions, Yule symbolizes the end of the reign of the waning year's Holly-King,
who is now replaced by the Oak-King of the waning year (who rules until Summer Solstice).
Correspondences
Moon
Cold, Oak,
Moon of Long Nights
Symbols
Yule
Log, Yule Tree, Candles, Advent Wreath,
Gods/Goddess
all Newborn Gods and Sun Gods, and all Mother Goddesses
and Triple Goddesses.
Colors
Red, Green, Gold and White
Traditional Foods
Nuts, Fruits such
as apples and pears, Cookies and Cakes of Caraway, Pork, Wassail
Herbs and Growths
Holly, Mistletoe, Ivy,
Cedar, Bay,
Juniper, Rosemary, Pine, Evergreens,
Poinsettias, Valerian, and Myrrh
Incense
Pine, Cinnamon
Gemstones
Bloodstones, Rubies, and Garnets
Focus of
Yule:
The sun is at its nadir, the year's longest night. We internalise and synthesise the outward-directed activities
of the previous summer months. Yule is a time of awakening to new goals and leaving old regrets behind.
Spellwork for
balance, beauty, peace, and harmony are great to perform at this time of the Pagan year. Love spells and spells to increase
happiness are also appropriate.
YULE GINGER BREAD preheat
oven to 375 degrees
1 cup dark molasses
1/2 cup hot water
5 tbs butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp grated fresh
ginger
a few pieces candied ginger, diced very fine
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Melt butter in hot water, mix in molasses. Add flour, salt, ginger and baking soda. Turn into
greased pan, sprinkle with candied ginger. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
A dark traditional ginger bread for the longest night of the year, and a celebration of the
rebirth of the Sun.
Yule Brew
~4 parts cinnamon
~4
parts allspice
~2 parts nutmeg
~2 parts lemon peel
~2 parts clove
~1 part bay
~2 parts chamomile
~50 parts
black tea
Stir together and serve hot or cold.
Easy Wassail for Yule
Wassail
is a traditional harvest time drink popular since the early 1500's. The drink was so popular that there are many Holiday carols
about it. There are about a hundred different ways to make wassail - Here is an easy and inexpensive recipe for you.
On the stove - heat and combine equal parts
Heavy Apple Cider - (not juice)
"Country Style"
Orange Juice (lots of pulp)
Stir in Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
Serve warm with a Cinnamon Stick
Optional - mix
in some dark rum if the occasion allows.
Wassail can be made with other liquids than those listed above - red or white wine, tea, pineapple
juice, sherry, lemonade, cranberry juice, apricot nectar, even ale. Spices can also include - cloves, ginger, allspice, cardamom,
as well as the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg. Often it is served with lemon or orange slices floating or roasted apples
in the drink. Experiment to find what tastes best to you!
Although it is traditional to serve at Yule, it is truly a harvest celebration drink and can
be served anytime from Midsummer on! Enjoy!
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