Yule is a celebration of rebirth and the renewing of the old. It is the start of the longer, lighter days as the lord of the sun arises from his sojourn with the Goddess. Here light becomes important as we use sympathetic magic to ensure the return of the Sun. The ancient Egyptians also watched and waited for the star Sirius to announce yet another birth, that of Horus as the son of Osiris from the womb of Isis at this time.
The yule log symbolizes the continuous of light and this ritual honors that tradition, Before performing this ritual, you might want to decorate your home with evergreens although mistletoe, which is sacred to both the Druids and Scandinavians, is still banned from christian churches as being unholy. For the purpose of this celebration, consider that the yule log is your altar. The celebration is designed for a group, but can be altered for solitary practice.
Wish Branch
You will need a wish branch to indicate your desires and wishes for the coming year. Prepare this before your attend the celebration. You can spray the branch with silver or gold paint, but do not forget to ask permission of the nature spirits before you do so.
You will need,.
Yule Incense
Ribbons and cords in various colors.
Small representations such as cake or Christmas tree decorations or children’s toys, of your most important aims and desires (you might use one item for each month: be as creative as you like) Small wrapped sweets tied with colored thread. Branch of your chosen sacred wood.
Method:
Light the incense, Mediate on coming year and what you would like to see happen, You might also include your wishes for your family & friends, or for your larger world. When you have decided on your intentions, choose decorations or toys appropriate to your wishes. Decorate the branch according to your own creativity, (This is an intensely personal object and will be used in the celebration.). Take the branch to the celebration.
Preparation of the Yule Log
So often nowadays there is nowhere to burn the Yule log properly but its quite in order to substitute this method. The prepared log can then be used year after year and, of course, becomes increasingly powerful. It should be done by the leaders of the group (or by yourself if your working alone) and strictly should be consecrated afresh each year with a simple prayer to the God & Goddess.
You will need,
Red & Green Candles (one candle for each member of the group, plus an extra one for the leader)
Suitable log larger enough to accommodate the candles.
Silver foil
Method
In the long bore a hole large enough for each candle, plus two extra. Line each candle hole with silver foil or a metal cake cup for safety so that the yule log does not catch fire. (Alternatively, you could wrap the candle of each candle in silver foil.) As you do so, ask for a blessing from the God & Goddess for the work you do.
Now on to the fun part the celebration
You will need
Prepared Yule Log
2 White Candles.
Black Candle (To represent the God)
Prepared Red & Green Candles as above.
Groups wish branches
A Wreath (symbolic of the wheel of year and of the goddess)
Yule Incense
Method. Cast your circle, and light the incense. Place the yule log in a prominent position. Light the white candles at either end of the yule log. Place the God candle in front of the log and say
“Here this candle symbolize the Sun God, Its final flicker. His passing and here its flame once again lights His return.”
Light the god candle from one of the altar candles, The leader should then light their green candle and say
“Blessed be the Maiden Goddess, May this world be forever young in her presence”
From that candle a second is then lit, the worlds now used are
“Blessed be the mother goddess, fresh and rosy with babe. And so shall all that springs her be strong, adventures and bountiful.”
Then light a third candle from the second & say
“Blessed b e the deep-rooted Goddess, Wise, powerful and temperate, the keeper of wisdom, and the ever-turning wheel. “
Each member then steps up lights their candle from the last places in securely in the yule log.
Finally the leader lights a last candle to complete the ritual and while facing towards East says
“Tonight the lord of the sun is born again, The Goddess and the god are together in harmony. The Sun reaffirms as the wheel is turning once again, We praise the Goddess and the newly born Gods, Our father and Mother.”
Now if liked each participant may talk about their wishes for the next year whilst placing their wish branch around the Yule log, or in a larger vase nearby.
The ritual is now complete Many blessings to all and a Happy Yule tide :)
(If you like you may follow this by one of our full moon rituals. As we have a full moon this Winter Solstice)
Another day, another page. Next Up: Sigils & Herbs … and lots of more practice at calligraphy (which I’m trying to teach myself, obviously). There’s so much more material to add and so little space to add it! ✨
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I hope everyone is having a beautiful, divine Sunday! Blessed be!
i wrote and illustrated my own kitchen witchcraft book! potioncraft is an original written + hand-illustrated collection of recipes and rituals for beverages of all kinds. it features recipes for spiced hot cocoa, mulled cider, harvest sangria, and basil lemonade; it also features information on the magick of smoothies, teas, coffee and more. throughout the booklet are beautiful stippled illustrations that create a rustic witch-of-the-woods aesthetic.
the book is $8 and makes an great gift for yourself or another. buy it here. support witches!
"Sou um mago em busca do caminho para a SENDA."
NAMASTÊ / BRASIL /CARPE-DIEM
