Yule starts on the Winter Solstice, which in 2019 is December 21st, and go through into the new year.
In Celtic mythology, there are two kings who reign over the wheel of the year. The Holly King reigns from midsummer, or the Summer Solstice, to Yule, the winter solstice. During the time, the year begins getting darker, the wind gets colder, and things begin to fall asleep. But, on the winter solstice, we celebrate the waking of the Oak King, and such his reign, which brings the return of the sun and warmth, and the lengthening of days.
The Winter Solstice is a very important holiday in many ancient religions. In Pre-Christian Scandinavia, Yule was celebrated for a week. In Rome, Saturnalia was a week long holiday of gift givings, feasting, and debauchery.
Throughout history, this time was year was cold, harsh, even ruthless. Many farmers would use this as an excuse to slaughter most of their cattle, because that would give them extra food, as well as cut down on cost of feed for the animals. Still do this day, many people often have an instinctual need to eat heartier, richer foods this time of year, especially if you are from somewhere that get cold.
Paganism and the Catholic Church
Many of the things we see a the christian “Christmas” is truly just repackaged paganism. It was the Catholic church’s way of enticing (or forcing) pagans of the time to celebrate the holiday. (It’s also seen in almost every Christian holiday, but I’m not here to talk about that.)
Just a small list of traditions in christmas that come from witchcraft
Bringing a tree inside- This was seen as an offering to the Great Masculine energy, as well as bringing the strong, steady energy of evergreens into your house. The same can be said for Ivy, Mistetoe, Holly, and Laurel.
Caroling/Wassailing- In old Pagan tradition, wassailing was the tradition of traveling to each neighbor and sing and drink to their health.
Yule Log- While today we think of a cake like dessert when we think of a Yule Log, but at one point it was a special tradition of throwing a large, picture perfect, often decorated log into the hearth to keep you warm throughout the longest night in the year.
Gift giving, decorating, and more- This all comes from Saturnalia, which was a roman holiday. they were know for imbibing and causing debauchery, as well as giving gifts, and decorating homes in worship of Saturn, the god of agriculture.
And this is just the start!
Correspondences, Tools and more
Colors- Red Green, White, Silver, Gold, Blue, Yellow, Orange
Crystals- Bloodstone, Clear Quartz, Diamonds, emeralds, Ruby, Garnet
Incense- Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Juniper, Myrrh, Peppermint, Pine
Trees- Apple, Birch, Cedar, Chestnut, Fir, Holly, Juniper, Oak, Pine, Yew, Sandalwood, Cypress
Herbs- Thistle, Chamomile, Ivy, Mistletoe, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Bayberry, Laurel, Snowdrop, Lemongrass, Chives, Cinnamon, Ginger, garlic, dill, pepper, ash, sandalwood, elder.
Animals- Bear, Boar, Deer, Owl, Squirrel, Goose, Wren
Foods- Cookies and Cakes, Turkey, Eggnog, Ginger tea, Spiced cider, Oranges, Mulled wine, Meats of any kind, Stew, Cranberries, Seasonal Veggies, Fruitcakes in alcohol
Altar Decor- Bells, Candles, Elves, Evergreen, Lights, Holly, Mistletoe, Pinecones, Wreaths, Yule log, Fruits with cloves.
Festivities- Caroling, Burning a Yule Log, Decorating an Evergreen, Exchanging Gifts, Burning fires or candles, making potpurri, volunteering
Spells- Peace, Harmony, Love, Happiness, Cleansing, Resetting or Setting Wards, Divination, Reflective work, New beginning and Fresh starts
Deities- Brigid, Isis, the Great Mother, Demeter, Apollo, Ra, The Horned One, Pan, The Green Man.
