As I mentioned in the previous post, Yule a.k.a the pagan Christmas is the celebration of the end of dark days, marked by the longest night of the year - the winter solstice.
In the modern days, and as a more closeted witch we may celebrate Yule basically by celebrating Christmas. But here are some other ideas for activities to celebrate the winter solstice.
Get Out In Nature
Connect with the spirit of Yuletide, by going out in nature as there you will feel the energy of the solstice best and it will rejuvenate your body during the darker days. If there is snow in your area, you can build a snowman, ski, ice-skate, or make snow angels.
Make a Book of Shadows or write in it
During the winter solstice, the days are darker and so we don't feel like going out as much or socializing, that is why it's great for internal work, research, and journaling. This is why if you haven't started your grimoire yet, now is a good time. If you are not sure how to start a grimoire or what exactly it is you can check this post- The Grimoire. Write down your gratitude for the year and think about what you wish to attract in the next one. You can also meditate and journal your feelings and thoughts. Visualize your intentions in order to manifest them into your world.
Cleanse your home and give back to the community
Yuletide is a great time for cleaning and organizing your things before decorating, it is the beginning of a new cycle start it on a clean slate. You can donate unwanted belongings to the less fortunate, such as old toys or clothes. Feed birds and wildlife or make bird feeders and hang them on a tree in your area. It is good to cleanse both literally, but also spiritually. A good bath with essential oils and candles or smudging your home is absolutely advised. If you are wondering with what herbs or colors and such I will leave a list of Yule correspondences below.
Crafts and Decorating
It is also a great time for crafting and making some Yule decorations or gifts for your loved ones. It is best if you use natural elements for your decorations and gifts. You can make ornaments, cards, smoke cleansers, take care of an Amaryllis, sachets with aromatic herbs to put in your wardrobe or under your pillow, crochet hats, gloves, and scarves, make a Yule wreath, and just about anything Yuletide connected. Also, you can put runes and sigils on your ornaments or in sachets as gifts. Decorate your home with holly, evergreen branches, cinnamon, and citrus, hang images of the sun, and welcome solar deities to bless your home and bring joy and warmth in it.
The Yule tree
If you can help it, harvest your tree in a sacred way, from a local farm or shop that feels right to you. Decorate with as much natural elements as you can, citruses, cinnamon, holly, pinecones, etc, The lights with which you can decorate your tree symbolize the sun, you can also put runes or sigils as well as intentions for the year or blessings for the home on it.
Get in the kitchen
Yule is a great time for feasting and so cooking as well. You can make gingerbread, gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, eggnog, and last, but not least the traditional Yule log. If cooking isn't your thing you can organize a picnic around the Yule tree with cookies and hot chocolate.
Create your Yule Altar Use corresponding colors of Yule - white and silver to represent the spiritual growth and renewal, sun colors to bring the warmth and joy of the sun back in your home, renew the offerings on your altar throughout the season to enhance its energy.
Other ways to celebrate
Learn about the holiday foods, symbols, customs, and/or lore and incorporate something you have learned into your celebration of Yuletide.
Listen to Pagan Yuletide music. Create a Yuletide chant, poem, or song.
Light candles in corresponding colors.
Correspondences:
Crystals: Blue Lace Agate, Moss Agate, Amethyst, Bloodstone, Citrine, Garnet, Howlite, Jade, Rose Quartz and Unakite Colors: Green: abundance, life, the living evergreen, new beginnings, wealth; Gold: gifts, prosperity, richness, solar energy wealth, gods, kings, royalty; Red: vitality, fire, life force, holly berries, poinsettias, and other winter plants; White: calm, the "clean slate" of snow peace, protecting, silence, sleep
Herbs: Sage, Sweetgrass, Pine needles, Mistletoe, Cinnamon, Ginger, Orange, Citrus
Remember you don't have to do absolutely everything listed here. Do whatever feels right, get crafty, get in the Yule mood, and make sure you have fun with it!
Blessed Yule!
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