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 Happy winter solstice and yule blessings! Yuletide - Winter Solstice - Mean Geimhridh - Alban Arthuan
December 21
Winter Solstice Chant Geese and standing stones and mist,
Baying hounds and hooting owl,
Sparkling stars, snow is crisp
Herne is here. Bring forth the Bowl. rebirth of the Sun
longest night of the year
winter Solstice
Alban Arthuan
celebrations
holly king
oak king
father Christmas
introspect
the future
Yule log,
evergreen
cedar
holly
mistletoe
candles
clove studded fruit
nutmeg
spices
wassail
ale
caroling
mumming
family bonds
love
peace goodwill
honor the god and goddess 
Winter Solstice
www.amybrownart.com
A Solstice Eve Chant The geese fly high
The woods are bare, the snow is deep.
We wait for Herne to sound His horn
To wake his children up from sleep
To celebrate this happy night,
When winter may be put to flight. language=JavaScript1.2> </SCRIPT> Also known as: Yuletide, Alban Arthuan, Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year. It is from this point that the days begin slowly to become longer and longer. The sun is at its most southeastern point over the Tropic of Capricorn in the northern hemisphere and has no apparent northward or southward motion. In the time of the ancient tribes this was a time of celebration, for it meant the turning point of winter and the eventual return of spring. Yule is the time when we honor the Goddess for giving birth to the sun once more. It is the time when the Oak King is victorious over the Holly King. The Holly King represents death and darkness that has ruled since Samhain, and the Oak King represents rebirth and life. The waning (diminishing) sun is overtaken by the waxing (increasing) sun, thus the days become longer after the victory of the Oak King. Yule is a time when we do Rituals and celebrate the increasing daylight, to renew, and to see the world through the eyes of a child. Spells done at Yule tend to raise our spirits, and bring harmony, peace, and joy. During Yule we see the wisdom of past experience begin to glimmer. The experiences we yielded over the harvest season of the times gone past begin to be reborn as wisdom, new light, to guide us further down the Paths we have chosen. It is customary for Witches to decorate the Yule tree, and adorn the house with holly, ivy and pine. It is time when Father Winter, a white bearded chap dress in red, fur trimmed robes, arrives bearing gifts and exchange gifts. This is the eve when the Yule log from the previous year is burned in the fire. Symbolic of the newborn sun, each year's Yule log is of oak, charged in a Magic Circle and kept in sacred space the following Yule. This not only celebrates the oak and places it in a place of distinguished honor, but also ensures there will be fuel for the remainder of Winter. Resources: © Copyright 1996, Christina Aubin; used by permission The Song of the Holly Fairy
O, I am green in Winter~time,
When other trees are brown;
Of all the trees (So saith the rhyme)
The holly bears the crown.
December days are drawing near.
When I shall come to town,
And carol-boys go singing clear
Of all the trees (O hush and hear!)
The holly bears the crown!
For who so well-beloved and merry
As the scarlet Holly Berry?
Flower Fairies of the Winter, Cicely Mary Barker
Herbs of Yule
Bayberry, blessed thistle, laurel, pine, sage, yellow
cedar. Evergreens
symbolizing: Continuity of Life, Protection, Prosperity
types: Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, other evergreens
forms: boughs, wreaths, garlands, trees
divinities: Green Goddesses & Gods; Hertha; Cybele, Attis, Dionysius (Pine); Woodland Spirits Holly
symbolizing: Protection; Good Luck
forms: boughs over portals, wreaths
divinities: Holly King; Bacchus; Wood Spirits Mistletoe {Birdlime, Golden Bough, Holy Wood} - Viscum Album
Parts Used - Twig & Leaf
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Tincture
CAUTION - Berries should not be used for internal consumption - Large doses of this herb have been known to induce convulsions in children
Homeopathic Uses - Epileptic aura, petit mal seizures, heart conditions, asthma connected with gout or rheumatism, rheumatic deafness, chorea, metrorrhagia, left-sided ovarian pain, left-side body complaints
Magical Uses - Use to combat despair, herb of protection, child theft by fairies, healing, hunting, conception, to bring beautiful dreams, unlock the secrets of immortality through dreams - used for wands and ritual items or placed around a 'Hand of Glory' to ward off thieves - to protect the bearer from werewolves. {Herb of the Sun & Jupiter}
CAUTION> - You should take note that this herb is considered by many in the study of herbs, to be extremely toxic. It should not be used for medical complaint, without full and total knowledge of it's usage and dosages.
Oak {Duir} - Quercus Spp.
Parts Used - Bark, Leaf, Acorn
Herbal Uses - Infusion, Tea, Salves
Homeopathic Uses - Edema, splenetic dropsy, liver problems, gout, alcoholic cravings
Magical Uses - Abundance, fertility, longevity, protection, spiritual awareness while remaining fully rooted in the earth plane, it's wood is used for staves and wands, use any parts for protective charms which bring healing. Acorns bring fertility and abundance. Plant in the dark of the moon to bring financial prosperity. {Tree of Jupiter}
CAUTION - Parts of this tree contain the compound known as tannic acid. Tannic acid in this form is toxic to humans. Oak bark tea can be bought OTC, if you would prefer. Otherwise, if you intend to use this particular herb, make sure that you do a complete study on how to use it. Yule Trees
Oak
symbolizing: Endurance, Strength, Triumph, Protection
forms: Yule log, acorns
divinities: Oak King; Oak Spirit
Yew: Last Day of Solar Year; Death.
Silver Fir: Winter Solstice Day;Birth.
Birch: Month following Winter Solstice; Beginnings. Yule Incense and Oil Recipes
Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon, frankincense Frankincense
symbolizing: Sun, Purification, Consecration, Protection, Spiritual Illumination
forms: incense, oils
divinities: Sun Gods, Ra at Dawn, Bel Myrrh
symbolizing: Healing, Death and Afterlife, Purification, Inner Peace
forms: incense, oils
divinities: Isis, Ra at Midday Yule Incense
2 parts Frankincense
2 part Pine Needles
1 Part Cedar
1 Part Juniper Berries Yule Oil
2 drops of each Cinnamon and Clove oil
1 drop of mandarin oil
1 drop of popine oil
2 drops each frankincense and Myrrh oil. Colors of Yule
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange Stones of Yule
Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds Yule Deities
Goddesses-Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother.
Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child, Mabon. Frey
God, brother-consort of Freyja; son of Njord. "The Lord", fertility and creativity God; "the Lover"; God of Yule. He is the god of wealth and peace and contentment. Blood was not allowed to be spilled through violence, nor where weapons or outlaws allowed on or in his holy places. Sensual love, fertility, growth, abundance, wealth, bravery, horses, boars, protector of ships and sailors, peace, joy happiness, rain, beauty, weather, guarantor of oaths, groves, sunshine, plant growth, sex. Yule Spell Work
Spell craft performed for Yule should be for peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness. Pagan Yule Activities
Caroling, wassailing , burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, feeding of animals, birds with grains and seeds,become a part of nature Foods of Yule:
Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea,
spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples). | |
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 Zaratyst's 1996 Yule RitualConducted for the UU Fellowship, Clinton, Iowa
December 22, 1996 Note: I performed this with a group of non-pagans, so I tried to make it as clear and straightforward as possible. I received a lot of positive feedback from them, yeah for acceptance of different ways! I have taken bits and pieces of many Yule rituals written by other people, in books, on the web, people I have known, etc. I thank any and all of them, though since it was put in the cosmic blender with my own imagination, I have no idea who they are, or what parts I harvested from them. Statement of IntentSince the beginning of time we have gathered in this season To celebrate the rebirth of the Sun. On the Winter Solstice - the darkest of nights The Goddess becomes the Great Mother And once again gives birth to the Sun Beginning the yearly cycle anew Bringing new light and hope to all the World. On the longest night of winter Flares the spark of hope The Sacred Fire, The Light of the World, We gather here to welcome the new light. As we join the Goddess in greeting the new Sun We also welcome the new light within ourselves. Calling the Quarters and Casting the CircleHail guardians of the east, spirits of Air, powers of Thought I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from all negativity from the east. Hail guardians of the south, spirits of Fire, powers of Will I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from all negativity from the south. Hail guardians of the west, spirits of Water, powers of Emotion I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from all negativity from the west. Hail guardians of the north, spirits of Earth, powers of Stability I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from all negativity from the north. I conjure ye O Circle of Light to be a temple between the worlds In the name of the Silver Lady and the Golden Lord. Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, So Mote It Be InvocationLady, you who are the beauty of the snowy earth and the white moon among the stars the mystery of the waters the desire in the heart of humanity We invite to you to come among us and attend this rite, for you are the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. Lord, You who are the freedom of the wild things the bright sun that lights the day the mystery of the forest The resolve in the heart of humanity We invite you to come among us and attend this rite, for you are the body of nature who gives life to the universe. MeditationThe old solar year has run it�its course and completed it�its cycle. So to have some of our habits or traits completed their cycles and outlived their usefulness. This is a time for shedding that which is no longer needed. Take a few moments now to consider which things you would leave behind as you go into the coming year. (pause) As the old year dies away so to will these old ways will fade into memory. In the beginning we came from the darkness of the womb. There we were created, nourished and prepared for our birth into the light. Within us, we still carry that fertile darkness. there we hold the seeds of hopes and dreams to come. There we nourish are hopes for love, joy and peace for all. We shield these tender roots until they are strong enough to come forth and flourish in the light. Spend a little time now tending these creations to come. Name them, nurture them for they will grow with you and bloom in the coming year. (pause) As the sun strengthens above, so will our new ways grow.w. ReadingWe light this candle for the infant Solstice Sun One small flame to pierce the darkness A ray of hope A symbol of the Light within us all Light that can never be extinguished Light that will grow in glory Waxing strong, despite the cold to come Light that dispels despair and resignation Giving us a glimpse of golden days ahead Behold the light that can never die Reborn anew in the Solstice Sky! Chant Think of those who you would send positive energy to: Loved ones perhaps, those in need of healing or added strength. Perhaps people who�s names you do not know, who are living with war or hunger. You may wish to focus on that which important to you, your values, Perhaps the earth itself, or the animals who share it with us Whatever it is you wish to send your healing energy to. As we chant we will build the our energy with the turning of the wheel. As you chant feel the energy of change resonate within you. When I stop the chant, visualize the positive energy bursting forth, like the sun coming out from behind a thick cloud, and imagine strong rays of streaking out, empowering your wishes, and carrying your healing thoughts to their targets. Hoof and horn, hoof and horn
All that dies will be reborn
Corn and grain, corn and grain
All that falls will rise again
Blessing of Cakes and Wine This food and wine is the blessing of the Goddess and God to our bodies. Let us partake in it freely. As we share, let us remember to share what we have with those who have nothing. Releasing Thank you, Goddess of the Moon for attending these rites in your honor, and for sharing with us your gifts of compassion and wit. Hail, and farewell. Thank you, God of the Sun for attending these rites in your honor, and for sharing with us your gifts of freedom and rejuvenation. Hail, and farewell. Guardians of the north, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of stability. Hail and farewell Guardians of the west, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of empathy. Hail and farewell Guardians of the south, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of purity. Hail and farewell Guardians of the east, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of clarity. Hail and farewell The circle is open, yet never broken, merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again. |
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