Other Names for Yule:

Mean, Geimheidh, Alban, Arthuan, Modranict (Mother Night)

Date: December 20-22 depending upon calendar. Sun @ 1 degree Capicorn

Meaning of word: Yule means “wheel�?Scandinivian derivatio;Solstice means - the sun stands still

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).

Yule Tarot Card:

Temperance

Yule Influence:

Moderation and temperance, balance, harmony joy.

Yule Symbolism:

Rebirth of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect, Planning for the Future.

Symbols of Yule:

Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, ever green boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, Christmas Cactus.

Primary ritual focus: Rebirth and reneweal form, burning of the Yule log

Age of Holiday: Wooden pillars through out Europe aligned with the rising sun of the winter solstice have been recently dated to 3200 - 3000 BC

Recognize that Yule is a time for closure -especially in relation to Solar driven activities in your life - groups and organizations , major work projects, corporations etc. Gracefully let go of those things that are no longer needed. Add meditation and prayer turned to lowest ebb of Solar energies to your daily activities this period.