How to Celebrate Yule - Witch Tips
Yule begins on the Winter Solstice (the darkest day of the year) and is a pagan festival that celebrates light and warmth returning. It symbolizes the darkest days transition into the lighter half of the year. This festival honors themes of death, rebirth, community, charity and introspection. As we reflect on the year past, the darkness that surrounds us, and the light that reappears, it’s hard to avoid turning inward.
The celebration of Yule has existed for many centuries. Norse and Germanic traditions are what bring us many of the classic themes we celebrate during Yule such as mistletoe, evergreen trees and holly.
However, the celebration and festivals surrounding the Winter Solstice date much further back. Ancient Romans and Greeks both celebrated midwinter with festivities filled with lust and hedonism (the Greeks were celebrating Dionysus so that tells you what you need to know). Ancient Egyptians also honored the Winter Solstice and the rebirth of the Sun (god, Horus) way back in 3100 BC.
How Can We Celebrate Yule Today?
Dates: December 20-23
Direction: North
Element: Earth
Colors: Gold, green, red, silver, white
Crystals: Emerald, ruby, garnet, bloodstone, clear quartz, diamond
Herbs & Oils: Cinnamon, orange, myrrh, frankincense, cedar, pine, sage, fir
Go for a walk outside to connect with nature & find gratitude for the season
Enjoy a sunrise or sunset to reflect on the cyclical nature of life
Decorate a tree to symbolize the Tree of Life
Have a bonfire or light candles to symbolize the sun’s light returning
Burn a yule log
Decorate with bells, candles, wreaths, mistletoe, holly
Have a consenting kiss under mistletoe
Incorporate gold to symbolize the sun’s return
Feast with winter vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices
Embrace divination & introspective activities (journaling, meditation)
