A happy yule to all of you. Today is the shortest day of the year and therefore the longest night. Tonight we celebrate the winter solstice, the first day of winter. This is also the last seasonal celebration of the year. Or the first if that is how you roll. Yule is right at the North point in the seasonal wheel.
Just a fun fact, did you know Stonehenge was built by ancient Pagan worshipers to align with the winter and summer Solstices?
Anyway, the Yule is a time for letting go, sacrifice and forgiveness. It is a time of peace, rest and reflection.
Now is the time we celebrate the Holly King, Odin, and the return of the Sun. In Asatru traditions it kicks off a 12 day celebration.
For me, tonight I celebrated the return of longer days and shorter nights. The promise of warm weather again. I made a feast with a delicious ham. Lots of rolls for my husband. We made an alter for the Holly King, complete with a holly and ever green wreath and candles, frankincense and myrrh incense, and an offering of delicious treats made by my aunt. We started a yule fire at dusk and burned it until midnight. We had a nice peaceful evening of reflection.
You know I sat here for a long time thinking about what to write on this Yule. What I could write about the meanings and how I could go on and on about all the “Christmas Traditions” are really Pagan traditions, but you know what…
Why not share the spirit? If Christians want to burn the Yule log to honor Jesus, go for it.
There is going to be times ahead where differences are going be used against us to divide us.
To that I say no.
To that I say a Merry Yuletide To All.
AND I MEAN ALL!
Blessed be.
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