In the deep hush of the ancient Slavic lands, where the air bites with frost and the forests stand skeletal, a primal energy reigns. This is the domain of Morana (or Mara, Morena, Marzanna), the Slavic Goddess of Winter, Death, Rebirth, and the liminal veil. She is the fierce, uncompromising sovereign of the frozen world, a figure often misunderstood as purely malevolent, yet whose power is essential for the cycle of existence. Morana is the necessary end that ensures a new beginning, the chilling stillness that prepares the soul for spring’s explosion.
For the modern witch and pagan, working with Morana is a profound journey into shadow work, self-mastery, and the courageous acceptance of life’s most final truths. She guides us in the powerful magic of release, severing what is dead, and claiming the cold, fierce strength that only winter can bestow. She is the Dread Queen of the Snows, and her wisdom is as sharp as an icicle.
Who is Morana? The Goddess of the Sacred End
When the light recedes, the harvest is gathered, and the earth hardens under a mantle of ice, it is Morana who is whispering through the winds. She is a deity of duality, commanding the season of winter, the finality of death, the mysteries of the underworld, and the vital spark of spiritual rebirth.
Morana is the embodiment of the cyclical nature of existence. She holds dominion over the darkest half of the year, governing the cessation of life that makes way for the fertile awakening of Spring. She is known as the bringer of frost, the creator of the winter stillness, and the keeper of the gates between the worlds.
Morana isn’t just a figure of doom; her origins tie her to ancient Slavic traditions where the death of the old year (and the goddess) was a sacred, vital act performed to guarantee the return of life. She represents the unyielding truth that all things must end. By embracing her, we learn the power of letting go and the fierce sovereignty found in confronting the shadow.
Morana, Deity of Death, Winter, and the Shadow Self
Morana’s names—Mara (from an Indo-European root meaning ‘death’) or Marzanna (perhaps tied to ‘mors’ or ‘freezing’)—underscore her primal connection to the final breath and the frozen season. She is not cruel, but she is uncompromising.
As Goddess of Winter: Morana arrives when the sun god, Svarog, weakens. She blankets the world in snow, forcing introspection, stillness, and conservation of energy. This stillness is a powerful lesson in non-action and inner wisdom.
As Goddess of Death and Rebirth: She governs the passage of souls and the necessary decay of the material world. To work with Morana is to work with the magic of release—cutting ties to old wounds, habits, and relationships that no longer serve. Her power is the scythe that prunes the dead wood so that the living may flourish.
As a Dark Feminine Archetype: Morana represents the untamed, sovereign feminine that refuses to be softened or subdued. She is the Queen who needs no validation, standing in the purity of her own formidable power. She is the shadow self, the cold wisdom, and the ultimate truth-teller.
Myths, Legends, and the Rite of Drowning
Morana’s most enduring myth is less a tale and more a sacred, annual rite—her ritual death by fire and drowning at the start of spring (often around the Spring Equinox/Ostara).
In Slavic lands, Morana (often embodied as an effigy or straw doll, dressed in white or dark rags) is paraded through the village and then violently destroyed—burned, torn apart, or, most famously, drowned in a river. This act is not born of hatred, but of a deep, primal understanding of cyclical magic:
The Death of Morana is the Birth of Spring.
Her sacrifice cleanses the land of the previous year’s ills, plagues, and, crucially, the harsh grip of winter. Her effigy absorbs the accumulated darkness, and by sending her (and it) away, the Slavs ceremoniously ushered in Vesna (the spring goddess).
This myth teaches the witchcraft principle of transference and release. We intentionally load what we wish to be rid of onto an object or thought-form, and then destroy it. Morana is the ultimate figure of letting go so that evolution can occur.
Familial ties and Cosmic Balance
In the complex weave of the Slavic pantheon, Morana is often seen as:
Daughter of Lada and Svarog: Placing her among the primary, cosmic deities.
Wife/Consort of Chernobog (The Black God): Solidifying her role as a dark, chthonic force and partner to the primordial god of chaos and shadow, emphasizing the necessary balance of light and dark.
Sister to Yarilo/Jarilo (God of Spring): This kinship powerfully reinforces the cycle. Morana’s death ensures her brother’s vibrant return, demonstrating a divine balance where one cannot exist without the other.
Correspondences for Morana
Correspondences are the magical language used to invoke, honor, and connect with a deity’s specific energy. Trust your intuition above all when selecting items for her altar or rituals.
Death (XIII), The High Priestess (II), The Hanged Man (XII)
Timing
Waning Moon, New Moon, Midnight
Signs Morana May Be Calling You
The call of Morana is rarely gentle; it is a primal urge, a chill that settles in your spirit. If you feel drawn to her, it is likely you are in a season of profound, necessary change. Here are signs she may be reaching out:
You are experiencing a life-shattering ending—a job, a relationship, or a painful identity shift.
You feel a powerful, internal pull toward shadow work and confronting your deepest fears.
You are fascinated by the cycles of death, decay, and transformation.
You feel a strong affinity for the winter season, its silence, and its stark beauty.
You consistently hear or see her name, or are drawn to her associated colors (black, white, icy blue).
You are struggling to maintain fierce boundaries and need the strength to say No and let things go.
She appears in your dreams as a regal figure of ice, a figure by a frozen river, or a silent, dark presence.
Ways to Work With and Connect To Morana
Connecting with Morana requires respect, courage, and a willingness to step into the darkness. She is a powerful ally for the witch dedicated to self-sovereignty and transformative magic.
Practice Active Release: During the winter, write down a habit, fear, or past wound you wish to release. Place the paper in a jar of water and freeze it, symbolically binding it in Morana’s icy grip. When spring arrives, melt the ice and pour the water into the earth far from your home.
Deep Shadow Work: Invoke Morana to guide you through your inner landscape. Ask her to be the scythe that cuts away self-deception and what holds you back. Use obsidian or black tourmaline during your meditations.
Honoring the Rite of Drowning (Symbolically): At the transition from winter to spring, create a small, temporary altar (perhaps with pine needles and ice) and thank her for the lessons of winter. Then, ritually pack it away to welcome Vesna.
Consecrate Boundary Magic: Ask Morana to charge your wards and protective spells. Her energy is uncompromising and excellent for establishing clear, cold lines of demarcation.
Divination in the Dark: Use a black scrying mirror or a bowl of water under the New or Waning Moon to seek her cold, unvarnished truth about a situation.
Create a Winter Altar: Dedicate a space during the cold months with her colors, a bowl of snow or ice (if safe), pine branches, and a plain black or white candle.
Offerings for Morana
Morana favors offerings that reflect her cold, stark, and elemental nature.
Black or White Candles (especially during the darkest part of the year)
Pieces of Ice or a small bowl of fresh, clean snow.
Willow, Pine, or Cypress Branches/Needles.
A simple Mirror (symbolizing her reflection of truth).
Onyx, Jet, or Obsidian stones.
Dark Wine (spilled or poured outdoors where permitted).
Quiet contemplation and a vow to face a painful truth.
Sovereignty Ritual: The Cold Acceptance
This ritual is for those ready to face a painful truth, release a stagnant attachment, or sever a tie that is draining their vital energy.
Materials:
One black candle.
A piece of paper and a pen.
A small, fire-safe bowl.
A protective crystal (like Black Tourmaline).
A bowl of water or ice.
Steps:
Purify and Ground: Light the black candle and hold the crystal, placing the bowl of water/ice nearby to invoke Morana’s element. Take a moment to settle into the sacred space.
Invoke Morana: “Morana, Dread Queen of the Snows, Keeper of the Scythe, I invite your fierce, uncompromising truth. Grant me the cold courage to sever what must end.”
The Severance: On the paper, clearly write the thing you must release (a fear, a person’s influence, a toxic habit, a limiting belief). Be brutally honest.
The Vow: Hold the paper near the candle flame (do not light it yet) and state your vow: “I accept the necessity of this ending. I release [the written item]. Morana, give me the strength to let this go and claim the fertile stillness it creates.”
Release by Fire: Carefully light the paper from the candle flame and drop it into the fire-safe bowl, watching it burn to ash. As the last embers glow, say: “It is done. It is ended. I am sovereign.”
Integration: Look at the water/ice, thanking Morana for her cold clarity. Extinguish the black candle. Carry the ashes outdoors and return them to the earth, the ultimate cycle of decay and rebirth.
Solstice Magic: Morana’s Deepest Stillness Ritual
The Winter Solstice, or Yule, marks the longest night of the year and the symbolic peak of Morana’s reign. This is the moment of deepest stillness, where the Earth pauses, allowing us to descend into radical introspection and prepare the soil for eventual return of light. This ritual is designed to honor the dark and harness the power of Morana for spiritual conservation and necessary release before the wheel turns.
Materials
Black Candle: To symbolize the darkness and Morana’s reign.
An Offering: A small bowl of fresh snow, ice, or dark, strong-smelling herbs (like cypress or pine needles).
A Container for Release: A small glass jar or a piece of slate/stone.
Paper and Pen: Black paper or dark ink is ideal.
A Personal Symbol of Sovereignty: A piece of jewelry, a ring, or a small crown to be charged.
The Rite of Deep Winter
Purify and Cast the Circle: On the night of the Solstice, cleanse your space and cast your circle according to your tradition. Light the black candle, placing it centrally on your altar.
Invocation: Stand before the altar and feel the cold energy of the season settling in your bones. Speak to Morana:“Morana, Weaver of Frost and Shadow, Queen of the Deep Night. I honor your sovereignty and your uncompromising truth. On this longest night, I seek the stillness that precedes rebirth. Guide my gaze into the essential dark.”
The Stillness Meditation: Sit before the candle. Gaze into the flame, then close your eyes. Visualize the world blanketed in deep, silent snow. Feel the need to conserve energy. Ask yourself:
What unnecessary noise, activity, or attachment must I let freeze and fall away?
What is the core, essential truth that remains when all else is stripped away?
The Release: Open your eyes. On the dark paper, write down one or two things you are consciously choosing to release and leave behind in the dark year—a pattern, a limiting belief, or a draining relationship. Write it clearly and unequivocally.
Entrusting to the Frost: Fold the paper and place it into the jar or under the stone. Say:“I entrust this burden (or pattern) to Morana’s freeze. It is dead. It is done. It will not cross the threshold of the returning light.”
Charging the Sovereignty: Take your personal symbol of sovereignty. Hold it above the black candle flame (safely!) and then touch it to the bowl of ice or snow. Say:“May the cold clarity of Morana infuse this (item). May I wear her sovereignty, her fierce boundary, and her silent, unyielding power throughout the turning year. I am the sovereign of my own life.”
Closing: Leave the black candle to burn down completely (safely, if possible), or extinguish it to be relit until the end of the Solstice period. Thank Morana for her wisdom and release the circle. Leave the jar or stone on your altar until the spring equinox.
Spell of Morana’s Icy Barricade: Setting Unyielding Boundaries
Morana is the master of absolute boundaries—the frost line that kills what cannot survive and the icy barrier that holds back the spring until the exact moment of power. This spell harnesses her uncompromising energy to create a strong, clear, and cold psychic barrier around you or your sacred space.
Morana’s Ingredients for Protection
A Small Vial, Black Cloth Bag, or Salt Jar: The vessel for the spell.
Salt: Black salt, rock salt, or coarse sea salt for absorption and defense.
A Sharp Thorn or Pin: To symbolize cutting, severance, and the point of contact (you can substitute a small piece of obsidian).
Pine Needles: For ever-green protection and conservation.
Willow Bark or Cypress: To banish and represent connection to the dead/underworld.
A Piece of Paper with a Sigil: Draw a simple sigil representing “Unyielding Boundary” or “No Trespassing.”
The Spellcasting: Creating the Barricade
Preparation: Assemble your ingredients on your altar, focusing on the dark, clear, and cold energy of Morana. Hold the vessel (vial or bag) and visualize it becoming a piece of unbreakable, opaque ice.
Infusing the Salt: Take the salt in your hand. Feel it drawing all scattered energy inward. Say:“Salt of the Earth, cold and deep, bind all that would seek to creep. May this become the foundation of Morana’s keep.”
Layering the Protection: Add the ingredients to the vessel in layers, focusing on their protective qualities:
Add the Pine Needles and Willow/Cypress:“May what drains me freeze and fall away.”
Add the Thorn/Pin/Obsidian:“May any intrusion find a sharp and swift retreat.”
Place the Sigil inside: “I seal the perimeter of my will. My boundary is unyielding.”
The Invocation and Charge: Seal the vessel (tie the bag, cap the vial). Hold it between your hands and raise it over your black candle. Close your eyes and visualize a wall of shimmering, obsidian ice forming around you, reflecting all unwanted energy back to its source.“By the power of Morana, Queen of the Winter and the Severing Scythe, I charge this Icy Barricade. No energy, no intent, no word, and no person shall cross the line I draw, unless invited by my sovereign will. This boundary is sharp, cold, and absolute. Sovereignty is held. So it is sealed.“
Placement: Place the finished Icy Barricade near your front door, in your office, or carry it with you to enforce powerful, necessary boundaries in your daily interactions.
Why Work with Morana?
Morana’s magic is not about sweetness or comfort; it is about unyielding self-sovereignty. She teaches that there is profound power in the ability to let go, to stand in the stillness of winter, and to recognize that every ending is a sacred, necessary precondition for the next beginning.
She is the ultimate patron for the witch who is ready to stop being defined by what others want and instead embrace their own fierce, uncompromising, and powerful truth. She reminds you: You are not what you carry; you are the sovereign who chooses what to release.
I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.
My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.
When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.
Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!
The New Moon in Sagittarius arrives on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:45 a.m. CST. This powerful lunation—the very last New Moon of the calendar year—falls in the sign of the Archer, inviting us to look far beyond our current horizon, fire our most ambitious intentions, and prepare for the journey of 2026.
This New Moon activates the energy of the mutable fire sign, Sagittarius, bringing a focused intensity to themes of expansion, truth, philosophy, travel, and optimism. New moons are always a time of fresh beginnings and planting seeds, and this one asks us to gather the spiritual lessons of 2025 and use them as fuel to launch the grandest, most optimistic vision for the year ahead.
Let this New Moon in Sagittarius guide you to ignite your wildest truth, define your personal philosophy, and launch the first arrow of 2026, ensuring your highest aspirations are clearly set before the Winter Solstice turns the wheel.
New Moon: What It Is and Why We Honor It
Every month, the new moon brings the lunar cycle to its deepest, darkest point, cloaking the night in an absence of visible light. This phase marks a time of genesis, intention-setting, and renewal. It is when the seeds of desire are quietly planted in the fertile darkness, initiating the growth that will culminate at the full moon.
The new moon is a sacred time to pause, look inward, and define the trajectory of the next 28 days—and in this case, the entire coming year. This isn’t just a celestial event—it’s a call to dream bravely and commit to the steps needed to expand your life beyond its current limits.
This Final New Moon in Sagittarius carries the unique magic of the year’s end, blending lunar genesis with the season’s call to plot our future adventures. It’s a time to set intentions that are expansive, honest, and philosophically sound.
Sagittarius: The Sign of Truth and Expansion
Each new moon is shaped by the zodiac sign it falls in. This New Moon in Sagittarius (expansion, adventure) is activated while the Sun is also in Sagittarius. Who is Sagittarius?
Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac, spans November 22 to December 21, ruled by Jupiter, the planet of luck, abundance, and higher learning. Symbolized by the Archer or the Centaur, Sagittarius embodies the quest for meaning, adventurous travel, and an unwavering commitment to truth. As a mutable fire sign, Sagittarius is spirited, idealistic, and constantly moving toward a greater understanding. This sign governs the Ninth House of philosophy, long-distance travel, and higher education, urging us to define our personal belief system and live by it.
Sagittarius Energy in Myth and History
In mythology, the Centaur is often Chiron, the wise teacher and healer who guides heroes on their quests. This reflects the Sagittarian core theme: the integration of the raw, primal fire (the horse) with the clear-sighted, philosophical mind (the archer). The arrow symbolizes the direct trajectory of the spirit, always aimed toward a distant, noble goal—truth, freedom, or wisdom.
The Significance of the Final New Moon
As the last new moon of the 2025 calendar year, this lunation holds immense significance for intentional creation:
The Final Launchpad: This is your last, major spiritual opportunity to plant the seeds for the big, overarching themes of your 2026 journey. What belief or grand adventure do you want to define your new year?
Defining Your Philosophy: Sagittarius demands that we get honest about what we truly believe. The intentions set now are not just goals; they are a commitment to a higher code of conduct that will guide you through the next 12 months.
Igniting Optimism: This New Moon serves as an antidote to the winter gloom. Its fiery, Jupiter-ruled energy is fiercely optimistic, encouraging you to ignore doubt and aim your arrow at the impossible. Use this energy to feel excited about the path ahead.
Themes of the New Moon in Sagittarius
This Sagittarius New Moon brings themes of expansion, freedom, and truth, urging us to define our trajectory for the year ahead with boldness. We’ll feel a pull toward higher knowledge, travel, honest self-assessment, and optimistic belief.
Expansion: Setting intentions that require a major leap of faith or a significant growth period.
Truth/Honesty: Being radically honest about what you want and what you need to believe to get it.
Adventure/Travel: Dreaming up new experiences, literal or figurative journeys, and higher learning.
Belief: Committing to an optimistic, empowering philosophy that lifts you up.
Freedom: Releasing constraints, whether mental, physical, or spiritual, to live without limits.
What to Be Cautious Of With the Sagittarius New Moon
Sagittarius’s energy, when unchecked, can lead to over-promising, recklessness, or dogmatism. This New Moon might amplify a tendency toward self-righteousness, tactlessness, or a refusal to deal with necessary details.
Be wary of:
Tactless Truth: Sagittarius can speak its truth without care for others’ feelings. Ground your intention-setting in compassion.
Over-Idealization: Don’t shoot for goals so massive they bypass the necessary groundwork. Be idealistic, but anchor it with a first step.
Aversion to Detail: While your vision should be grand, remember that the Devil is in the details. Don’t ignore practical planning just to chase the big dream.
Sagittarius and The Quest
As a free witch, I cherish the relentless pursuit of meaning. Sagittarius embodies this—the light side is philosophical, generous, and inspiring; the shadow side is restless, judgmental, and commitment-phobic.
This New Moon demands that we align our quest with our current reality. What is the greatest spiritual adventure you can embark on in 2026? The task is to set a vision so compelling that the smaller struggles of the day become irrelevant, knowing they are just steps on the way to the ultimate prize.
Correspondences for the Sagittarius New Moon
Category
Correspondence
Planet
Jupiter ♃
Element
Fire
Modality
Mutable
Symbol
The Archer / Centaur
Colors
Deep Blue, Purple, Burgundy
Motto
“I See”
Chakra
Third Eye / Crown Chakra
Herbs
Clove, Nutmeg, Sage, Star Anise
Stones/Crystals
Turquoise, Sodalite, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli
Tarot
Temperance
House
Ninth House
How to Connect to the New Moon in Sagittarius
This New Moon calls for rituals centered on vision, belief, and honest commitment. Focus on planting seeds that require faith and time to come to fruition.
Vision Board Creation: Create a detailed vision board or write a “Letter from the Future” (dated December 2026) detailing the big adventures and lessons you mastered.
Truth Meditation: Meditate on your Third Eye chakra (intuition and vision) using Lapis Lazuli or Amethyst. Ask: “What is my highest, truest path for 2026?”
Jupiter Offering: Light an orange or purple candle and make an offering (like dried fruit or a coin) to Jupiter/Zeus, asking for luck and abundance on your expansive journey.
Belief Audit: Write down three beliefs you want to shed from 2025 and three new, expansive beliefs you commit to adopting in 2026.
Divination: Perform a Two-Card Spread (The Vision / The First Step) to clarify your path forward.
Shadow Work Questions for the Sagittarius New Moon
Use these prompts to journal, reflect, and set intentions that launch you beyond your current self-imposed limits.
What major journey (literal or metaphorical) am I ready to commit to in 2026?
What self-limiting belief am I willing to challenge and replace with a radically optimistic one?
Where am I being dishonest with myself about my own potential?
What is the highest truth I need to embody and teach others next year?
How can I bring more freedom and adventure into my day-to-day routine?
What knowledge or skill must I acquire to reach my grandest goal?
The Archer’s Abundance Spell: Launching 2026 Wealth
This ritual utilizes the focused, aspirational energy of Sagittarius and the fertile darkness of the New Moon to clearly define and launch your intentions for abundance, wealth, and expansion in the coming year.
Best Performed: On Friday, December 19, 2025 (New Moon in Sagittarius).
I. Preparation: Gathering Your Tools
Gather these materials before you begin:
Candle: One Deep Blue (for Jupiter/Expansion) or Green (for Abundance) pillar candle.
Amulet: A piece of Turquoise, Amethyst, or Citrine (to hold your intention).
Incense/Herb:Sage (for clearing) and/or Nutmeg or Cinnamon (for luck and drawing wealth).
Paper & Pen: A clean sheet of paper and a pen with blue or gold ink.
A Single Coin: A shiny coin (representing financial wealth).
Focus Object: A small picture, symbol, or object representing your grand 2026 goal (e.g., a key to a new home, a globe for travel, or a picture of a desired business success).
II. Setting the Sacred Space
Cleanse: Light your Sage and smudge your ritual space, moving the smoke clockwise. Say aloud: “I clear this space of all doubt, clutter, and limiting beliefs. Only clarity and abundance remain.”
Ground: Sit comfortably. Hold your coin in your hands and focus on your breath. Visualize deep, earthy roots growing from your seat, grounding you while your mind (Sagittarius) reaches for the stars.
Anoint the Candle: Take your blue or green candle. Using a safe oil (like olive or grapeseed), anoint it by rubbing the oil from the middle up (to draw things in) and then from the middle down (to draw things to you).
Inscribe the Candle: Use a toothpick or sharp implement to carve your intention into the side of the candle. Use simple, powerful words like: PROSPERITY, ADVENTURE, EXPANSION, 2026 LUCK. Place your focus object next to the candle.
III. The Archer’s Abundance Launch Spell
This ritual focuses on aiming your energy directly at your goal.
Writing the Intention Arrow (The Shaft):
Take your paper and pen. At the top, write a powerful statement beginning with the words: “For 2026, I am expanding…”
Write a list of at least nine specific, expansive, and ambitious intentions for abundance and growth in the new year. (Example: “I am expanding my income to $X amount.” “I am expanding my spiritual practice to include daily meditation.” “I am expanding my world through adventurous travel.”)
Be audacious! Sagittarius encourages you to aim high.
The Archer’s Focus (The Draw):
Fold the paper three times toward you (to bring the intention closer). Place the paper beneath your candle.
Light the candle. As the flame catches, look into it and hold your coin and amulet in your non-dominant hand.
Close your eyes and visualize the coin transforming into a glowing, fiery arrow in your mind’s eye. This is your Sagittarian arrow of intent.
The Charge: Now, visualize yourself drawing the bowstring back, pulling the arrow tight, focusing all the year’s lessons, all your optimism, and all Jupiter’s luck into that single point of focus.
The Launch (The Release):
Open your eyes and look at the flame. State the following incantation three times with deep conviction:
“By the darkness of the New Moon and the light of Jupiter’s grace,I define my vision for the year and claim my rightful place.This abundant arrow is forged in fire, aimed for 2026’s peak,All limiting stories are undone; my prosperous truth I now speak.I launch this wealth, I launch this joy, I launch this grand design,As the Archer aims for the horizon, so too, shall be mine. So Mote It Be!”
The Sealing:
Hold your coin and amulet up to the candlelight, sealing your intentions within them.
Place the coin in your wallet or on your altar as a token of the energy you have launched. Carry the amulet with you daily.
IV. Closing and Integration
Meditation: Spend at least five minutes sitting in silence with the lit candle, feeling the expansive, optimistic energy of Sagittarius fill your space. Let your mind run free, dreaming without limits.
Let It Burn: Allow the candle to safely burn down completely (or snuff it and re-light it for nine days). As it burns, it sends your intent out to the universe.
Integrate: The Sagittarius lesson is about taking the first step on the journey. Before you leave your space, write down one small, actionable first step you can take tomorrow toward one of your big 2026 goals.
Your work is done. The arrow has been launched!
Final Thoughts for the New Moon in Sagittarius
As the final New Moon of 2025 in Sagittarius on December 19th blankets the night, let it be the moment you confidently launch your arrow into the darkness. This cycle invites you to define your core truth, set a vision that is expansive and bold, and commit to the spiritual adventure of the coming year.
Take this time to trust the wisdom you’ve gathered, embrace your innate optimism, and intentionally plant the seeds that will grow into the magnificent story of your 2026. How will you use the fertile darkness of this final New Moon to ignite your path?
I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.
My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.
When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.
Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!
The air is cold and winter is the season we are wrapped up in as the days get shorter and the nights get longer. As we snuggle into our blankets, with our cups of cocoa next to our hearths lit to keep us warm we can’t help but, notice the snow fall. Snow and ice are nature’s pristine canvas, a profound and quiet transformation that blankets the world in silent power. In the depth of winter, especially in places where the snow is a familiar presence, these frozen waters hold an ancient, potent magic. They symbolize stillness, clarity, preservation, and the fertile potential that rests beneath the cold surface. From the whisper of a single snowflake to the silent grip of an ice storm, working with these elements is about embracing the pause—the moment of perfect, crystalline stasis before the next cycle begins.
This guide will journey through the Nivamancy of the North, explore the deities who rule the frozen realms, and provide you with practical, powerful ways to incorporate the chilling beauty of snow and ice into your magical rites and spellwork this winter.
What Are Snow and Ice?
Before we dive into the frozen depths of this magic, let’s define these elements beyond their molecular structure. Snow is the frozen crystalline water that falls from the sky, each flake unique, often symbolizing individuality and purity. Ice is water in its solid state, a powerful form of preservation and stasis, which can be clear as glass or opaque with captured air. Both are expressions of the Winter Element—a powerful blend of Water’s intuition and Earth’s structure.
Fun Facts About Snow and Ice:
Snowflakes are Six-Sided: Due to the hydrogen bonding in water molecules, snowflakes almost always form a hexagonal (six-sided) structure, linking them to sacred geometry.
Ice is Insulating: While cold, a layer of snow and ice actually acts as an insulator, protecting the ground and plant life beneath from extreme cold.
The Science of Uniqueness: Though the old saying is charming, it’s virtually impossible for two complex snow crystals to be exactly alike due to the sheer number of possible growth conditions.
Glacial Ice is Blue: Ancient, highly compressed glacial ice absorbs red light and reflects blue light, making it appear deep blue, a color associated with deep intuition and the throat chakra.
The Sound of Silence: Snow is an excellent sound absorber. When it falls thickly, the resulting quiet is a real phenomenon due to sound waves being absorbed by the fluffy structure.
The Magic of Winter: A Season of Stillness and Clarity
For those of us living where winter is defined by a blanket of white, the season is a powerful time for snow magic. It is a time for deep introspection, radical honesty, and planting the seeds of the coming year beneath the frozen ground. The magic of snow and ice in our local winter amplifies intentions focused on:
Cleansing: The pristine nature of fresh snow is unmatched for washing away the residue of the past year.
Protection: The hardened, unyielding nature of ice creates powerful, silent shields.
Clarity: The crystalline structure offers clear vision for divination and focused intention.
Manifestation: Just as seeds rest preserved under the snow, intentions set in this season are preserved and empowered until the spring thaw.
Snow and Ice Across Myths and Legends
The frozen elements have captivated and sometimes terrified humanity, weaving themselves into the spiritual tapestries of cultures across the globe.
Culture
Myth/Legend Focusing on Snow/Ice
Magical/Spiritual Significance
Inuit (Arctic Regions)
The Sedna and the Sea Woman: Often associated with the cold depths of the ocean and the weather. Snow and ice are the essential, life-giving, yet challenging, environment of the spirits.
Embodies respect for the harshness and sustenance of the environment. Used in rites for hunting success and protection from storms.
Norse Mythology (Scandinavia)
Jötunheimr, the world of the Giants, is described as an intensely cold and icy place. Ymir, the first giant, was born from the meeting of the ice of Niflheim and the fire of Muspelheim.
The primordial source of creation and destruction. Ice is a powerful, ancient force, a cosmic forge.
Japan (Folk Tales)
Yuki-onna (Snow Woman): A spirit or Yōkai of snow and ice storms, often depicted as beautiful yet deadly. She is associated with the cold grip of winter.
Represents the beautiful but dangerous duality of nature; a warning about the deceptive stillness of the cold.
Slavic Folklore (Eastern Europe)
Morozko (Father Frost): A powerful winter spirit or minor deity, sometimes harsh, sometimes benevolent, who rewards the good and punishes the wicked with cold and snow.
Symbolizes the harsh lesson and purification of the winter season, tied to judgment and spiritual endurance.
Celtic (Ireland/Scotland)
The Cailleach (Veiled One/Winter Hag): An ancient goddess or divine hag who often ushers in winter, freezing the land with her staff and ruling the ice and snow.
Embodies sovereignty, the crone aspect of the Goddess, and the necessary winter pause before renewal.
North American Indigenous
Various nations have Snowbird or Ice-maker stories, often trickster figures or elemental spirits that bring the snow to cleanse the land.
Renewal, deep cleansing, and a sacred quiet that allows the earth to rest and heal.
Deities and Spirits of the Frozen Realm
To truly work with snow and ice, it is helpful to honor the entities that embody their power.
Skadi (Norse): Goddess of winter, skiing, hunting, and mountains. She embodies the wild, untamed, and cold aspects of nature. Correspondence: Endurance, sovereignty, radical self-reliance, and moving through difficult situations.
Khione (Greek): The nymph goddess of snow. A daughter of Boreas, the North Wind. Correspondence: Gentler snowfalls, the beauty of the white blanket, and quiet introspection.
Boreas (Greek/Roman): God of the North Wind and winter. He is the force that drives the ice and snow. Correspondence: Banishing, swift change, forceful clearing of negativity, and cutting through stagnation.
Nix (Latin/Germanic): Water spirits or mermaids/mermen often associated with the dangerous, frozen surfaces of rivers and lakes. Correspondence: The subtle danger and preservation magic of ice, intuition, and accessing water-based secrets.
Cailleach (Celtic): See table above. Correspondence: Crone wisdom, the deep rest cycle, generational knowledge, and ruling over the environment.
The Spiritual Meaning of Snow
Snow is more than precipitation; it is a spiritual signifier.
Purity and Tabula Rasa: Fresh snow represents a clean slate, a chance to start over. It covers the old mess, inviting a new beginning.
Individuality in Unity: Every flake is unique, yet they all come together to form the powerful blanket of winter. This teaches a lesson in community, individuality, and collective strength.
Clarity and Reflection: The bright white and crystalline structure offer intense clarity, perfect for scrying, mirror work, and seeking truth.
Fertile Sleep: Snow is the protective blanket that ensures the seeds of the new year can rest safely until spring. It is a symbol of potential and deep, necessary rest.
The Magical Properties of Snow and Ice
Element
Primary Magical Property
Intentions to Support
Snow
Purification & New Beginnings
Cleansing a space, washing away emotional debt, starting a new project, self-forgiveness.
Ice
Preservation & Stasis
Freezing a harmful situation, preserving a love or friendship, setting boundaries, slowing down unwanted change.
Snow and ice can be potent allies in spiritual and energetic healing, used to both cool and preserve.
Snow for Energetic Cleansing: Gently rub a handful of fresh, clean snow over your aura or simply walk barefoot (briefly!) in new snow to energetically shock and cleanse stagnant energy. Use it in a ritual bath to wash away a bad habit.
Ice for Pain Management: Spiritually, ice can be used in healing spells to “freeze” emotional pain, inflammation, or the spread of a sickness (use this purely for energy work, not as a replacement for medicine). Place a piece of ice wrapped in a blue cloth over your photo or a sigil related to the issue.
Meltwater Elixirs: Collect snow in a clean bowl and let it melt. This “snow water” is potent, gentle water for making flower essences, charging with crystals, or using as a base for anointing oils for self-love and emotional release.
The Freeze-Frame: Meditate on a piece of clear ice to find a moment of peaceful stasis in your life. Use this energy to calm a racing mind, promoting mental and emotional healing.
Nivamancy: Divination with Snow
Nivamancy is the ancient and local art of divination using snow. This practice involves interpreting the state, sight, or sound of snow to gain insight.
Interpreting the Fall:
Large, Fluffy Flakes: Suggest a gentle, slow period ahead, perhaps a time for rest and easy transformation.
Small, Driving Pellets/Blizzard: Warns of intense, rapid, and potentially difficult change. You may need to weather a storm, but the change will be swift.
Graupel (Soft Hail): Indicates a “mixed bag” or uncertainty. The universe is still deciding on the path forward.
Interpreting the Tracks: Look for marks or tracks in fresh snow that cross your path:
Clear, Deep Tracks: A clear path forward; your intention is grounded and ready to move.
Tracks leading to an Intersection: Suggests a decision point is coming soon.
No Tracks/Undisturbed Snow: Advises silence, rest, and waiting. The time for action is not yet.
The Snow Scry: Find a large, clean patch of new-fallen snow under moonlight. Gaze into the white surface, allowing your eyes to unfocus, and let images or messages form in the reflected light and texture. This is a very powerful, high-vibration scrying method.
Ways to Work with Snow and Ice in Your Magical Rites
Harness the unique energy of the frozen season with these specific rites and spells.
Rites and Spellwork with Snow 🌨️
Snow Water Cleansing Ritual: Collect a jar of fresh, untouched snow (ideally from your yard). Let it melt in the sun or moon, placing a Black Tourmaline crystal in the water for grounding and protection. Use this water to clean your altar tools, sprinkle over your threshold for home blessing, or anoint yourself before meditation for a clean start.
The Snow Altar: Create a temporary altar outdoors or on a porch using packed snow. Carve sigils or place crystals directly into the snow surface. When the snow melts, it sends the intention or cleansing energy directly into the earth.
Wish Snowflake Charge: Catch a single snowflake on a piece of dark fabric. Hold it, whisper a simple, high-vibration wish (e.g., “Clarity now”), and watch it dissolve. The purity of the water carries your wish swiftly to the universe.
Aura Dusting: Scoop up a few handfuls of snow, charge it with an intention for purification, and then let it melt and drop off your hands over your head, symbolically dusting your aura with fresh, clean energy.
Rites and Spellwork with Ice
Ice Box Spell (Binding/Freezing): This is the quintessential ice spell. Write a problem, person, or situation you want to stop on a piece of paper. Place the paper in a small, sealed container (like a film canister or small jar), fill it with water, and freeze it. Do not use this for malicious intent. Use it to:
Stop gossip or rumors.
“Freeze” a debt until you can pay it.
Preserve a situation (e.g., “Freeze our current state of harmony”).
Ice Protection Sigil: Draw a sigil of protection on a large, flat slab of ice (found or created in a tray) using a stick or sharp implement. As the ice melts, the protection is released as a slow, steady stream of energy, guarding the home.
Crystal Ice Charge: Place a clear quartz crystal (for amplification) or amethyst (for spiritual protection) in a small bowl of water and let it freeze overnight. Working with the crystal after it has been “charged” by the ice will give it an unyielding, fixed power perfect for boundary work.
Ice Mirror Scrying: Use a large piece of clear, freshly frozen ice as a natural scrying mirror. Its stillness provides excellent focus, and its reflective surface shows the truths that are hidden beneath the “surface” of a situation.
Skadi’s Ritual of Endurance: Finding Your Unyielding Will
This ritual is designed to align you with the fierce, wild energy of Skadi, the Norse giantess and Goddess of Winter, Mountains, and Hunting. Use this rite when you need to cultivate endurance during a difficult period, set firm boundaries, or gain unflinching clarity on a goal. It is best performed outdoors or near a window on a cold, clear night, ideally with snow on the ground.
What You’ll Need:
Offerings: A small bowl of Akvavit or strong, clear liquor (representing the Northern cold), a piece of dried meat (representing the hunt/sustenance), and a piece of natural stone or wood (from the wild).
The Ice Rune: A small, flat piece of ice (made in a freezer or collected from nature).
A Rune Stone (Optional but Recommended): The Isa (Isaz) Rune (meaning “Ice”)—a single vertical line ( $\text{ | }$ ).
Tools: A white or silver candle, a piece of paper, and a pen.
Attire: Something that makes you feel strong and protected, perhaps a favorite coat or piece of jewelry.
Steps:
1. Preparation and Grounding
Find your quiet, cold space. Light the candle, focusing on the flame’s warmth contrasted with the surrounding cold. Take three deep breaths, feeling the cold air fill your lungs—acknowledge the strength it takes to breathe and exist in the cold.
Say: “I stand upon the frozen earth, where strength is forged in stillness. I call upon the energy of the jötunn and the clarity of the crystalline mountains.”
2. Calling to Skadi
Address Skadi directly. You can use the ice on your altar as a focal point, as it represents her domain.
Say: “Hail to Skadi, the Mountain-Ruler, the Snowshoe Goddess! Daughter of Thiazi, Bride of Njord. I honor your endurance, your silence, and your unyielding gaze. I seek the strength to walk my path with your unwavering will.”
3. The Clarity of Ice (The Intention)
Hold the paper and pen. Write down the challenge you need endurance for, the boundary you need to set, or the goal that requires clarity (e.g., “I will endure this struggle until the thaw,” or “My boundary against X is absolute.”).
Place the paper under the ice, pressing it slightly so the ice adheres.
4. Charging with Isa and Will
Pick up the piece of ice (or the Isa rune stone, if you are using one). Focus on its quality: pure, unmoving, and preserving. If using the rune, visualize the single line (Isa) cutting through all doubt.
Place the ice in your palm (wear a glove if necessary for comfort) and let the cold penetrate you briefly. Feel the cold not as weakness, but as structure and resilience.
Chant (Repeat 3 times):
“Isa, Isa, unyielding line,
Freeze my doubt, make my vision shine.
Skadi’s will, a frozen stream,
Preserve my strength within this dream.”
5. Offering and Commitment
Place the ice back on your altar, covering your written intention. Offer the food and drink to Skadi, pouring a small amount of the liquor onto the ground outside or into a separate dish.
Say: “Skadi, I offer this taste of the Wild to honor your spirit. May your strength become my strength. I commit to enduring this challenge with the same clear focus and silent determination that guides your hunt.”
6. Integration and Release
Thank Skadi for her presence. Allow the candle to burn for at least 15 minutes, contemplating the cold silence and your newfound resolve.
When the ritual is complete, take the ice (with the intention paper beneath it) and place it in your freezer. This freezes your commitment to endurance and preserves the boundary you set. Keep it frozen until the challenge is past or you feel the boundary is established.
When you are ready for the situation to be completely released or transformed, you can let the ice slowly melt outside.
Post-Ritual Reflection
Journal your answers to these prompts, channeling Skadi’s quiet strength:
How did the feeling of the ice in your hand shift your perspective on your challenge?
Where in your life do you need to be more “unyielding” like the frozen mountain?
What is the first step you will take that reflects your new, clear focus?
Khione’s Serenity Ritual: The Soft Fall of Peace
This ritual is dedicated to Khione, the Greek Nymph Goddess of Snow (Daughter of Boreas, the North Wind). Khione embodies the delicate, beautiful, and purifying aspects of fresh snow. Use this rite when you need to bring gentle calm to a chaotic situation, cleanse your emotions, achieve serene clarity, or simply invite a sense of quiet beauty into your life. It is best performed during or just after a fresh, soft snowfall.
What You’ll Need:
Offerings: A small bowl of clear water (representing her essence), a single white flower (representing her gentle beauty), and a teaspoon of honey (representing soothing sweetness).
The Snow Vessel: A clean, clear glass bowl or jar filled with fresh, untouched snow.
Tools: A white or light blue candle, a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil, and a piece of blue satin or silk cloth.
Steps:
1. Preparation and Serene Stillness
Find a quiet space, ideally near a window where you can see the snow or where you have placed the bowl of snow. Lay the blue cloth down as your altar surface. Place the snow vessel in the center.
Anoint the white or blue candle with the calming oil (lavender or chamomile). Light the candle, focusing on the calm light radiating softly through the air.
Say: “I invite peace into this space. I honor the silence and the beauty of the gentle cold.”
2. Calling to Khione
Approach the snow vessel, feeling the cool energy emanating from the fresh snow. Focus on the purity of the white.
Say: “Hail Khione, Nymph of the Fluffy Snow. Daughter of the North Wind, weaver of soft silence. I honor your purity, your quiet reflection, and the cleansing beauty you spread across the land. Come, grace this space with your serenity.”
3. The Soft Fall of Clarity (The Intention)
Dip a finger into the bowl of clear water and touch the snow. Focus on an area of your life that feels chaotic or stressed (emotional turmoil, a relationship issue, or mental overstimulation).
Visualize the chaos being covered and softened by a gentle snowfall, muffling the harsh noise and bringing quiet order.
Whisper your intention into the snow: “Khione, let the soft fall of your magic cleanse [Name the issue]. Bring me stillness, bring me serenity, and grant me the clear sight that rests beneath the white.”
4. Cleansing with the Meltwater
Add the teaspoon of honey and the white flower to the clear water offering. This sweetens your request and honors the beauty of her gift.
Now, take a small pinch of the snow from the vessel. Rub it gently between your hands or over your wrists (pulse points). As the snow melts immediately, visualize it washing away any residual stress, anxiety, or negativity it touches.
Chant (Repeat slowly 3 times):“Snow melts to water, chaos yields to peace.Khione’s stillness, bring swift release.Purity granted, serenity blessed.My heart finds calm, and my soul finds rest.”
5. Offering and Integration
Thank Khione for lending her quiet strength. Place the clear water offering (now infused with honey and the flower) near your front door or window.
Say: “Khione, thank you for the gift of stillness. I will carry the serenity of your snow into my day, seeing my path with clear, calm eyes.”
Keep the bowl of snow on your altar or near a window and allow it to naturally melt over time. As the water forms, it is charging with Khione’s peaceful energy.
6. Post-Ritual Use of Khione’s Water
The melted water in the bowl is now a potent cleanser. Once fully melted, use it in one of these ways:
Gentle Anointing: Dip your fingers in the water and gently anoint your Third Eye or your temples before meditation to encourage clear, calm intuition.
Space Spray: Use the water in a spray bottle to lightly mist your workspace or bedroom to infuse the area with serenity and calm energy.
Quiet Cleansing Bath: Add a few drops to your bathwater to wash away emotional strain and prepare for restful sleep.
Post-Ritual Reflection
Journal your experience, focusing on the quality of calm and clarity:
What sounds or distractions did the gentle snow seem to “muffle” in your life today?
How does Khione’s serene energy feel different from Skadi’s fierce strength? When would you use one over the other?
What is the one peaceful action you will take tomorrow to honor the calm you found today?
Final Thoughts: The Sweetness of the Cold
Working with snow and ice magic is an exercise in respecting stillness, boundaries, and the necessary pauses in life. Just as the earth must freeze to rest and renew, we too benefit from the clarity and preservation magic of the frozen waters. This winter, as the snow falls over your home, remember the unique power it holds. Let the ice protect your boundaries, and let the snow cleanse your spirit, preparing you for the fertile growth that will inevitably follow the thaw.
I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.
My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.
When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.
Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!
The Cold Full Moon in Gemini arrives on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 8:14 p.m. CST. This brilliant lunation—which is also a dazzling Supermoon—shines its highest light right at the threshold of the deepest winter, inviting us to illuminate our thoughts, speak our final truths, and prepare for the quiet hibernation ahead.
This full moon activates the energy of the mutable air sign, Gemini, bringing a sharp focus to themes of communication, duality, choice, and mental clarity. Full moons are always a time of culmination and release, and this one asks us to harvest the intellectual lessons learned over the last six months and choose which ideas, stories, and connections we are ready to leave behind before the calendar flips.
Let this Cold Full Moon in Gemini guide you to harvest clarity from the mental noise, reconcile your inner contradictions, and intentionally close the communication loops of 2025, ensuring only what serves your future steps into the new year with you.
Full Moon: What It Is and Why We Honor It
Every month, the full moon brings the lunar cycle to its peak, bathing the night in powerful, visible light. This phase marks a time of culmination, manifestation, and release. It is when the seeds planted during the preceding new moon come to full expression, illuminating what has grown—and what needs to be cut away.
The full moon is a sacred time to pause, acknowledge your accomplishments, and cleanse your energy of anything hindering your alignment. This isn’t just a celestial event—it’s a call to shed burdens and prepare for the quiet rest of the waning cycle.
This Cold Full Moon in Gemini carries the unique magic of the year’s end, blending lunar completion with the season’s call for stillness and clarity. It’s a time to harvest mental lessons and prepare for the deep introspection of the Winter Solstice.
Gemini: The Sign of Clarity and Communication
Each full moon is shaped by its opposing zodiac sign. The Sun is in Sagittarius (expansion, philosophy), which means the Moon is full in Gemini (communication, details). Who is Gemini?
Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac, spans May 21 to June 20, ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, intellect, and travel. Symbolized by the Twins, Gemini embodies duality, curiosity, and the quest to gather and disseminate information. As a mutable air sign, Gemini adapts and moves quickly, offering mental agility and a talent for connecting diverse ideas. This sign governs the Third House of communication, short trips, and local community, urging us to align our thoughts and words with purpose.
Gemini Energy in Myth and History
In mythology, the Gemini twins are Castor and Pollux, symbolizing the dual nature of life: the mortal and the immortal, the light and the shadow. This reflects Gemini’s core theme: the integration of two opposing ideas or energies. The constellation itself is a beacon of high visibility and quick movement—a light that encourages rapid mental shifts and conversational flow.
The Cold Moon: The Final Full Moon of 2025
The December full moon is traditionally named the Cold Moon, marking the onset of the deepest winter when the nights are long and the air is frigid. This name reminds us of winter’s essential wisdom: growth happens in the quiet.
The Significance of the Final Full Moon
As the last full moon of the 2025 calendar year, this lunation holds immense significance for intentional closure:
Final Release Point: This is your last, major spiritual checkpoint to release emotional baggage, stale communication patterns, and unfulfilled promises before the new year officially begins. What story from 2025 are you still repeating that you need to end?
The Quantum Leap: This full moon helps set the stage for your 2026 timeline. The choices you make and the clarity you gain now create a quantum leap forward, aligning you with the highest possibilities for your future.
Highest Light: Being a Supermoon, this lunation appears brighter and closer, amplifying its energy. Furthermore, the December full moon is the highest-rising full moon of the year (until 2042!), meaning its light powerfully illuminates every corner of your life that needs a final review. Use this amplified light to see your mental patterns with unflinching honesty.
Themes of the Cold Full Moon in Gemini
This Gemini Full Moon brings themes of clarity, choice, and duality, urging us to bring our mental processes to a brilliant conclusion. We’ll feel a pull to reconcile inner contradictions, speak our truth, and make final decisions about the path ahead.
Clarity: Cutting through mental confusion to achieve simple understanding.
Communication: Speaking your truth, releasing unsaid words, and listening with an open mind.
Duality/Integration: Reconciling the two parts of yourself (e.g., the public self vs. the private self).
Choice: Finalizing decisions that have been debated or delayed.
Release of Stories: Letting go of old beliefs, narratives, or limiting self-talk that holds you back.
What to Be Cautious Of With the Gemini Full Moon
Gemini’s energy, when unchecked, can lead to overthinking, anxiety, or intellectual superficiality. This full moon might amplify a tendency toward gossip, fractured focus, or the infamous “Gemini split.”
Be wary of:
Information Overload: Don’t drown in research or excessive social media scrolling. Ground your thoughts.
Reactive Communication: The emotional intensity of the full moon combined with Gemini’s speed can lead to saying something impulsive or hurtful. Pause and respond, don’t react.
Indecision: This is a choice point. Do not allow analysis paralysis to stop you from finalizing important decisions.
Gemini and Duality
As a free witch, I cherish the duality in every energy. Gemini embodies this perfectly—the light side is curious, witty, and adaptable; the shadow side is scattered, anxious, and two-faced.
This Full Moon demands that we look at our own duality. Where do you contradict yourself? Which of the Twins is running the show? The task is not to eliminate one side, but to integrate them—to bring your head and your heart into conversation so that your choices are whole and aligned.
Correspondences for the Gemini Full Moon
Category
Correspondence
Planet
Mercury ☿
Element
Air 🌬️
Modality
Mutable
Symbol
The Twins ♊
Colors
Yellow, Light Blue, Silver, White
Motto
“I Think”
Chakra
Throat Chakra
Herbs
Lavender, Dill, Fennel, Anise
Stones/Crystals
Agate, Blue Lace Agate, Citrine, Moonstone
Tarot
The Lovers, The Magician
House
Third House
How to Connect to the Cold Full Moon in Gemini
This Full Moon calls for rituals centered on clarity, release, and communication. Focus on bringing culmination to ongoing projects or debates in your life.
Communication Release Rituals: Write a letter to someone (or yourself) expressing everything you need to say, and then safely burn or tear up the letter as a symbolic release.
Mercury Cleansing: Cleanse your electronics, clear your inbox, and organize your desk to clear mental clutter.
Throat Chakra Work: Meditate on the color blue or use Blue Lace Agate to support honest, gentle self-expression.
Final Year Review: Journal about the themes of 2025 and celebrate the major lessons learned.
Mantra Work: Create a simple, clear affirmation and repeat it under the bright moonlight (e.g., “I choose clarity; I release confusion.”)
Divination: Perform a Three-Card Spread (Past Story, Present Choice, Future Story) to gain perspective on a challenging decision.
Shadow Work Questions for the Gemini Full Moon
Use these prompts to journal, reflect, and set intentions to release mental blocks and self-defeating narratives.
What stories or beliefs about myself am I ready to stop repeating?
Where in my life am I suffering from “analysis paralysis,” and what simple choice can I make now?
What inner contradiction (e.g., fear of success vs. desire for success) am I ready to integrate?
How can I be kinder and clearer in my communication, both to myself and others?
What thought patterns drain my energy or cause me anxiety? How can I create a boundary against them?
What is the final truth I need to speak or hear before the end of this calendar year?
Final Thoughts for the Cold Full Moon in Gemini
As the Cold Full Moon in Gemini on December 4th illuminates the winter sky, let it be your final beacon of clarity for 2025. This cycle invites you to honor the mental work you’ve done, release the static and noise, and make conscious choices that pave the way for a simplified, intentional 2026.
Take this time to celebrate your growth, trust your intuition, and intentionally close the loop on anything that no longer resonates with your highest path. How will you use the light of this final full moon to harvest clarity?
I am Kayreign, the Divine Oracle of the Gods and Keeper of Mysteries, a solitary grey magic practitioner with over 15 years of experience walking the sacred paths of the unseen. As a mystic and relentless seeker of all knowledge, I weave together the threads of every magical tradition—light and dark, ancient and modern—to uncover the universal truths that bind us to the cosmos. My mission is to restore and re-enchant magic in this realm, igniting its spark in every soul I encounter, and guiding you to embrace the full spectrum of your being.
My work is rooted in the power of duality, honoring the dance between shadow and light as equal partners in your spiritual journey. I hold space for you to explore all magic paths and practices, drawing from the vast tapestry of mystical wisdom to help you uncover your unique magic and sacred contracts. As the Divine Oracle of the Gods, I channel divine insights to illuminate your path; as the Keeper of Mysteries, I guide you into the depths of the unknown, where true transformation awaits.
When you work with me, you’ll learn to live in energetic balance, embracing your darkness as a source of power, not just a stepping stone to the light. I’ll hold up a mirror to reflect your authentic self—unmasked, raw, and whole—inviting you to face your past wounds, traumas, and hurts with courage. Together, we’ll alchemize every chapter of your story, dark and light, into a blazing internal flame that lights your way on even the coldest nights. Through this process, you’ll find alignment with your purpose, release what holds you back, and step fully into your power.
Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!
As the snow begin to fall and the air becomes bitter and harshly cold, the festivals like, Yule, the new year, and Lupercalia it beckons us into it’s embrace of introspection, silence, and prepping for new beginnings to blossom in the Spring. During these festivals its common for many witches and pagans to work with and celebrate deities that connect to and represent the energies central to the introspective and transitional celebrations. I do! This season for me is a very feminine one. I hardly ever have gods and the divine masculine calling out to me now. This a season when I want to go into the womb of mother Earth. When the dark goddess and her healing, justice, empowerment, harsh clarity on reality, magic, and darkness beckons me to sit in her embrace. To listen to the past, root myself in introspection, and hear the healing whispers from my womb in the stillness and silence of winter. During this month a few deities take center stage because they have festivals or sacred days during this month to help you connect with them in a very intimate way. This season and it’s celebrations are full of magic, fertility, purification, introspection and there are many gods and goddesses who embody its transitional, silent, and restful energy. Winter season specifically the months of December, January, and February is a really important time in pagan culture and there are plenty of chilly gods and goddesses to work with or worship, depending on your practice, festivals, and celebrations. Let’s take a walk through the Winter landscape blanketed with snow and frozen waterways. To take the time to pause, reflect, and truly connect to the cyclical rhythm of nature while we meet SOME of those deities together in this post today.
Skaði (Skadi / Skathi) – Norse goddess
Skaði is a Norse goddess, often called the “Winter Queen,” associated with the mountains, hunting, skiing, and the wild, primarily known as a giantess (jötunn) who married the sea god Njörðr. Daughter of a fallen giant, Skadi walks the windswept mountains, a huntress sculpted from ice and legend. Her eyes, sharp as glaciers, scan the frozen realm. Bow in hand, she glides through the snow on swift skis, a predator born of the wilderness. Tales paint her as fierce, her spirit forged in the fires of vengeance and tempered by the unforgiving cold. She is mistress of the mountains, where the sun dances on glacial edges and the howl of the wolf echoes through empty valleys. But beneath the hardened exterior lies a yearning for connection. A goddess caught between two worlds – Asgard, home of the gods, and the wild embrace of the giants. Skadi’s place in Norse mythology is multifaceted and we see this as she is featured in stories with Odin, Loki, and Njordr among others. She’s even associated with snowshoes, and in later stories is said to have married Odin and bore him many children. She is the embodiment of both the untamed wild and a yearning for understanding. She is a warrior queen, a skilled hunter, and a goddess who walks the line between two worlds. Her story reminds us of the power of resilience in the face of loss, the importance of honoring our true nature, and the ever-present tension and duality between harmony and conflict.
Odin-Norse god
Odin is a Norse god who rules over wisdom, war, magic, and sovereignty. Odin is known by many many names. Wodan, Wotan, All Father, One-Eyed Seeker are but just a few. He is the ruler of the Aesir and steward of Asgard. In Germanic lore, it is said during Yule, which takes place during winter, he leads the Wild Hunt while being seated upon Sleipnirs back. This hunt is a spiritual parade of sorts that flies through the sky on Winter nights. Sometimes the Wild Hunt collects lost souls and sometimes a person joins the Wild Hunt in their sleep. In Nordic countries, the people gave sacrifices to Odin in the Winter months to ensure safety from them and prosperity. Including the children leaving hay in their boots by the hearth for Sleipnir to snack on as he flew by. Does this sound familiar to you at all? A white bearded old man, riding across the sky with a stead bringing blessings to those as he goes by? Many believe Odin is the actual inspiration for modern day Santa Claus? Check out my blog all about Santa HERE and decide for yourself.
Kuraokami
Kuraokami is a legendary Japanese dragon and Shinto deity of rain and snow. The name Kuraokami translates to “Ravine Rain Serpent. Kuraokami is said to have been created from the blood of Kagutsuchi, the fire deity. In some versions of the myths surrounding Kuraokami, Watatsumi, and Mizuhanome, Izanami created them to tame Kagutsuchi’s fire if he ever got out of control.
Hestia– Greek goddess
The next deity I want to talk about I personally feel is overlooked far too often especially during the cold winter months. This season is the time of year that solidifies us in the bitter cold and harshness of nature. Which means we need warmth and heat for us to survive and thrive. Which is why I always feel pulled to her during this time. Especially living in Minnesota I need her to bless my hearth with continuous heat during the long winter months. Not only that, but she can make your home extra cozy during this month while you spend more quality time alone. Hestia is the sole attendant to the celestial hearth of the gods. As the goddess of the hearth, she personified the fire burning in the hearths of every home in Greece. On a very tangible level, Hestia rules the domain of fire. This means that she is directly responsible, at least according to the Greeks, for the fire, the stove, and the heat in your home. Honoring her during the winter season, when the harsh chill solidifies itself in our bones is a great idea right now. She will bless your hearth as she stokes and fuels the flames all winter long. Don’t forget all month long to present her and your hearth with the first offering sacrificed to keep those flames burning strong.
Boreas-Greek God Boreas is the Greek God of the North wind, winter and ice. He’s also known as The Devouring One. He is the spirit of Winter and can be both violent and benevolent. Depending on the person and situation. The Greeks believed he came from the North, being the North Wind, and because of this was considered Thracian in origin. He is often depicted as a powerful, bearded man with wings, with two faces – one in front and one in back. He is the son of the Titan Astraeus and Eos, the goddess of the dawn, and brother to Zephyrus (the West Wind) and Notus (the South Wind). He is said to be the one who brings cold winter weather and is known for his violent temper, most famously abducting the Athenian princess Oreithyia to become his wife.
Brigid
The next deity I am going to talk about is because she takes central stage during Imbolc the festival that marks the midwinter point. A Goddess in Irish tradition, Brigid is one of the most well-known because, she is the Goddess of fertility and spring. To many she is also known as the Great Mother Goddess of Ireland, and to Christians as a Saint Brigid. With this energy, Brigid brings the remembrance of our Oneness and of the Eternal Essence of the Divine Feminine. She is the daughter of the Celtic God Dagda, a Fae leader of the Tuatha dè Danann.She’s often depicted with fiery hair and a sunbeam cloak. She was born at sunrise with rays of sunlight radiating around her head. She is associated with many things; Poetry, Healing, Midwinter/Imbolc, Flames/fire, Fertility, and Motherhood.
Brigid is considered a Triple Goddess, yet many references distinguish Brigit differently than the traditional Triple Goddess aspects of Maiden, Mother and Crone. Rather Brigid is frequently referenced having three sister selves with three distinct roles, Lady of Healing Waters, Goddess of the Sacred Flame and Goddess of the Fertile Earth.
Callieach
Cailleach stands as a prominent figure in Celtic mythology, embodying the essence of wisdom, transformation, and the cycles of nature. Her presence is deeply rooted in the folklore and traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.. Since, the ancient Celts celebrated two seasons only, her reign bringing cold all over the land began on Samhain and ended with Ostara/spring when she handed it back to Brigid. On Imbolc which is the first of February, Cailleach, the Goddess of Winter, heads out into the world to gather firewood to keep her warm for the rest of winter. If the weather is bright and sunny, Cailleach is out gathering the wood and will be able to gather enough to make winter last a good bit longer. However, if the weather is bad and cold, Cailleach is still asleep and will soon run out of firewood, and spring will come sooner.
Cailleach is often depicted as a powerful, crone-like figure who embodies the harshness and stillness of winter. When she appears to me she also has a blue aurora about her, and her mythical staff in hand. This staff is said to have mystical powers for when she slams it on the ground winter will freeze all the land. She represents the embodiment of winter, sovereignty, and the primal forces of the natural world. As the guardian of the cold, she is said to control the storms, the winds, and the snow that blanket the earth during the winter months. She is a symbol of death and decay but also of transformation and the wisdom that comes with age and experience. While Brigid heralds the coming of spring and new life, Cailleach represents the slowing down and rest that winter brings, urging us to pause and reflect. On Imbolc, Cailleach’s presence is especially poignant as it marks the shift from the deep, inward-focused energies of winter toward the budding life of spring. Cailleach holds the power to either prolong winter or usher in the first signs of spring, depending on whether she decides to create a fierce storm or allow the warmth to return.
If you really want to learn more about her and read my personal experiences with her this winter come join the alchemist paid tier of the Patreon community or higher and get access to my anthology all about her.
Baba Yaga
The next goddess we have gives me a very similar energy and feel when I work with her as the goddess we just talked about above; Calileach. To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest moving from place to place among the trees in her hut she calls home on top of giant chicken legs. From time to time when she needs to gather more supplies you might catch a glimpse of her flying by up in the sky from her magical mortar and pestle. She’s a wild and untamed old woman, often seen as a hag or crone, but can transform herself into a beautiful woman to manipulate or trick someone if she desires. Baba Yaga is a goddess of wisdom, healing, transformation, death, rebirth, renewal and autumn/winter. When healing is needed, whether it’s from colds/flu or emotional healing, Baba Yaga can offer healing often in the form of herbal teas brewed by herself. Calling on her during this Winter season can lead you through the forest now frozen and blanketed in snow, to her skull fenced lined home. To peer into the darkness of her cauldron and gain the most ancient wisdom from the darkness of the cosmos that she guards. To learn more about her you can read my previous post here.
Morena
In Bohemia and Moravia, the goddess of winter, death and dreams is Morana, who covers the fields in a funeral shroud of ice and snow. She reigns from the winter solstice to the spring equinox. Then Vesna, the goddess of spring and rebirth, takes over. Morena is a Slavic goddess of winter, death, and rebirth. She is also known by many other names, including Marzanna, Mara, Morana, and Marena. She is feared as the bringer of its chill in most areas. This is only amplified by her connection to the Zmora/Mora/Kikimora – a demon of nightmares. She is sometimes pictured in a form similar to those demons.
The most popular myth involving her is that of her marriage with Jaryło/Yarilo/Gerovit – her twin brother and a spring, war, and agriculture god. It was said that she was a daughter of Perun, god of thunder, and Mokosz/Mokosh, the Great Mother. In this story, she was once a nature goddess. When she was young, Jaryło was stolen by the god Weles and taken to the underworld of Nawia/Nav. When he returned, the twins did not know they were related, so they fell in love and were married. This marriage between Morena’s nature and Jaryło’s agriculture brought balance in nature and also peace (temporarily) between Perun and Weles. But then Jaryło committed adultery. So, she killed him for his betrayal, turning her bitter and making her the winter deity we know today. This split is the reason for the seasons, as Morena kills Jaryło in autumn, and he along with a spring goddess (usually either Dziewanna or Żywia/Vesna) kills her in the spring. The cycle continues annually, and neither can exist for long while the other survives.
This story shows a bit of tragedy that is often lacking in many mythological stories. While Maorena is feared, she has a human element of desiring revenge and having her heart broken. An important note is that most gods in Slavic mythology had a fear and a worship element to them. Morena is feared for the death and disease she brings, but she is also a crucial part of the world’s cycle.
La befana
The next deity or as some call her a folklore legend we are going to talk about it la befana. She is a grandmotherly woman who resembles a kindly witch that is connected to Christmas. She brings gifts to good little children, depositing them in stockings hung above the hearth. Some even claim she sweeps the floor before she leaves as a symbol to sweep away the previous year’s problems. Even though she has roots all the way back to ancient Roman festivals, she is most well known for her role in Christian stories and legends. I personally believe this is because the church needed a much more acceptable and tamer version of the Germanic winter witch Berchta.
In Italian folklore and legend La befana delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5) in a similar way to Santa Claus or the Three Magi. Another Christian legend takes a slightly darker tone as La Befana was an ordinary woman with a child whom she greatly loved. However, her child died, and her resulting grief maddened her. Upon hearing news of Jesus being born, she set out to see him, delusional that he was her son. She eventually met Jesus and presented him with gifts to make him happy. The infant Jesus was delighted, and he gave La Befana a gift in return; she would be the mother of every child in Italy.
Nanook
This next deity comes to us from Inuit Mythology. In Inuit religious beliefs, Nanook (the Polar Bear) is the master of bears. He is the one who decides if a hunter is worthy of their kill and whether or not they will be successful. Revered for his strength and wisdom, Nanook symbolizes the profound connection between the Inuit and their natural environment. As a spiritual leader, Nanook not only embodies the qualities necessary for survival in this harsh terrain but also represents the delicate balance between humans and nature in Inuit belief. In Inuit mythology, Nanook is not just an individual deity but an integral part of the pantheon’s familial structure. Revered as a father figure, Nanook is said to have many cubs, each inheriting his strength and resilience. His companion, Sedna, goddess of the sea and marine life, complements Nanook’s domain over land and ice by ruling the ocean depths. Together, they embody the harmonious balance of the Arctic environment, where land and sea intertwine in a crucial interplay of survival and sustenance.
Nanook, a powerful deity in Inuit mythology, exerts profound influence over the Arctic environment through various domains. Known as the master of bears, Nanook controls the movements and availability of bears, crucial for successful hunts where hunters perform rituals and offerings to appease him. Beyond land, Nanook extends his sway over the Arctic seas, believed to calm or stir waters that affect the hunt for seals and walruses. Legends attribute Nanook with control over Arctic weather, where blizzards and storms are seen as expressions of his will or a test for hunters. In the realm of the afterlife, Nanook plays a role in Inuit beliefs, with the souls of hunted bears returning to him, potentially to be reborn or serve as spirit guides.
Pertcha
The next deity I am going to talk about many only consider her to be a folklore legend similar to La befena. While Krampus gets most of the attention during this time of the year as the terrifying side of the holiday season Pertcha is just as terrifying. If not more so in my eyes. In the Alps of Upper Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, you will find stories of Perchta, a goddess connected to Winter and snow. Sources say she has two different appearances: a beautiful woman as white as snow or as elderly and haggard woman. As the crone she is often depicted with a beaked nose made of iron, dressed in rags, perhaps carrying a cane, and generally resembles a decrepit old crone. But this old crone packs a mighty wallop…. and carries a long knife hidden under her skirt. She is said to roam the countryside during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany to enter the houses of those she encountered. If your house is neat and tidy and all your spinning for the winter season was done by the twelfth night she would leave you a silver coin. If it wasn’t well…there are many stories of what she would do to you some involving that knife under her skirt even. Some stories say she may slit your belly open, rip out your innards, and stuff you with straw, rocks, and bits of glass. She also disembowels lazy children. Other legends equate Frau Perchta with the legend of the Wild Hunt, and say that she flies through the night sky attended by an army of lost souls, including the demonic-looking Perchten, her army of servants who are visually nearly indistinguishable from Krampus.
Tengliu
Tengliu,is a Goddess of Snow in Chinese mythology. In Chinese mythology, Tengliu is the goddess of winter. She is said to live in the Kunlun Mountains, where she controls the weather. Tengliu first appeared in the Tang dynasty and later became a popular cultural figure in the Ming dynasty through the development in the Song dynasty. Other then her appearance in many songs throughout the Song dynasty not much else is really known about her.
Yuki-onna
Yuki-onna is a Japanese deity or really a spirit associated with winter and snowstorms. I say this because, she isn’t referenced too as a Kami but, instead usually as a yokai. She is also known as the snow woman. In some legends, Yuki-onna is a manifestation of winter, representing its harshness. Some legends say the Yuki-onna, being associated with winter and snowstorms, is the spirit of someone who perished in the snow. She is at the same time beautiful and serene, yet ruthless in killing unsuspecting mortals. In some stories, Yuki-onna is vengeful and freezes travelers with her icy breath. In other stories, she is kind and helps people in the mountains. She personifies the duality and contrast of Winter. Showing us the harness, bitterness, and coldness of the season. Along with highlighting the peacefulness, beauty, ands stillness of the season.
Aphrodite
The last deity I am going to talk about I think far too many forget is connected to winter. I feel this happens because, too many forget Valentine’s day in February is right in the middle of Winter. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. She is also associated with sexuality, fertility, and pleasure. While best known as the goddess of love, she was also the ancient Greek goddess of fertility, physical pleasure (particularly sexual), eternal youth, grace, and beauty. Additionally, she played roles in commerce, war, and politics. Plus let’s not forget her crucial role, as one of the causes of the Trojan War. Her origins though, are shrouded in mystery. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, she emerged from the sea foam in the waters of Paphos, on the island of Cyprus, born from the severed genitals of Uranus. She supposedly arose from the foam when the Titan Cronus slew his father Uranus and threw his genitals into the sea. However, according to Homer, in Iliad, Aphrodite may instead be the daughter of Zeus and Dione.
Call on her this Winter season to work with the energy of love and deepening your connection to others. Don’t forget to reflect on your relationships as well and find love with those you can. Especially if you are forced into a situation just as she was. Remember, Aphrodite is about so much more than love, beauty and lust though. You can always call on her for those reasons but, Aphrodite is about the passion of creation. Which is why she can be called on for creative expression, and living your passion. She is a great goddess to use for self love, emotional balance and healing as well.
How to connect to and work with these deities
Everyone’s relationship with deities is different and we all work with and believe in them differently. You might believe in multiple gods and goddesses and work with them each as though they are close, personal friends. Or maybe you believe the gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from. However you incorporate deities in your practice is up to you. But here are some ideas to get you started on ways to work with any or all of these deities of the Winter. Remember; it’s important to approach them with respect, reverence, gratitude and by building a relationship with them. Every time you work with a deity it is an even energetic exchange; which means what you put into your intention when working with them and building your relationship to them is what you get back. Don’t forget to check out my shop and for an eBook to help you explore how you view deities more and you can also purchase my deep deity devotionals workshop course HERE!
Research, study and read about who they are, where they come from, and their myths and legends
Refresh your altar and add any of them to it. Or create a new one. Use any of the correspondences connected to them that speak to you
Cast spells to help with personal transition or transformation allowing the deities of the transitional season to guide you through the process
Call on them to assist you with different types of divination like, tarot, pendulum readings, runes, fire scrying or cryomancy
Use their correspondences and energies in protection spells especially for ones for your home
Create a spell jar for them and add them to your altars or place them somewhere in your home
Shadow work focusing on inner work, the cold, resilience, strength, and resting. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
Invite them to your circle and castings when performing rituals tied to the cycles of nature
Include them in your celebrations for any festivals like Yule, the new year, Lupercalia, and Valentine’s day
Use snow and ice magic
Go on a mindful walk in nature to connect to the energies of the land the winter deities rule
Invoke their name when creating simmer pots to cleanse and purify your home from unwanted energies
Herbal magic-brew teas especially, or add herbs to your hot drinks
Carve their sigils into candles for fire magic for release work and to keep your home warm and your hearth lit during the cold dark winter months
Purification and cleansing rituals and spells using snow and ice
carving their sigils into the ice for binding and banishing spells
Make some rose water and use in your spells and leave as offerings for deities
Use oil with their correspondences and blessed with their prayers in self love rituals
Bake treats and add their sigils to them for love, family, and relationships
Give them offerings they enjoy for manifestation and building a relationship
Add their sigils and correspondences like herbs to spell bags, talismans, and charms
Leave them offerings of milk to connect to fertility, abundance, and prosperity during winter
carve their sigils into your fire wood before you burn it in your hearth to welcome them into your home and bring you blessings
A fundamental pillar of Paganism is working with the deities that one believes in. While all practicing Pagans have varying beliefs about the gods and goddesses, most agree that honoring their deities is a great way to connect with them and further their spiritual goals. But, again remember not every pagan works with deities. Also remember there are literally thousands of different deities out there in the multiverse and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. This eBook will walk you thru the different ways to view deities, what a deity can be, and the basics to start building a deep meaningful relationship with one.
In this new special 6 month shadow work program I will help you realign your inner world, discover all the versions of you in the shadows, and show you how to integrate your shadows into your own authentic identity. When you purchase and register for this 6 month course you will get pre-recorded lessons, eBooks, journal prompt workbooks, weekly guided sessions, ( with one week off for integration) one womb healing session, and access to a discord chat for all those who are taking the course with you. We begin the last Monday of February for orientation week and then session for courses start the first Monday of March! There will be limited spots so hurry and register today.
About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!
The last new moon of 2024 graces the skies on December 30th in the ambitious , responsible, building, and grounded Earth sign of Capricorn. During this new moon we will be focused on achievement, responsibilities and success. Which comes at the perfect time with us just on the threshold of the new year when goals and intentions are set. A Capricorn new Moon is all about success, progress, achievement, and never taking “no” for an answer. We can set our sights on new dreams and we can hit new heights, make what we want happen, get recognition, and make progress on our path. This new moon is a time when the universe seems to whisper, hey, it’s okay to aim high. This is the new moon when we will feel deeply connected to the Earthly realm we live in which may allow us to set out on a new more productive and efficient path. The new moon in Capricorn, is urging you to solidify your goals and ambitions with an earthy practicality for the new year just ahead. Capricorn, symbolized by the sea goat, embodies the mastery of the spiritual realm and its expression in the material world. This Capricorn new moon is a call to pause, reflect, and redefine our sense of purpose as we prepare to welcome a new year. It challenges us to face limitations, release outdated patterns, and step forward with clarity, resilience, and trust in our ability to co-create a future aligned with our deepest values. the Capricorn new Moon on December 30th, helps us close out the year with vision, ambition, alignment, perseverance and confidence. This second new Moon of December, is a powerful invitation to plan and ground our dreams and ambitions into tangible reality. Let’s climb the highest mountains to reach our dreams this year with the Capricorn new moon together in this blogpost.
New moon what it is and why we honor it
Every month, the New Moon carries us over the threshold of a new beginning. So, let’s talk about the new moon in general before we climb the highest mountains to reach our dreams this year with the Capricorn new moon. The new moon is the time to reflect and cleanse your energy. It is a time to set your intentions for what you wish to attract this lunar cycle. But, remember every intention set requires action and energy from your part as well. You can’t just set an intention and miraculously it is yours. You must also put the movement of energy behind it with action steps.
The new moon energy is there to support you in manifesting what you want. The new moon is a time to allow new ideas and energy to flow with you. It is a time to honor new beginnings, and the turning over of a cycle. Think of these intentions as seeds you are planting for this lunar cycle to be ready to harvest by the full moon. Use this time to rest, reflect, and plant what you will grow just as your ancestors across many cultures did while there was little light in the night sky for them to use.
Each New Moon is unique, offering its own magic within each month. To learn more about the foundations of working with the new moon, and how it affects you, read more here in my previous blog post. And to learn more about the moon in general and lunar magic you can read my comprehensive guide on the topic here. You can also watch my class on YouTube with Divination Academy here!
So, who is Capricorn?
As a cardinal earth sign, Capricorn is about initiating and building. Capricorn is steadfast, hard-working, goal-orientated and relentlessly responsible. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn. Saturn is the planet of bounds, borders, barriers, constraints and confinements. Saturn, is also the planet associated with time and karma. This makes Capricorn also connected with history and tradition, and asks us to reflect on the environment we’re living in and the systems and structures that are in place.
Capricorn is the height of the Zodiac, the highest point, and this is why it relates to our goals, our aspirations, what we strive for, and the heights we reach in life. We see this in the mountain goat thriving in the peaks of mountains. Capricorn is an ambitious energy with grand ideals; full of potential and a feeling of self importance. Capricorn knows it is meant for something special and expresses itself in pursuit of that. But, unlike the other earth sign Taurus who measures their successes in money and wealth, Capricorn seeks power and control.
The Capricorn Constellation
In Greek mythology, Capricorn is linked to the god Pan, who is often depicted as partially goat-like. Pan is said to have the upper body of a human and the lower body of a goat. In one story, Pan dived into a river to escape the monster Typhon, but only transformed part of himself, becoming half goat and half fish. Zeus was amused by this and placed the image among the stars as the constellation Capricornus. The constellation is also sometimes associated with Amalthea, the goat that nursed Zeus after his mother saved him from his father, Cronos. Amalthea’s broken horn was transformed into the cornucopia, or “horn of plenty”.
Capricorn the mythical Seagoat
Capricorns are symbolized by the sea goat, a mythological creature with the body of a goat and tail of a fish. We often think of Capricorns as high achievers or business-oriented workhorses. This speaks to the goat aspect of their sea-goat symbol. Goats are scrappy, and some of them are capable of climbing to great heights. The fishtail portion of the sea-goat, on the other hand, holds the ocean and the vast, almost spiritual world that lies beneath it. This imagery speaks to Capricorn’s ability to navigate both the material and emotional realms. It’s the job of the Capricorn to strike a balance between these two realms of earthly achievements and spiritual truth.
Themes for the Capricorn new moon
We have talked a lot about who Capricorn is and how Capricorn can affect you and benefit you. This time, we experience the New Moon in the ambitious, building, responsible, determined, and grounded Earth sign of the mythical seagoat, Capricorn. This Capricorn new moon is all about setting our sights on our biggest dreams and with determination climbing the mountaintop to make them come to life. This Capricorn New Moon invites us to ground into our authentic ambitions and commit to the projects and creations that align with our truest selves and highest purpose. Let’s explore some of the themes of the Capricorn new moon below.
Committed
Patient
Goal-oriented
Persevering
Responsible
Dependable
Rational
Trustworthy
Industrious
Persistent
Creative
Honest
Reflective
Protective
Pragmatic
Proud
Ambitious
Perfectionism
hard working
conservative
Duty bound
Grounded
determined
Capricorn The Ruler of Responsibilities
This hard-working sign values service, honor and public duty. Career, professionalism and reputation are extremely important to Capricorn, so the Moon here spotlights our need to succeed .Now is time to prioritize what you truly want to be remembered for and the work you’d like to contribute to the world. Capricorn is a sign that means business! Instead of being concerned with short-term satisfaction, you’ll be more inclined to dig in and focus on your long-term goals. Under the Capricorn new moon’s watchful eye, you’ll find that discipline comes more naturally to you. It’s as if you’ve got an inner drill sergeant gently nudging you toward doing the right thing, even when no one’s looking. It’s time to button up, show up, and take care of business with a newfound sense of duty to your responsibilities and living with ethics and integrity. This new moon in Capricorn marks the last lunar cycle of 2024, a time to muster your discipline and turn your professional aspirations into tangible actions. If you’ve been vying for a fresh start in your career or a renewed sense of direction in life, consider this phase as your cosmic green light. When the new moon cozies up in Capricorn, it’s like a cosmic signal for you to embrace your inner boss.
The Grounding Energy Of Capricorn
Capricorns is said to have a grounded, practical spirit. It is a sign associated with stability, groundedness, determination, hard work, and ambition. Capricorns are the last earth sign of the zodiac, and are said to embody the stable and nurturing qualities of their element while being adaptable to reach their mountaintop no matter what. When the moon is in Capricorn it becomes a time to really ground into who you are, the direction you want to go, the path you will take, and duty to the world around you. Deeply caring and grounded, Capricorn’s energy adjusts how it moves through the world to make sure you are taken care of. It ebbs and flows, finding the pace and pulse of those around it
Capricorn the master builder and architect
This cardinal earth sign knows how to control and shape earth, building bricks and steps towards goals with ceaseless perseverance. Capricorn is the builder of the zodiac here to master tangible reality – yet in its most true essence it is guided deeply by this unseen realm. We cannot meet our mountains without soul. We cannot build with integrity, truth, and service without imbuing the Sacred into every movement. And we cannot live in this tangible world without getting lost in it, consumed by it, illusioned by it, without this guiding connection from the unseen. Like all earth signs, Capricorn has a connection to the rhythms of life, a gentle but unshakable ability to adapt and build with purpose. When the New Moon shines in Capricorn, it’s a call to honor this flowing yet steady energy. This isn’t about rigid schedules or forcing things to happen. Instead, Capricorn encourages us to tune into what feels right, to listen to our inner wisdom, and to move forward with both intention and grace. Building something meaningful doesn’t mean abandoning intuition, it’s about letting your instincts guide you as you create strong foundations, step by thoughtful step.
What to be cautious of with the Capricorn new moon
We may feel easily overwhelmed by responsibilities we have right now. We can feel the weight of them pushing us down, and we need to work on managing them better. We may need to work on saying no more, and leaving room for small breaks where we can.
We also need to be aware of stubbornness right now. Persistence can often become a double-edged sword and turn into stubbornness. While it empowers us to stand our ground it may make us resistant to alternative viewpoints or new directions. Capricorns’ unwavering commitment to high standards may also force us to be over critical, making it challenging for us to accept imperfections in ourselves and others right now.
Capricorn energy can sometimes be overprotective of itself as well. Being cautious with expression of words or emotions, in fear of moving away from the perfect ideal image of the all powerful leader that it deeply craves to embody. So, be cautious of that coming up right now and remember that a true leader is authentic in who they are and not in an image they want others to see.
The last thing to worry about with the Capricorn energy and this moon is keeping a lid on your ego. Capricorn energy being the mythical seagoat and the height of the zodiac has quite a level of confidence. They really stand at the top of their mountain and look down on all the other signs residing below them. So, be careful that you don’t let your ego get out of control to the point you unintentional tear down the ones you love and are around when building yourself up.
Capricorn New moon and duality
Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. This includes the new moon and the energy of the zodiac sign it currently is in. First, the energy of Capricorn we see duality not only in it’s symbol the sea goat but, also in one of the main themes Capricorn represents; ambition. The sea goat like we talked about earlier is a mythical being that literally represents the duality of the material realm and the emotional or mythical realm. Others even believe the sea goat represents the duality of human existence through evolution, starting in the sea and than moving upwards onto land. Than there is the duality of ambition. While ambition is a very wanted thing. It is pivotal to our motivation, getting things done, and thriving in our life. But, on the other hand it also can cloud our mind, narrow our view/vision, damage our relationships, and lead to burn out by not caring for ourselves properly.
Second, the new moon itself is all about duality and illuminating the night sky in both light and shadows. The new moon is all about rebirth, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle, which puts you in a transitional liminal space, energy, and time. In order for you to be in a space to begin again, to transition, and be reborn you had to just come from an ending and death.
This new moon in Capricorn has another layer of duality with it being the last one of the year. This new moon in Capricorn ushers us across a threshold holding us in a unique pocket of liminal space. A pocket of time when we are still in one year but, just about to move to another year. From 2024 to 2025. From closing to opening. Ending to new beginning. Guiding us towards a new cycle and turning of the wheel to begin. Balancing us in both the seen and unseen, in frequency and matter, and the psychic and the physical as we do.
Correspondences for the Capricorn new moon
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like for Capricorn, I will list below for you to use. Remember to follow your intuition with the correspondences you choose to work with and that you can always use any that correspond to the moon itself as well.
Ruling House-10th house of career, public image, and duty
How to connect to the Capricorn new moon
Now, that we have talked about the themes of this hard working, goal orientated, committed, responsible, duty driven, fertile, Capricorn new moon and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon.
First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post on the new moon and the moon in general like, charging your crystals, making moon water, and resetting your altar.
With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you to this moon in the most effective way. With the Moon in Capricorn, magic associated with career, ambition, abundance, goals, grounding and politics is highlighted now. You can also perform magic associated with abundance, vitality, fertility, and the new year to amplify those workings right now. Remember these are just some of the many ideas, follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. You can find more ways to connect to the moon and more information on many of these forms of magic on my Pinterest page here and my Facebook here.
Shadow work based on ambition, goals, direction, success ,and releasing perfectionism. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; or you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
Do self reflection on the past year and for the future year ahead using shadow work and mirror magic
Define your ambitions, goals, and dreams
Shadow work questions for the Capricorn new moon
Like, we have talked about a lot in this post Capricorn is the sign of the mythical seagoat with a unique attachment to the spiritual and unseen realm. Which makes it a really potent time to do some reflective work with shadow work and asses how we have been showing up wit our integrity, morals, and work ethic. The energy of a New Moon always invites us to plant seeds of intention, but this Capricorn New Moon emphasizes the importance of authenticity. It’s time to stop chasing goals that don’t feel true to us and instead focus on the dreams that ignite our passion and purpose. This is the new moon to sit in the silent introspection of winter and get grounded and authentic about the goals you really want to set. Imagine this new moon as your personal catalyst for change, reaching your dreams, and prompting you to plant the seeds of intention to reach the top of the highest mountain by the full moon. We can take the time to reflect, do shadow work, and visualize the intentions we are about to set. Use the prompts and questions below in whatever way that feels right to free for your soul.
If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
What have you been yearning to create but telling yourself you can’t?
How can I be more disciplined with my commitment to my goals?
What are the necessary steps I can take right now to work towards my goals and dreams?
How do I want to rebuild my life in this new year?
What does being successful and achieving my dreams look like to me?
What does aligning with my soul purpose mean to me?
What accomplishments from the past year are you proud of and how can you build on them more?
What new habits can I integrate into my life to make room for more discipline towards my goals?
How can I bring more structure into my life?
How is my higher self and wisdom guiding me to restructure my life?
What do I truly value and want to bring more of into my life during this next year?
How do I need to reclaim my inner power and authority?
What boundaries do I need to set to take back my power and control of my life?
How can I create more stability in my life?
In what ways can I ground in my authenticity?
How am I letting societal expectation and definitions of the norm dictate what I do and how I make my dreams come true?
Where do I need to be honest with myself about my work ethic and commitment to my goals?
What from my past or with my ancestors do I need to remember now to help me achieve my goals?
What do I need to heal and leave in the past year to climb to the summit of the mountaintop?
Grow financial stability seed Spell
To help you harness the power of Capricorn Moon Energy for financial stability and abundance this is the spell I am bringing to you. These rituals can help you to plant seeds for financial growth, attract wealth, improve luck in business, and increase overall financial luck. Not only that, it will allow you to releases the blockages in your current abundance flow that have been holding you back. so it is wide open and endlessly flowing during the entire next year allowing you to nurture it as it grows.
What you will need:
a quiet space
two pieces of paper
a pen
a few bay leaves
some crushed eggs shells
a seed
a small pot with soil
a green or gold candle
How to perform this spell:
Find a quiet and peaceful area where you can perform the ceremony. Try to make sure you are in the moonlight or even better get outside in the winter landscape. Once you are there get yourself into sacred container. Take your candle of choice and place it in front of you and then light your green or gold candle to represent wealth and abundance being ignited in your life during this new moon in Capricorn. Next, take a deep breath and take as much time as you need to meditate while looking at the flame asking for the blockage to your abundance flow to be revealed to you here and now. Whether they be lack of connect to source, not feeling deserving, or something else. Once it is clear and revealed to you take your pen and write down your abundance blocks on your piece of paper. As you hold the paper, visualize each block being dissolved and replaced with positive beliefs and energy. Visualize the endless flow of universal abundance reconnecting to you in the next year. Once you feel connected that flow and your blockage being released, burn the paper in the flame of the candle, symbolizing the release of your abundance blocks. As the paper burns, say a simple affirmation such as, “I release my abundance blocks and open myself to financial prosperity to grow and flourish in the next year to come.”
Next, take your bay leaves and write the dollar amount you wish to receive this next year in either your business, career, or side hustle. Once you have the dollar amount written on the bay leaves hold them in your hand and visualize that dollar amount coming to you. Once you feel set in that image and intention bury the bay leaves in the soil to speed up your spell tonight. Next, take a piece of paper, write down your specific financial intentions for the coming year. Be as clear and detailed as possible. Fold the paper towards you and then hold it in your hand while you hold your plant seed in your hand. The represents the growth of your financial intentions set this night. As you visualize what you wrote on your paper coming to you recite this small abundance spell. ” Money flow quickly, money flow swiftly, money flow quickly, money flow to me. Every penny I ask for here will come to me. ” Then take your folded paper and seed and bury it in the soil of the small pot. Next, take your crushed eggshells and sprinkle them into the soil asking them to increase the fertility of the soil now growing your abundance in this seed for the coming year. Water the seed with nourishment and energy, and place the pot in a location where it will receive ample sunlight. As the seed grows, nurture it and continue to visualize your financial intentions growing and manifesting in your life.
Final thoughts
During the Capricorn New Moon, it’s the ideal time to set the stage for new beginnings especially during this new moon with he new year just ahead. This moon phase is all about structure, discipline, and long-term goals, making it the perfect moment for a new moon ritual that grounds your ambitions. Whether you’re setting financial intentions, planning your career, or simply organizing your life, the Capricorn New Moon offers the stability you need to succeed. So, as you move through this new moon, embrace this opportunity to align with Capricorn’s grounded energy and start fresh with purpose and clarity. By harnessing the disciplined and practical energy of Capricorn, we can lay the foundation for our aspirations and take practical steps towards achieving our dreams. The Capricorn new moon invites you to reflect on your ambitions, evaluate your responsibilities, and create a plan for success. Embrace the transformative energy of the new moon in Capricorn and watch as your career takes flight, you start having great success, and reach the highest mountain you have to climb.
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Santa Claus, a beloved symbol of the holiday season, and one of the most well known mythical beings today. He has captured the hearts of people around the world. But who is Santa Claus? Santa Claus hasn’t always been the jolly, red-suited, rotund, grandfatherly gift-giver with a reindeer-drawn sleigh we all know and love. Depictions of Santa have evolved over time, influenced by stories and legends about St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, and Father Christmas, and perpetuated by centuries of gift cards, stories, advertisements, posters, and movies. Let’s sled into the glittering, snow covered, mythical roots and global legacy of Santa Claus together in this blogpost and article.
Who is Santa?
To most Santa, is the jolly old man of winter, who has been bringing cheer and joy to the world for centuries. From the North Pole, he sets off each year on a magical journey, spreading happiness and gifts to the young and old alike. Santa is a radical optimist with a big heart. He sets his sights on not only his biggest dream but, those of every small child on Earth. He does this and trusts that it will all work out just fine year after year. His idealism is matched by his unstoppable energy and passion to get so much done all for the joy of everyone else. He is encouraging, loving, and supportive of children’s wishes. While the looming threat of a coal-stained stocking is still there encouraging them to behave. Santa is the joy and comfort and motivating them with love and encouragement. His friendly nature, open mind, and energetic spirit help make the holiday season the joyful time it is while reminding us of the importance to give.
Other names for Santa
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nick
Father Christmas
Kris Kringle
Sinterklaas
Odin
What does Santa look like?
Santa is generally depicted as a pot bellied, jolly, white-bearded, grandfatherly man, often with spectacles, wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, a red hat trimmed with white fur, a black leather belt and boots, carrying a bag full of gifts for children. In many of the depictions now, we also see him in his reindeer drawn sleigh flying across the winter night skies. This modern image of Santa Claus most us know now was influenced by Clement Clark Moore’s 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and the illustrations of Haddon Sundblom for The Coca-Cola Company. But, NO Coca-Cola does not OWN the image of Santa exclusively nor did they create him. Let’s talk about where his ancient and many origins and possible influences actually do come from next.
Santa as Odin
Although Santa Claus is primarily based upon St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop from Lycia (now in Turkey)which we will talk about next. The oldest origin of Santa I can find goes as far back as 2 b.c.e., and is also strongly influenced by the white bearded, old man, flying across the sky on an 8 legged steer during winter time; the Norse all father Odin. Already doesn’t that sound familiar? Not only do they look similar but, quite a few of their legends and myths are similar as well. Let’s talk about them below!
Let’s start with their steeds. Many believe Odin may be where Santa gets his reindeer inspiration from. Since, Odin was often depicted as leading a hunting party through the skies ( the wild hunt), during which he rode his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.
Next, during the winter solstice when the wild hunt would roar across the skies, the Norse and Germanic children placed their boots near the chimney, filling them with carrots or straw as a gift for Sleipnir. Quite similar to children doing the same for Santa’s reindeer today or leaving our milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Plus some believe this may even be where the tradition to hang stockings above the fireplace comes from.
Lastly, with the wild hunt coming by one way to protect would be wassailing or singing songs to Odin when going from door to door or in orchards. Sound familiar again? It’s quite common to go caroling welcoming Santa on Christmas night.
Santa and Saint Nicholas
Many elements of Santa Claus, especially his reputation as a secret giver of gifts, can originate back to Saint Nicholas, a real historical figure and human being that walked this realm.
The name Santa Claus, which was first used in 1773, is a variant on Sinterklaas, the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas. ( we will talk about him later) He was known in his own lifetime as Nikolaos of Myra. Nikolaos was born on March 15, 270 AD, to a well-off Christian Greek family living in a region of the Roman Empire that is part of modern Turkey. While historians and scholars don’t agree on all parts of his biography, he was definitely a bishop who is best known for his role in the First Council of Nicaea. He was known for his deep generosity as well, with some believing he gave away his entire inheritance left to him by his wealthy Christian Greek parents when they died during an epidemic. It’s said he did this believing it was the way Jesus truly wanted us to live. He also was known for giving generous gifts in secret. Supposedly, Nikolaos would throw toys into children’s windows and leave coins in their shoes.
Nicholas who was later elevated to a saint is said to have lived a life of prayer, generosity, and fought in strong defense of the Christian faith in the name of the Catholic church. He was even imprimisoned by the Roman emperor Diocletian around the year 300. Some even consider him a martyr when he died around the year 343. Within a century of his death he was elevated to Sainthood and celebrated as a saint. Today he is venerated in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need. Some connect him solely to Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church, while others see him more as an ascended master and universal energy.
Myths of Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was known for being a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. There are several legends about St. Nicholas, but kindness and generosity is a common theme among them all. He is also seen as patron and protector of many including the little children everywhere we hold so dear. First up, the most famous story about St. Nicholas some believe is another version of where we get the custom of hanging up stockings to put presents in first started! It goes like this:
There was a poor man in a small village who had three daughters. The man was so poor that he did not have enough money for a dowry, so his daughters couldn’t get married. (A dowry is a sum of money paid to the bridegroom by the bride’s parents on the wedding day. This still happens in some countries, even today.) One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney and into the house . this meant that the oldest daughter was then able to be married. Unintentionally, the bag fell into a stocking that had been hung by the fire to dry. When the family woke and found the coins they were overjoyed and the oldest daughter was married off right away. But, the father wanted to know who it was he could thank. Soon, it was time for the second daughter to be wed. The same thing happened again with the second daughter. Again the family was thankful and the second daughter was married off with joyful hearts right away. Finally, determined to discover the person who had given him the money, the father secretly hid by the fire every evening until he caught Nicholas dropping in a bag of gold for his third daughter to be wed. Nicholas begged the man to not tell anyone what he had done, because he did not want to bring attention to himself. But of course the father did keep quiet and soon the news got out and when anyone received a secret gift, it was thought that maybe it was from Nicholas himself.
Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Nicholas was traveling along the same route, and stopped at this very inn. (Synchronicity maybe?) In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper to his room. Where he asked him about the incident, when the innkeeper denied anything Nick fell to his knees to begin to pray. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life no longer chopped into pieces even and fully whole. In France the story has a little bit of a different version. It is told about three small children instead of theological students. The three small children, were wandering around as they played until they got lost. Then as they were stumbling around trying to find their way they were lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears suddenly, finding the boys bodies sealed in barrels . He then appeals to God to return them to life and to their families, which he does.
One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas and left to bring them back to their ship as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave as well. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. During this entire time Basilios’ parents, devastated at the loss of their only child spent filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas’ feast day approached, Basilios’ mother decided she would not join in the festivity, as it was now the year mark of a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios’ safekeeping. Meanwhile, at the same time Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, when all of a sudden he whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. This is known as the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children.
Patron of Sailors
Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy and to be close to the divine by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply connect to the experience of Jesus’ life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. Another legend argues that sailors on their way to the Holy Land were caught in a horrible storm and prayed to St. Nicholas. They then saw an image of him in the clouds and the storm ended. Either way, St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors, dockworkers, and others involved with the sea for this reason.
Saint Nicholas Day
Otherwise I have found places celebrating him on the eve of Saint Nicholas day during Krampusnacht while celebrating Krampus. This day is a holiday honoring the historical figure Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his secret acts of generosity, particularly towards children in need. After his death in 343, it became traditional to observe Saint Nicholas’s Day on December 6 by giving gifts. People also often celebrate by leaving out shoes or stockings on the eve of the holiday to find small gifts like sweets, coins, or oranges inside, symbolizing the story of St. Nicholas leaving gold coins in the stockings of poor girls to help them get married we talked about above.
Other ways to celebrate
Attend a Saint Nicholas day parade if you can
Hang a socking over a mantle or place a boot in front of a fireplace and hearth
Give gifts to a an unmarried women- In Italy, children aren’t the only ones receiving gifts on Saint Nicholas’ Day, unmarried women make the list. Across Italy, unmarried women might attend a special mass on St. Nicholas’ Day to participate in Rito delle nubili, a ritual where they turn a column seven times to help change their luck in finding a spouse. This is because Saint Nick is also the Patron saint to protect virgins.
Host and have a Saint Nicholas day feast
Work with and celebrate Krampus his companion bring in another side to protection this holiday season.
Dress as a bishop: In Germany and Poland, boys traditionally dress as bishops and collect money for the poor
Study and read about Saint Nicholas’s life and myths
If you practice Christianity attend a church service
Be generous and give to others. You can do this by donating your things, time, or money. Hold a food or clothing drive. Volunteer your time to an organization or cause that means a lot to you.
Sinterklaas
Ways to celebrate Sinterklaas
Built around the image of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, Sinterklass (the name resulting from the contraction of Sint Nikolaas) is a legendary Christmas figure celebrated and loved in the Netherlands. Although similar to Santa Claus in that he is an older man with a full, white beard who wears a red outfit, Sinterklass is a more serious figure, donning a bishop’s headdress and carrying a long, curled golden shepherd’s staff. The Dutch celebrate the Feast of Sinterklaas honoring the life of St. Nicholas. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands by boat from Spain on December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas’ feast day. He rides a white horse and carries a book that tells him which children were good or bad that year. Sinterklaas brings gifts to good children, and sometimes a switch to bad children. The tradition of “putting your shoe” involves children leaving their shoes out for Sinterklaas to fill with gifts. After England conquered the city in the 17th century, Sinterklaas gradually became Santa Claus.
Read poems outloud
Sing songs
Attend a Parade in Holland that occurs annually on December 6th
A knock on the door at night, letting children open it to find a pile of gifts
Gift people with a “surprise”. The “surprise,” is a homemade gag gift that hides another present inside.
Participate in Secret Santa in your home, your work, or your school or kids school
Use kitchen magic to bake Sinterklaas deserts, baked goods, and candies
Leave shoes near your front door, hearth, or chimney
Santa and Christmas
We can’t talk about Santa whose influenced is heavily based on a Catholic Saint who followed Christianity without talking about Christmas. He is considered by many far and wide to be the traditional patron of Christmas especially in the United States and other countries. To those who celebrate Christmas he is a legendary figure who is widely recognized as the gift-giver on Christmas Eve, embodying the spirit of generosity and joy associated with the holiday.
So, what is Christmas in case you don’t practice Christianity or celebrate this holiday in your part of the world. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. It is a holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to the Christian religion, is the son of God. The name is a joining of “Christ” and “mass” which means the holy mass (supper, celebration or festival) of Christ. Christmas is a time to exchange gifts with family and friends. It’s also a time to give thanks for the love, hope, and joy found in Jesus. Many things that Christians do at Christmas come from earlier Pagan festivals like Saturnalia, the winter solstice, and Yule.
Father Christmas
Father Christmas is the traditional English name for the personification of Christmas. Although now known as a Christmas gift-bringer, and typically considered to be synonymous with Santa Claus, he was originally part of a much older and unrelated English folkloric tradition. Until Victorian times, Father Christmas was concerned with adult feasting and merry-making. He had no actual connection with children, or with the giving of presents, night time visits, stockings, chimneys or reindeer. But as later Victorian Christmases developed into child-centric family festivals, Father Christmas became a bringer of gifts. Then the popular American myth of Santa Claus arrived in England in the 1850s and Father Christmas started to take on Santa Claus’s attributes and often times the two are now referred to interchangeably.
Other Entities associated with Santa
We can’t talk about Santa without talking about the legion of mythical characters surrounding him and that even live in his home. He lives at the North Pole with not only his wife Mrs. Claus, but also his elves who make the toys, and his reindeer who pull his sleigh. Let’s explore the magic of each of these more next.
His Reindeer
I think almost every child spends Christmas night lying in bed listening for the magical hoofbeats of Santa’s reindeer landing up above. Santa’s reindeer are magical creatures that live at the North Pole and help Santa. On Christmas Eve, Santa and his reindeer embark on their most important mission of the year: delivering presents to all the children of the world in one night.They visit every house where there are children who believe in Santa Claus, regardless of their location, culture or religion.
The idea of Santa’s reindeer flying through the sky in a sleigh was popularized by Clement Clark Moore’s 1823 poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. The imagery in the poem may have been influenced by Norse and Germanic mythology, where Thor, the God of Thunder, soared through the sky in a chariot pulled by two magical goats. It described how St Nicholas arrived on a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (later changed to Donner) and Blitzen.
The most famous of the reindeer is Rudolph who was introduced in 1939 by Robert L May, an employee of Montgomery Ward department store. He wrote a story about a young reindeer who had a shiny red nose that glowed in the dark. In it, Rudolph was teased for being different by the other reindeer and then one foggy Christmas Eve, he was asked by Santa to lead the sleigh and help guide him in the night. Rudolph went on to be a hero – and accepted by his fellow reindeer. The story was printed as a booklet and distributed to millions of children as a promotional gift by the store. In 1949, May’s brother-in-law Johnny Marks wrote a song based on the story; Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, and it later became a hit record by Gene Autry.
Elves
In English-speaking cultures, Christmas elves are a huge part of the Christmas holiday. They live with Santa Claus at the North Pole and act as his helpers. In many of the songs, poems, and stories, Santa’s elves are often said to make the toys in Santa’s workshop and take care of his reindeer, among many other tasks. Christmas elves are usually depicted as green- or red-clad, with large, pointy ears and wearing pointy hats. They are most often depicted as humanoids, but sometimes as furry mammals with tails. They were first introduced in literature by Louisa May Alcott in 1856. The image of the elves in the workshop was popularized by Godey’s Lady’s Book, with a front cover illustration for its 1873 Christmas issue showing Santa surrounded by toys and elves. The origins of the elf are thought to have been derived from Norse mythology, which refers to the álfar, also known as huldufólk ‘hidden folk’ who are similar to the Celtic fae. The elf character is most likely to have been created from a combination of this Norse legend with the house spirits named brownies in Scottish mythology and legends.
Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus is the wife of Santa Claus. Her role and character traits vary, but she is generally depicted as a kind, nurturing, and a supportive partner who helps Santa manage the operations at the North Pole. This includes taking care of the elves, managing the toy production, and sometimes baking cookies. She is often portrayed as a maternal figure with a warm personality, enhancing the festive and family-oriented atmosphere of Christmas lore. Mrs. Claus has become an integral part of holiday traditions and stories, particularly in American and European Christmas culture. The first time that there is reference to Santa having a wife is not until in an 1848 short story called “The Christmas Legend” by a writer called James Rees. In the story, two elderly strangers, who turn out to be Mr and Mrs Claus, seek shelter at a house on a long journey. After Mrs Claus asks some questions, they find out that one of their daughters had died. The next morning, they wake to find a house full of presents.
Krampus
In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked. To learn all about Krampus check out my previous blogpost here.
Santa and duality
Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. Not gonna lie this was a hard one for a bit for me to be able to look into the spirit of Santa and see the duality. But, after some time working with him in the shadows of the holiday season I was finally able to understand the essence of duality he offers us to see. While Santa is a spirit of happiness and kindness, and he represents a loving feeling that comes from being together and doing kind things for each other. He is that reminder at the end of one year closing and a new one unfolding of how important sharing kindness with others is to not only us but, the collective as well. While that reminder can lead to some increased feeling of love , joy and community it can also cause guilt and point out our major flaws in society as well. We can feel guilty for what we do have that others don’t or we can feel guilty for not doing enough during the entire year. It can also show us just how harsh and lacking our world we live in can be to so many of those around us that we usually choose not to see. Lastly, he may make you feel lacking in abundance if you are in a circumstance in life where you aren’t able to give the gifts you’d like to those you love during this holiday season. Especially if you have little ones in your home.
Correspondences to connect with Santa
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or like a figure like Santa, I will list below. Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!
If after reading this blog post and learning all about the cheerful, and generous Santa. and you want to work with him this holiday season. Especially after learning he is actually based on a human being who either ascended or at the very least was elevated to Sainthood among the church. You can start by adding him to your holiday celebrations this year by celebrating any of the holidays he is associated with like Saint Nicholas day and Christmas. Next, simply work with him by performing acts of kindness that embody the spirit of giving like Santa does; essentially, bringing joy and generosity to others during the holiday season. Otherwise you can also try some of these things in your life and home below. Just remember when you are working with him just like with any other entity you need to do so from a place of reverence and respect.
Study, get to know him
As with every entity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know them specifically a being like Santa; is to study all you can about him. Look at the different versions of his origin, and how the catholic church paired him with Krampus. You can even, study the evolution of his history and how he shows up in different parts of the world. Plus don’t forget there are modern interpretations of him as well in movies, t.v. shows, poems, pieces of art and books you can look into. The more you study and learn the better! When working with any entity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.
Leave offerings out for him
Even though he is the embodiment of the spirit of gift giving, it doesn’t mean you can’t give him some gifts in gratitude as well. If you love getting gifts for all of your hard work and kindness from time to time why not do the same for Santa as well. They can even be seen as way for him to refuel and continue to be motivated on h is very busy and long night. Visiting each house around the world with children inside. Below you will see a list of some ideas for offerings you can leave for him on either Saint Nicholas day, Christmas eve night or Christmas day.
Cookies
Milk
Rice pudding
carrots
coins
grain mix/straw
stockings
Glass of sherry or other alcohol
Porridge
Mince pie
gingerbread
poems or drawings
Gift giving
Don’t just give Santa gifts in the form of offerings but, do it for others as well. Really embody the main spirit of Santa by giving gifts to others. So, spread cheer, joy, and kindness to others by giving gifts to your loved ones that come from the heart, thought went into them, and they are special, You can even hand out random gifts to strangers, make gift bags to donate to a shelter, or participate in a secret Santa at your work.
Volunteer your time, or donate money and things to those in need
Even though the gift giving part of Santa is full of joy and holiday cheer. The core of Santa and the energy he embodies is the importance of being generous and kind to those in need. So, one of the best ways to work with Santa is to volunteer or participate in activities that spread Christmas cheer. Some ways to do this could be helping with charity drives, organizing toy drives, volunteering at a local shelter or charitable organization, be part of a meal train, visit a nursing home, or pay off a random strangers bill or tab. Just make sure you are simply performing acts of kindness that embody the spirit of giving like Santa does; essentially, bringing joy and generosity to others during the holiday season.
Do things that help and protect children
Another core element to Santa and who he is; is being the patron protective saint of children. Another way to connect to him and work with him i s by doing things that embody this as well. You can cast spells to protect children in your family and home. Some of my favorites is creating protective charms for my son to wear, drawing sigils on his clothes, or using his stuffies to turn them into protective poppets. Or take it a step further and extend your protection to those who are being harmed by others and are in need of justice and help in the world. You can also spend your time at places like domestic violence shelters or foster homes this holiday season to help spread some love , cheer, and a safe place to a child who may need it desperately right now from you.
Other ways to work with and connect to Santa
Celebrate Saint Nicholas day on December 6th in any of the ways we talked about above
Add images of Santa to your yule tree and holiday decorations
Create a sigil out of his name and use it spells or add it to cookies you bake with kitchen magic to offer him
cleanse and purify your chimney and hearth he will come down on Christmas eve night
Celebrate Christmas eve or Christmas day
Attend a holiday, Christmas, saint Nicholas day, or Santa parade if there is one near you
Sing song about him when you go caroling
Wish magic
Leave offering for woodland creatures and his reindeer
Go on a mindful winter nature walk
Work with the elves, fae, and brownies in your magic
Work with his colors red, black , and white in color magic
elemental magic with element of fire with a bonfire
dress up as Santa or better yet become a professional Santa
Work with the divine masculine and ascended master energy
Read about Jesus Christ prior to the king James version of the bible whom Saint nick worshipped
Volunteer to read stories to children at the library or book store as a Santa or an entity related to him
Invite others into your home for a holiday feast and secret Santa gift giving game
Do shadow work and journal about how kind you are during the rest of the year and how you may or may not need to change it in the coming year.
Cast spells to fulfill wishes with snowflake magic
Write a manifestation letter to Santa, read it out loud on Christmas ever night as Santa flies by, and bury it in the snow to have it manifest in the next year for you as gift from Santa
Cast spells for peace, harmony, joy, and good will
Random acts of kindess
Help with Santa’s workshop by donating toys
Participate in community holiday events where you can visit and see Santa in person
Why work with Santa?
Santa Claus is someone who will remain in the hearts of children forever and linger in our memoires of past cherished and festive times as adults.. While some may only consider him to be a mythical person who brings toys and good tidings to children at Christmas. As we grow older we see him as the special symbol of good will and selfless giving that he is. Every holiday season he rides through the night skies. Visiting each house to remind us of the importance to be genuinely kind to those in need and to give to our community.
To expand your knowledge about him and his magic or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube all about him below!
As the days draw short and the nights grow long, there are celebrations as well as a tinge of fear in the cold, crisp air as the wild hunt stampedes across the sky on winter solstice night. One of the most popular celebrations honoring the winter solstice was Yule Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, With roots that intertwine Celtic, Druidic, and Norse traditions from thousands of years ago. Yule is a celebration of the dark stillness of winter and the rebirth of the sun. This ancient celebration marks the point at which the night is longest, the day is shortest, and the journey back toward light begins. the winter solstice offers an opportunity to honor nature’s cycles, reflect on the dark season, and celebrate the sun’s return. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. In Norse culture, the winter solstice was known as Yule or Jol, a festival. It was believed that during this time, the sun goddess Sol gave birth to a new sun, marking the beginning of longer days and the end of winter darkness. Yule offers a beautiful opportunity to honor the cycle of nature, embrace the winter season, and welcome the returning light. Join me on a walk through the crisp winter air, to the feel the snow on your cheeks until you reach the Yule bonfire on Winter solstice night.
What is the winter Solstice?
The Winter Solstice occurs annually around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a day when the daylight is diminished and it’s the longest night of the year. Nearly every ancient culture acknowledged or celebrated the Winter Solstice in some aspect. It is a powerful moment in the solar year: The night is at its longest, but immediately after this peak, the light begins to regain its hold again (slowly). The solstice represents death, the absolute darkest moment of the year, but also rebirth and hope. Even as we acknowledge grief, loss, and the death in nature all around us, we know that everything will come back to life again in the spring and summer as it always has.
What is Yule?
Yule was one of the most important festivals in the old heathen calendar. Yule is a midwinter celebration that goes back to (as early as) the 4th century. Yule or Jol is an ancient Germanic holiday season. Some say Yule lasted for 12 days, from the Winter Solstice forward, while others say the festivities lasted an entire two months. From December through January, if we’re looking at a modern calendar. The name Jol is believed to come from a name for Odin himself – JÓLFAÐR, which translates to Yule Father. Yule holds immense significance as a time of transition, rebirth, and renewal. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as the sun begins its ascent, gradually growing stronger and promising the return of spring. Yule is a celebration of the winter solstice, representing the return of light, the cycle of life, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
Other names for yule
Jól
Jólablót
Jul
Yule time
Yuletide
Other Celebrations of the Winter solstice
Many cultures across earth have developed their own stories, beliefs and practices surrounding the winter solstice. These are just a few examples of the diverse ways the winter solstice has been found across different cultures. Many cultures have the universal themes of rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing hope and the promise of a new beginning.
Alban Arthan The winter solstice was celebrated by the Celts as the festival of Alban Arthan, which means “Light of Winter.” It was believed that during this time, the Oak King (representing the waxing year) defeated the Holly King (representing the waning year), symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. They believed that the burning of the Yule log was a way to symbolize the sun’s return and that the exchange of gifts was a way to honor the gods and ask for their favor in the coming year.
Saturnalia The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. Saturnalia was a jovial time for the entire city of Rome because, everyone in ancient Rome participated in the excitement. Especially what I find to be the most interesting par t of this festival the role reversal when power dynamics were switched. Meaning slaves and servants were now the masters for one day and vice versa.
Chinese winter solstice In Chinese culture, the winter solstice is associated with the concept of yin and yang. It is believed that during this time, yin (representing darkness and cold) reaches its peak, and yang (representing light and warmth) begins to grow, symbolizing the return of light and the gradual transition towards spring.
Blue Christmas (holiday) (Western Christian)
Brumalia (Ancient Rome)
Dongzhi Festival (East Asia)
Inti Raymi (Inca)
Koliada and Korochun (Slavic)
Midwinter Day (Antarctica)
Sanghamitta Day (Theravada Buddhism)
Shabe Yalda (Iran)
Shalako (Zuni)
Uttarayana (India)
We Tripantu (Mapuche)
Willkakuti (Aymara)
Yaldā (Western and Central Asia)
Yule in the Northern Hemisphere (Germanic)
Ziemassvētki (ancient Latvia)
The wild Hunt
Yule was also the time when it was believed the wild hunt would stampede across the skies. This was the night when ancestors visited from the Otherworld, and gods and spirits upon phantom horses rode through the night sky, led by All-father Odin upon his eight legged steed Sleipnir, leading the legendary Wild Hunt! No one wanted to be caught out alone on the road on this night as the ghostly hunting party ripped through the night sky, carrying the souls of the dead to the Otherworld.
Yule a time of renewal, rebirth, and transformation
Yule marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It symbolizes the rebirth of the sun as the days gradually start to lengthen again. Yule celebrates the return of light and the promise of warmth and growth in the coming months. Yule is a time of renewal and transformation, both in nature and within ourselves. It represents the cyclical nature of life, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is always the potential for light and growth. Yule is a time to shed old patterns, release what no longer serves us, and set intentions for the future.
Yule a liminal time of instrospection
Yule is a time for introspection and reflection on the past year. It provides an opportunity to review personal growth, accomplishments, and challenges, as well as to contemplate the lessons learned and the changes desired for the future. Yule encourages self-reflection, inner work, and setting intentions for personal and spiritual development. One of the best ways to do that is through Shadow work. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
Yule a time of celebration and family
Yule is traditionally a time of gathering with loved ones, family, and community. It is a time for sharing warmth, love, and gratitude. Yule celebrations often involve feasting, exchanging gifts, and participating in rituals or ceremonies that foster a sense of togetherness and unity. It is a time of joy amongst the darkest, and harshest nights of the year.
Winter solstice, Yule, and duality
Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like the winter solstice and festivals to celebrate it like Yule. Yule embodies a powerful duality by embracing the beauty of darkness while celebrating the promise of light’s return. It reminds us that after a season of long, cold nights and short days, the sun’s return is imminent. Yule recognizes the profound duality of life: the lightness and the dark. Yule is a time to pause in honor of all that’s good, while also holding space for pain. Throughout Yule there is a constant ebb and flow, a dance of duality. Filled with joy and sorrow, Abundance and scarcity, and lastly life and death.
Yule and Santa
We all know about the jolly, white bearded, red suited old man Santa Claus. He permeates the holiday season and Yule is included in that. Santa Claus is connected to Yule, because many aspects of the modern Santa figure, like his gift-giving nature and ability to travel through the sky, are believed to be derived from the Norse god Odin who was associated with the Yule festivities, particularly the “Wild Hunt” legend where he would fly through the sky on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir, delivering gifts to deserving individuals; essentially, Santa is seen as a modernized version of the “Yule Father” figure from ancient pagan traditions. To learn more about all of his history you can check out my class on YouTube with Divination all about here. Plus a blogpost on him will be coming right after this one!
Yuletide “monsters”
Most people have heard of Krampus, but there is a whole legion of Yuletide monsters just waiting to be your friend. Let’s talk about the Icelandic Yule Cat, the Yule Lads, and their leader Gryla the Christmas witch alongside Krampus as well below. Why not add them to your yuletide festivities this year as well
Krampus
First up Krampus! In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked. To learn all about the Christmas devil himself Krampus read my previous blog post here.
the Yule Cat While many of us have cats we love on in our homes, the Yule Cat isn’t one to bring inside and feed catnip to. This cat is something much different than the fluffy feline sun bathing in your window sill. In Iceland, his name is the Jolakotturinn. Which essentially translates to Yule Cat and he is known to accompany the Yule Lads (of whom we will meet shortly) and Gryla the Christmas Witch. In fact, the Yule Cat myth has it that he is the pet of Gryla, the only one to love him.
Does that mean if you meet the Jolakotturinn you should let him in your home? Only if you’re fond of facing terrifying creatures AND ONLY IF you are wearing NEW CLOTHES on Christmas when you open that door. What do new clothes have to do with the Yule Cat? Well, legend has it, he will eat you if you’re wearing old clothes!
the Yule Lads If the Yule Cat wasn’t horrifying enough, let’s move on to the Thirteen Yule Lads that hang about for Iceland’s Christmas. Sadly, Santa Claus doesn’t visit the children in Iceland. But the Yule Lads, Jolasveinar or “Yule Swains”, do! The Yule Lads begin invading Iceland on December 12th, thirteen days before Christmas, and hang around until Christmas Day. Each day one new Yule Lad comes down from his home in the mountains. these Yule Lads are more trollish in appearance and nature than human. And they all take on mischievous, if not downright disturbing, roles like one named Window Peeper. Yes, he looks through windows at the unsuspecting people inside. The rest of the thirteen Yule Lads don’t seem much better either with names like Stubby, Gully Gawk, Door Slammer, and Pot Scraper. And yes, there’s even one named Skirt Blower….. Today it’s believed that if the children are bad, the Yule Lads will give them a potato (raw or rotting). And if the children are good, they will receive a gift from each of the thirteen Yule Swains.
Grýla: The Terrifying Yuletide Witch Gryla is the monstrous troll-woman and Christmas witch of Iceland tradition and lore. She is accompanied by her sons and familiar we talked about above. .Gryla steals down from her domain in the mountains to the towns where the bad children lay asleep in their beds. She carries a large sack with her, so that when she snatches the children up she has a safe place to put them. Sound familiar? A little like Krampus from up above.
12 days of yule
Yule celebrations lasted 12 days, from December 21st to January 1st.. The 12 Days of Yule is a holiday that celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. It is also a time to honor the gods and goddesses, the ancestors, spirits of the dead, and the spirits of nature. Below I break down what each of the 12 days represents listen to your intuition to determine how you want to honor and celebrate each one of them.
Day 1:The first day of Yule is also known as Mother’s Night, and it is a day to honor the female ancestors and the goddesses of fertility, protection, and wisdom. (Dec. 20th)
Day 2: The second day of Yule is the winter solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is also the day when the sun is reborn, and the days start to get longer and brighter. This is a day to celebrate the light, the fire, and the sun. (Dec 21st)
Day 3:The third day of Yule is a day to honor the triple goddess, the three aspects of the divine feminine: the maiden, the mother, and the crone. The triple goddess represents the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, and the phases of the moon. (Dec 22nd)
Day 4: The fourth day of Yule is a day to honor the ancestors, the spirits of the departed who have influenced our lives and shaped our heritage. The ancestors can be our blood relatives, our spiritual mentors, or our cultural heroes. (Dec 23rd)
Day 5: The fifth day of Yule is a day to honor the animals, the creatures of the earth, air, and water who share this world with us and provide us with food, companionship, and inspiration. The animals can be our pets, our livestock, our totems, or our spirit guides. ( Dec 24th)
Day 6: The sixth day of Yule is a day to honor the gods and goddesses, the divine beings who rule over the realms of existence and manifest the forces of nature and the aspects of life. The gods and goddesses can be from any pantheon or tradition that you follow or resonate with. ( Dec 25th)
Day 7: The seventh day of Yule is a day to honor the elves, the fairies, the dwarves, and the other hidden folk who dwell in the realms of magic and mystery. The hidden folk are the guardians of nature, the keepers of secrets, and the makers of wonders. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Elf Feast, the Fairy Ring, and the Dwarf Gift. ( Dec 26th)
Day 8: The eighth day of Yule is a day to honor the spirits of the land, the beings who inhabit and animate the natural features of the earth. The spirits of the land are the essence of the mountains, rivers, forests, fields, and stones. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Landvættirblót, the Stone Circle, and the Sacred Grove. ( Dec 27th)
Day 9: The ninth day of Yule is a day to honor the ancestors of the spirit, the people who have inspired us and influenced us in our spiritual path and practice. The ancestors of the spirit can be our teachers, mentors, heroes, or role models. They can be from any time, place, or tradition that we feel connected to. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Ancestor Feast, the Hall of Heroes, and the Shrine of Inspiration. (dec 28th)
Day 10:The tenth day of Yule is a day to honor the spirits of the home, the beings who dwell in and protect our household and family. The spirits of the home are the hearth, the door, the well, and the ancestors. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the House Blessing, the Door Warding, and the Well Offering. ( Dec 29th )
Day 11: The eleventh day of Yule is a day to honor the spirits of the sky, the beings who inhabit and rule over the celestial bodies and the weather. The spirits of the sky are the sun, the moon, the stars, and the clouds. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the Sun Salutation, the Moon Meditation, and the Star Gazing. (Dec 30th)
Day 12: The twelfth day of Yule is the last day of the old year and the eve of the new year. It is a day to reflect on the past, present, and future, and to celebrate the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Some of the traditions and customs that are associated with this day are the New Year’s Eve, the New Year’s Resolutions, and the New Year’s Day. (Dec 31st)
Common Traditions
Lighting of the Yule log
Burning a Yule log is a time-honored tradition that represents the return of light during the darkest time of the year. A large log, often made of oak or other sacred woods, is ceremonially lit and kept burning throughout the night or for the entire Yule season. Symbolizing the light and warmth in the midst of winter’s darkness, a large log is traditionally burned in the hearth or bonfire. As the log crackles and glows, it serves as a focal point for reflection, meditation, and the manifestation of hopes and dreams for the coming year. Keep in mind as well that the type o f wood you choose will add an extra layer of energy to magic this night as well during this night.
Below is an example of the Yule log my son and I made last year. For this year we used pine, evergreen, apples, ground gloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, sage, and rosemary to fuel our intentions of the next year. To release patterns tainted by mistrust that no longer serve us. To call in abundance, reciprocated love and energy, and peace and healing in our family and home. With the twine we bound our intentions tight to cut off unwanted energies and leave them in our past life. We bind our commitment to our new intentions and goals we set this solstice night full of bright new energy as the sun is reborn this day with new light.
Gift-giving The tradition of giving gifts during the Winter season is ancient and spans cultures. In Ancient Rome, Saturnalia was an ancient Winter festival that celebrated the god Saturn during the month of December. The Romans gave each other gifts during this time. This tradition is reflected in the story of the three wise-men and the gifts they bring to the newborn Jesus. But gift-giving isn’t limited to the Romans or to baby Jesus, as the ancient Germanic peoples also gave gifts to one another. This was a transfer of blessings for health and abundance.
Yule Singing or caroling Yule singing, also called caroling, originates in the Wassailing tradition made most popular in England. The term wassail comes from the Old Norse word ves heill which means good health. So the idea of singing to people, or in the orchards to the trees, meant to bless the people or property.
Wassail Wassailing isn’t just a festive activity you can do with your community but also a hot drink. Wassail is a strong drink, often made with ale, honey, spices, or mulled apple cider. The ritual of wassailing involves anointing the tree with wassail and decorating it with wassail-soaked cakes. During feasts, the wassail is poured into a large bowl and guests are greeted with “waes hael”, which means “drink and be well”
Yule Goat (Bock) The Yule Goat or Yule Bock is a Scandinavian winter solstice tradition. It’s basically a decorative goat made out of straw or wood. Then hung on the Yule tree or placed elsewhere around the home. The goat itself is one of two things: either a representation of Thor’s sacred animals OR a nod to the calendar moving into the sign Capricorn. Either way, the yule goat brings prosperity and luck in the coming year.
Deities of Yule
During Yule and the winter solstice its common for many witches and pagans to work with and celebrate deities that connect to and represent the energies central to the celebrations. This season and it’s celebrations are full of magic, and there are many gods and goddesses of rebirth, the winter, and the sun we can connect to this Yule. Yule is a really important time in pagan culture and there are plenty of gods and goddesses to work with or worship, depending on your practice, festivals, and celebrations. SOME of them you can work with are; Odin, cailleach, Sol Invictus, Brechta, Skahdi, The oak and holly king and more! Keep an eye out for my blogpost coming in just a few days all about the deities of Yule.
Magical themes of Yule
Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. This Sabbat perform spells to harness the energies of rebirth, renewal, transformation, the light of the day, rebirth of the sun, and the darkness of night. This is also a time to reflect on the past year, and planning for the new year ahead. It’s a very liminal time weaved with the energies of duality. Yule is a great time to focus on spells that remind us of the joy we get when loved ones are near. This is a very potent time to allow yourself to descend into the depths of your soul for inner work and reflection. To be healed by letting one version of you die on the eve of Yule night to be reborn as a new you with the sun at first mornings light. On Yule, we see the following magical rituals and spells below as well. Remember these are just some of the themes and energies you can connect to and work with on Yule.
renewal
rebirth
Life’s resilience
return of the sun
stillness
Darkness
light
Joy
Family
Hearth
Introspection
reflection
ghosts and spirit activity
fire
nature’s cycles
Cleansing/ purification
hope
death
Correspondences for Yule
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for A holiday or sacred time like Yule and the winter solstice, I will list below for you to use. Remember this is not an all encompassing list and there may be other correspondences to use. Just follow your intuition and use what calls to you.
We have talked about many different themes, and energies you can connect to during this time from rebirth, transformation, rebirth of the sun, darkness, stillness, introspection, keeping a lit hearth, and family. Let’s talk about how we can connect to and celebrate those themes and energies now. First, you can participate and honor any of the deities listed above or that are associated with the winter, Yule, and rebirth. In your everyday life, you can work with any affirmations, mantras, and visualization work for change, rebirth, reflection, growth, and connecting to the wisdom in the stillness of winter. Check out below more ways to work with and celebrate this holiday and time of year.
Refresh Your Altar One way to connect to a holiday and/or sacred day I always recommend is to cleanse and refresh your altar and/or sacred space. Use earth or fire to cleanse, then decorate with snow water, pinecones and needles, holly, nuts, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, images of Krampus or winter deities, red/green candles and any correspondences we talked about earlier.
Decorate and burn a yule log
Celebrate Yule by joining festivals, feasting, singing, dancing, and spending time with loved ones. The most important and the funnest of all is lighting the Yule log. Hold a ceremony where you and your family can light it together. Nothing says warm and cozy, and keeping unwanted spirits at bay quite like bonfires with your nearest and dearest.
Shadow work and reflection
The winter solstice is a great time for self reflection. There’s no better time to do this than during the darkest and longest night of the year. Wrestling with an issue? Realizations and epiphanies come by easier in the quiet stillness of the season. One of the best ways to self reflect is through shadow work. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
Pine cone wishing spell for new beginnings
This is one of my favorite yule time spells and traditions to do. I like it so much I do it again for new years eve as well. Throughout the span of recorded human history, pinecones have been a symbol of human enlightenment, resurrection, eternal life and regeneration. For the Celts, pine cones represented regeneration and were used as a fertility charm where it was often placed under the pillow. So why not take that fertile energy of the pinecone and use it in a manifestation spell? This spell is really simple and easy to do as well! All you will need to do is go outside to your nearest pine tree and pick out a pinecone that is whispering your name and calling to you. Once you have it go back inside and take small pieces of paper and on each one write a wish you want to see fulfilled and manifested in the next year to come. Once you have them written either fold them or roll them towards you while you visualize that wish being manifested and brought to you. Then take them and stuff them into the pine cone so the pieces of paper are stuck in it. Now you can place the pinecone stuffed with your wishes on your altar or even better add a ribbon to the top and hang it on your yule tree. Then on yule night when you burn your yule log, remove your pinecone from the yule tree and burn it in the fire as well. watch as all your wishes come true this next year.
Tell ghost stories or do graveyard magic
Yuletide is a season of ghosts, ghouls and gods. So what better tradition to carry on than telling ghost stories near a roaring fire? This used to be a well-known and beloved winter solstice custom (think of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol) that has all but fizzled out. On top of that why not take it to he next step by doing some graveyard magic as well.
Snow and Ice Divination for Yule Divination by snow is called nivimancy and divination by ice is cryomancy. There’s different ways to do this. First, if you live in a place where you get snow, simply watching the snowflakes falling and allowing your mind to clear. Then letting images, words, numbers, symbols pop into your mind. If you can go out in the snow, watch the flakes and notice their patterns, how the wind blows them, etc. Ask the Winter gods, ancestors, and spirits to give you messages through the snow. If you don’t live in a place with snow, I recommend the shaved ice method. You can purchase shaved ice, then allow the ice to melt and read the shape, size, etc. of the puddle made. In addition, you can gaze into the puddle and water scry. Living in Minnesota I have learned the Winter spirits really communicate clearly through the falling snow and by scrying off the tops of frozen rivers, lakes, and other bodies of waters. I find I get the clearest messages when I go and sit on the bank of a frozen river in a private little grove or go and visit somewhere I haven’t been before as the snow falls.
Welcoming the Sun
As the solstice marks the turning point from darkness to light, many including myself choose to greet the sunrise on the morning of Yule. Find a quiet spot in nature, whether it be a hilltop or your own backyard, and witness the beauty of the sun’s return. Offer prayers or intentions for the new cycle, and take a moment to feel the warmth of the sun’s rays on your face. Then head on over to sit around a fire you have lit to release what needs to be released as the sun is reborn again and the long nights begin to get shorter.
Simmer pot for the winter solstice and Yule
Whether you consider yourself a Kitchen Witch, are vaguely interested in Kitchen Magic or just want to bring some good vibes and good smells into your home, simmer pots are an easy, accessible and fun ritual for any time of year! Simmer pots are easy to create and customize to your liking, so you can make your kitchen a sacred space whenever you want! So, why not make one specifically to call in and honor the energy of Yule and the winter solstice.
What are simmer pots? Simmer pots are basically potpourri in a pot! You choose your ingredients, put them in a pot with water, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and let it do its thing. They couldn’t be any easier, just be sure you don’t let your pot boil dry! If you want to keep the pot going simply add more water when it gets low. And obviously never leave it going when you are not home. To learn more about how about this magical practice you can check out my previous blogpost on the topic here.
Other ways to connect to Yule
Decorate a yule tree
snow magic
journal and reflect on the natural cycles of the earth
Since Yule, and the winter solstice are thought to be a liminal time when ghosts and other worldly spirits are roaming the earth, a Yule spell for protection may be necessary. Why not create one that will also look great on your Yule tree as a decoration too! You can do this by creating a Yule protection spell witches ball.
What you will need:
A fillable Christmas ball ornament (also called terrarium ornaments. Find at craft and dollar stores.)
Three protective herbs: rosemary, salt, cinnamon
One small stone with protective vibes, examples: tiger’s eye, black tourmaline, obsidian
Small piece of paper
Something to write with
Bow or decoration for top of ball
any correspondences that connect you to yule you want to add
How to perform:
Gather your ingredients and cleanse them in whatever way you prefer. I like to use sound or smoke cleansing.
Get yourself into sacred container
Begin by opening your fillable ornament and breathing gently into it. You’re filling this spell with your essence. At this time, you should also be visualizing your intention for the ball or speaking it out loud. This would be the intention of protecting you, your loved ones, and your home for the Winter solstice and and all witner long.
Next, add each herb one by one, telling each ingredient it’s job for the Yule spell. For example, “cinnamon protects my home and family and increases this Yule spell’s effect.”
Then add your protective stone. And any other charms you feel are protective.
Then add your extra correspondences representing yule
Last, you’re going to write your intention on your piece of paper, then say it out loud, as you roll it towards you, then place it in the fillable ball.
Seal the ball with the top piece and add any bows or decorations to it. You could even draw a sigil of protection on it as well like one from Krampus or Odin for example.
Then hang it on your Yule tree, near your front door or other threshold, or add it to your altar for the winter solstice.
12 Days of Yule = Your Next 12 Months Divination Method
This is a technique I’ve used for a few years now and it almost always turns out to be scary on-point. For each of the 12 days of Yule, you’ll record any omens or signs from that day. Each of those 12 days’ omens/signs are your reading for the next 12 months in the coming year. I honestly picked this up off another witchcraft website a few years ago and can’t remember who made the suggestion. So if it was you, let me know so I can credit you.
Here’s a few examples of how this Winter Solstice divination works:
1st day of Yule: the first snow falls
2nd day of Yule: a crow sits on your roof and caws before dawn
3rd day of Yule: your grandma calls and says she’s been thinking about your friend who passed away
4th day of Yule: carolers come to your house and sing your favorite song
5th day: the broom falls over by your front door
6th day: you find a dead mouse in the basement
7th day: a friend visits without first notifying you
8th day: your candle burns down SUPER quick leaving a wax pattern that looks like a heart
9th day: you step outside and hear a coyote call
10th day: nothing remarkable happens
11th day: you spill your coffee all over your new dress
12th day: your heater dies
How this divination plays out month-to-month make sure to record throughout the year what happens so you can look back at the unreal on point results. Then watch as you add this to yearly traditions like I have as well!
1st day = January = turns out to be a quiet, serene month
2nd day = February = you have a new opportunity to join a local coven
3rd day = March = you dream about your old friend and get the feeling she’s visiting from the spirit world
4th day = April = this month goes really well for you, luck seems to follow you everywhere you go
5th day = May = company shows up. It’s your mother.
6th day = June = you’re sadly demoted at work
7th day = July = then your long time friend from Uni offers you a better job!
8th day = August = a passionate romance comes into your life
9th day = September = you find out a coworker has been talking about you behind your back
10th day = October = a calm, quiet month (and much needed)
11th day = November = your project at work slows down considerably
12th day = December = you realize your anger is getting away from you and figure it’s time to “chill out”
Fire and Ice renewal Yule spell
The winter solstice is a liminal pocket of time that is ripe with the energy of renewal. The earth is going through a time of transition as the days get longer and the nights get shorter from this moment on. It is a time when the sun dies in one moment and in the next is reborn again. Why not take the time to harness some of that potent energy of renewal for yourself as well! The spell below is designed for you to do just that using the alchemizing energy of ice, and the burning passion of fire.
What you will need
A freezer safe bowl that holds at least two cups of water.
Enough water to fill your chosen bowl at least 2/3rds of the way
1 or more white or yellow tealights or small votive candles
Small pieces of winter greenery, berries, warm spices such as cinnamon or cloves, pine needles or citrus slices (fresh, dried or candied) of your choice
For this spell there will be a bit of prep work if you are choosing to use water and not ice. At least four hours depending on the bowl size, before you wish to preform this spell, fill you bowl about 2/3rd full with water. If you are adding greenery, pine needles, etc, do so now. I personally really enjoy adding pine needles, smaller pinecones, holly, and mistletoe. If you are using ice cubes, gathered ice, or freshly fallen snow, simply fill the bowl roughly 2/3rds to 3/4th full with ice.
How to perform:
Get yourself into sacred container. Personally, I like to either take my bowl of ice and candle(s) outside where I can be in the snow and winter cold or while standing beside or in front of a window.
Place your bowl of water that you prepped by freezing, or your bowl of ice cubes or snow in front of you as you do this start to focus on your intention and energy of renewal for the year. Allow yourself to focus what it is in your life that you need to renew in your life whether that be you as a whole, one area of your life, or even a relationship. It is up to you and now is the time to focus on that energy and bring the intention into your minds eye. Once you have your intention of renewal in your minds eye place your candles in the bowl.
Now it is time to light the candles. As you light the flame, say the following words or others that feel right to you: “On winter solstice during Yule, the days begin to grow longer, as the sunlight begins to chase away the longer nights. As nature goes through its rebirth, so too am I renewed in all the ways that I need and want, both known and unknown. I ask for the strength of ice and it’s power of alchemy and change. I ask for the passion and power of fire to burn away what I no longer need and ignite a new light burning bright. I ask for the support of winter’s transformative energy to aid me in this process of renewal and rebirth, As it is, So mote it be.”
Allow the candle to burn until it either out entirely or for the melting ice to drip onto it and extinguish it naturally, whichever happens first. As it burns, imagine the strength and warmth of its flames recharging you and you instilling renewed energy, drive and determination inside of you on every level that you presently need.
We all know about the white bearded old man in a red suit Santa Claus, and his wife, Mrs. Claus. But most of us can’t say the same for Krampus the Christmas Devil. Krampus is a central figure in the Germanic Holiday season and he is more than a mere monster or Santa Claus’s antihero. Krampus takes center stage specifically during Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht literally meaning German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. It’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids and some of those punishment’s are quite gruesome. Let’s sit around the Yule log and listen for the sound of chains and bells as we wait for Krampus to run through the streets of your town.
Who is Krampus?
In the chilly shadows of European winter folklore (primarily Germanic), the figure of Krampus emerges, distinct with his horns, terrifying hairy body and sinister snarling face. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children with spankings, and sometimes his punishments are so severe he even drowns, eats, or carries them off to Hell. While St. Nicholas (St. Nikolaus in Germany) is famous for giving gifts and rewards to the righteous, it’s Krampus’s job to strike fear into the hearts of the wicked.
What does Krampus look like?
Krampus is a creature often described as half-goat and half-demon with cloven hooves, razor-sharp fangs, large horns protruding from his head, an abnormally long and forked tongue, and dark fur depicted as either black or brown all over his body. Krampus carries a basket on his back (to put naughty children in) and either chains or bundles of birch branches. The chain tradition is to “bind the devil” and the birch switches are to swat the evil out of children.
Origin and history of Krampus
Just like with almost every other Christmas tradition, many believe Krampus comes from ancient pagan times. While he’s called the Christmas Devil today, many believe he was once a horned fertility god. There’s an uncanny resemblance between Krampus, Pan, fauns and the Celtic horned deity Cernunnos. But, as with pretty much every single pagan entity there is never an agreement on his origins. We will take a look at a few of them below.
Krampus and his connection to Frau Perchta
The roots of Krampus most likely derive from Frau Perchta (pronounced perk-tah), a Winter Germanic goddess who is a mix of “good” and “evil”. She can appear in two different forms. To well-behaved children, she appears as a beautiful and kind woman who leaves silver coins in their shoes. However, for children who misbehave, she manifests as a terrifying hairy demon who would slice open children’s bellies, extract their innards, and replace them with hay, dirt, trash, or rocks. Then she would stitch their bellies closed again. Stories tell of her breath being so foul that it causes blindness.
Krampus the daughter of Lady Hel
Others claim Krampus has Norse origins, stating he’s the son of Norse Goddess Hel. However, I couldn’t find a credible source for this. Many websites, and blogs mention this without listing their sources. I believe this detail is from a fictional book by Brom called Krampus: The Yule Lord. If you find credible sources saying otherwise, I’m open to reviewing them. The only reason I find this to be interesting and have a bit of validity to it is because of Krampus’s link to saint Nicholas aka Santa. Many believe Santa’s origins come from Odin himself (I am one of them) . So, if Santa is Odin that would make Krampus Loki. But, Loki is Hel’s father so, if this theory to his origin is correct in anyway then he would be Hel’s father not her son.
Krampus post-Christianity
As Christianity spread, Krampus moved from being a Winter Solstice fixture to being a part of Christmas. The Catholic Church didn’t like that too much, and they tried to ban him, but the people wouldn’t have it. Instead they continued the traditions of Krampus Night and Krampus Run, and in some cases, these traditions became larger as a result of the Church’s warnings. This is also when we see Krampus being linked to Saint Nicholas. They tried to ban Krampus but, were never able to do it fully, so instead the Catholic Church “embraced” him by pairing him with Saint Nicholas to frame him as the Christian devil.
What is Krampusnacht?
The number one way to worship Krampus is through celebrating Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht, German for Krampus’ night, occurs annually on the night of December 5th, the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Traditionally it’s the night when Krampus comes to punish bad kids. Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas in processions. He carries his birch switch, a basket or pack on his back, and often wears bells and/or rattling chains. In addition to swatting the “naughty ones”, Krampus’ presence is supposed to scare children into behaving in the coming year. His pack on his back is believed to hold the children who have been particularly naughty, and he’s also said to give out coal instead of candy. Then the next day, on the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the good children are gifted and the bad children nurse their Krampus-wounds.
What is Krampuslauf?
Sometimes Krampuslauf is held on Krampusnacht. Krampuslauf is the name for the Krampus parades most of us see all over social media. They are held mainly throughout Central and Eastern Europe. These parades are particularly popular in Bavaria and Austria. Krampuslauf’s festivities are spreading throughout the world, with Krampus parades becoming an annual tradition in Washington DC, Illinois, Texas and Ohio, U.S. As well as other places in Europe.
During the Krampuslauf, men and women dress up as Krampuses and run around town swatting others with branches during the procession. There’s quite a bit of drinking and debauchery during Krampusnacht, and it’s likely that we are just carrying on the older pagan traditions in our revelry. I say this because, the practices of this parade like the swatting of the branches is so similar to the fertility rituals done in Rome during Lupercalia.
Krampus and Duality
Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. You may not think there is duality in the energy of Krampus since he exists to terrify, and punish children but, I find duality in the essence of protection he can bring. While his energy is about terrifying children into behaving and I don’t agree with parenting like that. I can see that it could be done in a way to protect your children and keep them safe from making decisions that could hurt them or worse. Protection is something we will all need from time to time in our lives and I don’t find that to necessarily be an unwanted energy. But, one that can provide comfort and safety instead. This is why I work with Krampus and why I feel he is getting so popular again. Most of those I know that work with him do so for his protection that he can bring to them and their homes especially those in marginalized or oppressed communities.
Correspondences to connect with Krampus
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or a deity, like I will list below for you to use with Lakshmi .Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!
Themes- punishment, protection, winter, rebellion, parenting, duality of Christmas
Herbs- Cinnamon, Frankincense, Fir, Juniper, Birch, Orange, holly berries, Myrrh, black pepper, chili crisp
Stones/ crystals- black obsidian, onyx, Smokey quartz, carnelian, malachite, pyrite, hematite, black tourmaline
Ways to work with Krampus
If after reading this blog post and learning all about the terrifying monster that is Krampus and you want to work with him and his protective energy. By adding him to your holiday celebrations this year try some of these things in your life and home below. Just remember when you are working with him just like with any other entity you need to do so from a place of reverence and respect.
Study, get to know him
As with every entity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know them specifically a being like Krampus; is to study all you can about him. Look at the different versions of his origin, and how the catholic church paired him with Saint Nicholas. You can even, study the culture and region, of the people of Germany, Austria, and central Europe. Plus don’t forget there are modern interpretations of him as well in movies, t.v. shows, and books you can look into. The more you study and learn the better! When working with any entity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.
Go to a Parade If you live in Europe, near Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you might be able to find one close to you there, as well. Krampus parades are even popping up all over the United States now as well, with big ones in Washington D.C and Texas. Check your local cities and take the family to a Krampus parade this Christmas. Or get creative and start your own in your town or home.
Dedicate Altar Space
Set aside some space in honor of Krampus specifically for him. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Krampus there; be sure to cleanse the space before you invite him in. Include his colors black and red, his symbols, and representations of punishments like birch branches. Plus add any of his other correspondences you can use to connect to him. This will be a container that reminds you to connect with him and his energy. To allow you a container of order, protection, and punishment towards those who are wicked. I also recommend adding bells and chains to this altar as well.
Leave out offerings for Krampus
If Santa Claus loves cookies and milk, what does Krampus like on his special night? It really depends on what you want to leave out. But, one thing I can tell you for sure, make to leave him one more then what you want to leave him. He never seems to be satisficed with what you want to leave him and comes back asking for more. He always haggles with me so, I have learned throughout the years to always leave him one more of what I originally intended to for him. That means one more pour or cup of whatever liquor I am leaving him or an extra tobaccos leaf. I like to take a shoe and leave it outside my threshold and fill it with candy and then place my shot glasses, tobacco leaves, and cigars around the boot for him to enjoy. Below you will see a list of some ideas for offerings you can leave for him on Krampusnacht night. I also leave mine out for most of the holiday season and refresh every Saturday night.
Liquor
Gingersnaps
Gingerbread cookies
Stollen (German fruitcake)
Pumpernickel
Jägermeister
Peppermint Schnapps
Tobacco leaves and cigars
red meats
baked breads
Candy
Black and red candles
Ring Krampus bells
You can also ring Krampus bells! Traditionally, the Perchten and Krampuses are known to wear or carry bells with them during the parade through town. This custom wards off evil and purifies the town. So, why not add this own tradition to your home to add some needed protection during this holiday season as you have people coming and going over your threshold more often. Grab some bells and ring them over your threshold especially on December 5th night, to allow Krampus to protect your home and keep those with ill intentions out. To boost the potency of those bells don’t be afraid to add a sigil associated with Krampus to it as well. I like to put mine on the inside of the bell to maximize the potency of the vibration when it is activated.
Use a birch bundle as a tool
Go outside gather some birch sticks and branches to use in your offerings and spell workings during this Krampusnacht season. This bundle can be placed at your front door to ward off unwanted entries and bring in prosperity. Or make a small bundle and place it somewhere in your Yuletide tree or on your altar in honor of Krampus.
Get or make a Krampus costume
Krampusnacht in its hometown is all about the masks and costumes. Many of these are family heirlooms and have been passed down through families for decades. But, if you are reading this you most likely don’t have access to any like that. So, you can either go and purchase one or you can get really creative and make your own! You can even add sigils for protection to it on the inside as well.
Add Krampus to your holiday decorations
Instead of having your holiday decorations this year have Santa or angelic figures as the focal point of your decorations why not have Krampus be instead. Work with him and bring his energy into your home by changing up your holiday decorations by adding his image to your tree, your wreaths, and even change up the color of your tree themes to black and red. Don’t forget to use birch branches, bells and maybe even replace your tinsel with some chains as well. Get as creative as you want its really up to you!
Use his colors black and red in color magic
A simple way to add Krampus to your holiday season this year would be to use his colors black and red in color magic. Color magic is simply using the colors that correspond to an energy or entity like Krampus to represent them in your spell workings, rituals, or just your every day life. So, there really are endless ways you can use his colors in color magic during this holiday season from using them in your decorations, wearing clothes, using spell bags or candles in your spells, painting your nails, and anything else you can think of! One thing that most people really love about color magic is it can be as loud or as subtle as you want to be. So, if you aren’t quite ready to let others know you are working with Krampus this may the best way for you to go.
Use him as a way to discipline children
I am going to preface this by saying I have NEVER worked with Krapmus like this nor do I support it. I don’t agree with parenting through fear tactics and intimidation. But, one of the ways I keep reading about working with him is by using him to parent unruly and rowdy children. I’ve come across spells invoking him to make a child behave a certain way and I’ve seen spells invoking him to punish and discipline a child as well. Some homes in regions of Austria are even known to paint birch tree branches gold and keep them around the home all year to encourage their children to behave. If you want to work with Krampus this way you could do the same.
Call on Krampus to remove toxic people from your life
One of my personal favorite ways to work with Krampus is calling on him to aid in protection spells especially those aimed towards removing someone unwanted, harmful, or toxic from my life. What is Krapmus’s purpose? To punish those who are wicked. So, why not ask him to help you do the same when you need to get rid of someone from your life. Whether it is someone who abused you, a nasty neighbor, a bully, someone who broke your heart, or someone you need to cut ties with. You can do this by invoking him in your spells by using his name, adding his sigils, or using any of his correspondences as spell ingredients. My favorite type of protection spells to ask for his aid in are things like freezer spells, bindings, banishing, justice spells, and hexes.
Why work with Krampus?
Other then the fact that he is just a really fascinating character why not make sure to work with all aspects of the holiday season. Don’t just focus on the tidings and good cheer but, also on the dark side of winter. Even though he can be harsh with his tactics he does force children to go inwards and reflect on their actions. Calling on him can help you do the same as well during the month and season all about introspection. Don’t forget, Civilization is also about order, and Krampus is most certainly a lover of order. His job is to maintain order by scaring children into behaving properly. He shows up in December and reminds the little ones not to stray too far outside what is acceptable. So, call on him to help bring order to your life and maintain it in society as well. Listen for the sound of chains and bells as we wait for Krampus to run through the streets of your town this holiday season.
December is a time of reflection, renewal, stillness, rest, introspection, hope, celebrating community and our own uniqueness. The magic of December calls us inward for deep introspection to be a catalyst of rebirth and growth to bloom. Now is the time when we rest while we wait for the spring when the ground thaws and life begins again. In December the energy is focused on the journey deep within as the spirits from the other world are held off by the wild hunt and Odin seated upon Sleipnir. December calls us to focus on transformation, shadow work, releasing the past, and choosing the goals we will focus on this coming year to create the life we truly want. December is associated with Yule and the winter solstice marking the rebirth of the sun and the return of light after the longest night of the year. It’s a time to celebrate the return of light to the world next to the glowing hearth with our family and friends. It is a time to set intentions for the coming year, and reflect on the past year’s experiences. This month envelopes us in the duality and magic of winter. By showing us the introspection in dark nights and the hope of day light finally getting longer again. During December in the stillness and silence as the snow falls, and the ground freezes profound secrets of wisdom are whispered with each inhaled breath. Come join me in this blogpost to learn all about the magic falling down in each silent snowflake covering the realm during the month of introspection, rest, and rebirth; December.
History of December
December is the 12th month of the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The name December comes from the Latin word decem, which means “ten”. This is because it was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar, which began in March. December has marked the end of the year and the start of winter since the ancient Romans created their first calendar.
Zodiac Signs For The Month Of December
Those born in December are said to be born under either the sign of the archer Sagittarius or the mythical seagoat Capricorn.
Sagittarius are typically born between November 22 and December 21. Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac, and is represented by an archer. They are known for being self-sufficient, independent, free and are a one-of-a-kind, and wise beyond their years. Sagittarius, is the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven.
Capricorn are typically born between December 22 and January 19. Capricorn’s symbol is a sea-goat, a mythical creature that is part goat and part fish. This is representative of Capricorn’s ability to navigate both the material and emotional realms. Capricorns are said to be hardworking, honest, loyal, and persistent. They are also known for being determined, responsible, and focused.
Sacred Days And Celebrations In December
Every Single month has sacred and important days and celebrations to help you connect to the energies of the month. Plus they usually are a lot of fun to take part in! Below you will find a list of the sacred days and celebrations for the month of December! The common theme you will find is connection to family, our homes, light vs dark and rebirth. But, first we are going to talk about a few that take centerstage during this month having us focus on the introspection in dark nights and the hope of day light finally getting longer.
Saturnalia
First up, one of my favorite festivals and holidays to read about in December because, it just sounds like so much fun; Saturnalia. The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. What we know for sure is that it was observed around Midwinter a.k.a. the Winter Solstice. Saturnalia was a jovial time for the entire city of Rome because, everyone in ancient Rome had off of work and participated in the excitement. Especially the most interesting tradition of this festival when the social norms of society were lifted. For example, slaves were able to be the masters and masters turned into the slaves. Women could switch roles with the men and vice versa. It was a true time of merriment and debauchery for all.
Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night
Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is a holiday celebrated on December 5th to celebrate the horned, cloven-hoofed companion to St. Nicholas; Krampus. Krampus is a terrifying winter devil who accompanies Saint Nicholas in Eastern and Central European Christmas parades. You’ll find him in Bavaria, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and parts of Croatia and Northern Italy. Krampus is said to punish children who misbehave, while St. Nicholas rewards the good ones. Krampus is said to have been part of pagan rituals for the winter solstice and is thought to be the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld. There’s also an uncanny resemblance between Krampus, Pan, fauns and the Celtic horned deity Cernunnos. But as with almost every pagan entity he Christianity came along and he became associated with Christmas despite efforts by the Catholic church to ban him.
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice, occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, is the moment when the sun takes its lowest arc across the sky, marking the longest night and the shortest day.The Winter Solstice is a special event that occurs when the Earth tilts farthest away from the sun. It is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It’s a special day when one part of the Earth, where you might live, gets the least amount of sunlight in a whole year. The Winter Solstice has been important to many cultures and religions throughout time. It represents a moment of stillness, reflection, and gratitude amidst the busyness of our day-to-day activities.
Yule
As the days draw short and the nights grow long, there are celebrations full of cheer as well as a tinge of fear in the cold, crisp air as Yule is celebrated far and wide. Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. Yule or Jol is believed to be first an ancient Germanic holiday season. The name Jol is believed to come from a name for Odin himself – JÓLFAÐR, which translates to Yule Father. Some say Yule lasted for 12 days, from the Winter Solstice forward, while others say the festivities lasted an entire two months. From December through January, if we’re looking at a modern calendar. At this time of year, people are experiencing both the height of darkness and the knowledge and hope that the light and warmth will return. Yule is a time for people to rest, enjoy good food and drink, and turn their thoughts to the gods and ancestors. Plus during this time it was thought that Odin seated upon Sleipnir stampeded across the sky leading the wild hunt keeping the spirits on their side of the veil.
The Celts also celebrated Yule, but their focus was on the rebirth of the sun and the coming of a new year. They believed that the burning of the Yule log was a way to symbolize the sun’s return and that the exchange of gifts was a way to honor the gods and ask for their favor in the coming year. Some mark the holiday with reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (representing darkness) and the Oak King (representing light) of Celtic legend.
Other sacred days and celebrations
Saint Nicholas’ Day – December 6
Egil Skallagrimsson’s Day – December 9
Human Rights Day – December 10
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – December 12
Saint Lucia’s Day – December 13
Festivus – December 23
HumanLight – December 23
Yule – December 21
Christmas – December 25
Hanukkah- December 25- January 2
Boxing Day – December 26
Kwanzaa – December 26 – January 1
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti – December 25
Brumalia
Saturnalia – December 17
Mōdraniht
Holy Innocents Day – December 28
New Year’s Eve – December 31
Yalda Night
Toji (shinto)
Dong Zhi
Magical And Witchcraft Themes For December
During this month the darkness and silence calls to us to take a break from everything. We have put in the hard work all year, reaped what we have sown during the harvest festivals and now is the time to turn inward and rest. Between Samhain and Yule during the month of December, can be an ideal time for shadow work, working on anything that you want to heal, and release. Allowing for a profound rebirth and personal growth. Leaving room this month to focus on the next year ahead and what intentions you wish to set. To begin our new year with an inner flame of power that is burning bright all year long. Lighting the way for a year to manifest all that we truly desire. Performing intention setting and goal rituals during December will have a lasting affect on what you manifest in the year ahead. Don’t forget to cast fire spells as well during this month to bring you heat and warmth during the cold winter months. As well as connecting you to the hope of brighter and warmer days soon to come. I love to perform fire magic via candles during this month to create a beacon of light and hope for my mental health during the darkest days ahead. Lastly, if you live in a part of the world that freezes during the winter with frozen water ways and falling snow, binding and banishing magic can be extremely powerful and protective right now. Use the power of the alchemy in ice and snow to banish things from your life you need to let go, or to bind someone or something in place that no longer serves you in a wanted way.
The gods and goddesses of December
This month is a good time to get to know the winter goddesses that rule at this time. Some are associated with the dark goddess aspect as of the divine feminine as well. Allowing for a powerful portal to ancient wisdom and magical knowledge during this month as the snow falls. Everyone works with and views deity energy a little differently. Whether you view them as archetypes of the human consciousness, representations of the source energy, or as being entities on their own, there are certain deities that now is the time to connect to and honor them in the most sacred and amplified way.( Don’t forget to grab my eBook in the shop to help you explore this)
During this month a few deities take center stage because they have festivals or sacred days during this month to help you connect with them in a very intimate way. The deities that are going to be the best for you to connect to right now are deities connected rest, rebirth, protection, winter, snow, renewal, darkness, reflection, wisdom, and the winter solstice. Below we will talk about some of the deities you can work with this month. I could never list them all here. Plus take note how most of them are dark goddesses as well.
Hestia– Greek goddess
The first deity I want to talk about I personally feel is overlooked far too often especially during the cold winter months. December is the month that ushers in the winter season. Which means we need warmth and heat for us to survive and thrive. Which is why I always feel pulled to her during this time. Especially living in Minnesota I need her to bless my hearth with continuous heat during the long winter months. Not only that, but she can make your home extra cozy during this month while you spend more quality time with your family. Hestia is the sole attendant to the celestial hearth of the gods. As the goddess of the hearth, she personified the fire burning in the hearths of every home in Greece. On a very tangible level, Hestia rules the domain of fire. This means that she is directly responsible, at least according to the Greeks, for the fire, the stove, and the heat in your home. Honoring her during December, the first month of winter when the temperatures begin to drop, and snow begins to flitter down. She will bless your hearth as she stokes and fuels the flames all winter long. Don’t forget all month long to present her and your hearth with the first offering sacrificed to keep those flames burning strong.
To learn more about and meet Hestia, you can come join me in my upcoming class all about her with Divination academy on Sunday December 15th @ 2:pm CST
Odin-Norse god
Odin is a Norse god who rules over wisdom, war, magic, and sovereignty. Odin is known by many many names. Wodan, Wotan, All Father, One-Eyed Seeker are but just a few. He is the ruler of the Aesir and steward of Asgard. In Germanic lore, it is said he leads the Wild Hunt while being seated upon Sleipnirs back. This hunt is a spiritual parade of sorts that flies through the sky on Winter nights. Sometimes the Wild Hunt collects lost souls and sometimes a person joins the Wild Hunt in their sleep. In Nordic countries, the people gave sacrifices to Odin in the Winter months to ensure safety from them and prosperity. Including the children leaving hay in their boots by the hearth for Sleipnir to snack on as he flew by. Does this sound familiar to you at all? A white bearded old man, riding across the sky with a stead bringing blessings to those as he goes by? Many believe Odin is the actual inspiration for modern day santa claus? Check out my class all about this on YouTube here and decide for yourself.
Skaði (Skadi / Skathi) – Norse goddess
Skaði is a Norse goddess, often called the “Winter Queen,” associated with the mountains, hunting, skiing, and the wild, primarily known as a giantess (jötunn) who married the sea god Njörðr. Daughter of a fallen giant, Skadi walks the windswept mountains, a huntress sculpted from ice and legend. Her eyes, sharp as glaciers, scan the frozen realm. Bow in hand, she glides through the snow on swift skis, a predator born of the wilderness. Tales paint her as fierce, her spirit forged in the fires of vengeance and tempered by the unforgiving cold. She is mistress of the mountains, where the sun dances on glacial edges and the howl of the wolf echoes through empty valleys. But beneath the hardened exterior lies a yearning for connection. A goddess caught between two worlds – Asgard, home of the gods, and the wild embrace of the giants. Skadi’s place in Norse mythology is multifaceted and we see this as she is featured in stories with Odin, Loki, and Njordr among others. She’s even associated with snowshoes, and in later stories is said to have married Odin and bore him many children. She is the embodiment of both the untamed wild and a yearning for understanding. She is a warrior queen, a skilled hunter, and a goddess who walks the line between two worlds. Her story reminds us of the power of resilience in the face of loss, the importance of honoring our true nature, and the ever-present tension and duality between harmony and conflict.
Boreas-Greek God Boreas is the Greek God of the North wind, winter and ice. He’s also known as The Devouring One. He is the spirit of Winter and can be both violent and benevolent. Depending on the person and situation. The Greeks believed he came from the North, being the North Wind, and because of this was considered Thracian in origin. He is often depicted as a powerful, bearded man with wings, with two faces – one in front and one in back. He is the son of the Titan Astraeus and Eos, the goddess of the dawn, and brother to Zephyrus (the West Wind) and Notus (the South Wind). He is said to be the one who brings cold winter weather and is known for his violent temper, most famously abducting the Athenian princess Oreithyia to become his wife.
Cailleach – Celtic / Scottish
Cailleach stands as a prominent figure in Celtic mythology, embodying the essence of wisdom, transformation, and the cycles of nature. Her presence is deeply rooted in the folklore and traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. She is a divine figure often depicted as a weathered, old woman wielding a staff or a wand. This staff is said to have mystical powers for when she slams it on the ground winter will freeze all the land. She represents the embodiment of winter, sovereignty, and the primal forces of the natural world. Since, the ancient Celts celebrated two seasons only, her reign bringing cold all over the land began on Samhain. So, take your time this month to connect to her allowing you a smoother and blessed time during the long cold winter months ahead as the snow begins to really fall and the temperatures freeze the ground.
Baba Yaga
The next goddess we have gives me a very similar energy and feel when I work with her as the goddess we just talked about above; Calileach. To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest moving from place to place among the trees in her hut she calls home on top of giant chicken legs. From time to time when she needs to gather more supplies you might catch a glimpse of her flying by up in the sky from her magical mortar and pestle. She’s a wild and untamed old woman, often seen as a hag or crone, but can transform herself into a beautiful woman to manipulate or trick someone if she desires. Baba Yaga is a goddess of wisdom, healing, transformation, death, rebirth, renewal and autumn/winter. When healing is needed, whether it’s from colds/flu or emotional healing, Baba Yaga can offer healing often in the form of herbal teas brewed by herself. Calling on her during this December can lead you through the forest now frozen and blanketed in snow, to her skull fenced lined home. To peer into the darkness of her cauldron and gain the most ancient wisdom from the darkness of the cosmos that she guards. To learn more about her you can read my previous post here.
Correspondences For The Month Of December
First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for time of the year like a month, which I will list below for you to use. Remember this is just a start to the list for you. You can use any correspondences that connect the magical themes and energies of December. Just follow your intuition on what you choose to work with!
Planet-Saturn
Animal- stags, bears, owls,
Element- fire and earth
colors-Red, green, gold, silver
Symbol-Evergreen trees, candles, yule log, stars, bells, krampus, santa claus
Deities-Dagda, Cernunnos, Odin, Thor, Freyr, Morigan, Cailleach, hestia, Baba yaga, Amaterasu, Skaði, Mithras, Sol Invictus, Alcyone, Baldur, Holda, Bona Dea, Dionysus, Helios, Osiris, Sunna, Nyx, Isis, Freya, Apollo, the oak king, the holy king
Zodiac- Sagittarius and Capricorn
Themes-Rebirth, renewal, light, generosity, reflection, darkness, stillness, silence, coldness, introspection, to endure, wisdom, Personal alchemy, Spiritual paths, Purification, Meditation, banishing, binding, cleansing, home and hearth, family, shadow work, healing, transformation, duality, balance, goals, intentions, new beginnings, endings
How to connect to the magic of December
We’ve talked a lot about all the different types of energies the month of December has and gives us access to work with. So, how can you specifically connect to those energies? In your everyday life you can make sure your affirmations , intentions, and manifestations align with the energies of renewal, reflection, healing, new beginnings, and aligning ourselves with the cycles of the natural world with the darkest nights and coldest days ahead of us in this month. Make sure to grab onto the energy of warmth in the fire crackling in your hearth and home as well as you let go of the past year and head into new beginnings with hope as the next one unfolds. You can celebrate and honor any of the sacred days and holidays this month like Saturnalia, Yule, and many of the celebrations to honor the winter solstice and turning of the wheel.
Some Rituals and spell workings during this time that will be really intensified will be based on cycles of the seasons, rest, reflection, the winter, stillness, silence, and the darkness of the shadows surrounding us. Other spells that will have some significant meaning right now and help you connect to the energy of December should be centered around new beginnings. Setting intentions for you to manifest the life of your dreams in the new year to come. This month is another month when you can really get some clear and transformative messages from your guides. through any means of divination you prefer but, fire gazing or Cryomancy ( snow and ice divination)are some to think about to align with the correspondences of this month.
December creates a very potent liminal pocket of time that is teeming with duality, balance, and the power of transition from not only one season to the next but, from one year to the next.. It’s a month that really pulls us to go deep within ourselves in the darkness, stillness and silence for introspection, reflection, self awareness, and growth. This makes it a great month to do any work on transformation, reflection and preparation for dark times through shadow work. Allowing the energy of the frozen winter in the final days of the year to prep you for the long introspective months of winter ahead. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like a month of the year like the one we are currently in, December. I’m going to be honest until this year I really struggled with the duality of this month. I used to hate the bitter cold, and the wetness that chills to the bone with falling snow. All I would focus on was the untold stories and lost dreams frozen in silence all around me. I would let the harshness of this month drown me in the things of the past and let the darkness hold me back. But, now this year I am able to see clearly the other side to this month. There is absolute beauty in the pure whiteness of the snow blanketing the world right now. It washes all of nature in a cleansing and healing way as it goes into a deep rest to hibernate. Waiting to awaken when the ground thaws and spring begins to bloom as new being that was able to get the rest it needs to reflect. The silence and wisdom you find whispered in the creaks of trees is profound as each breath you take in reminds you of being alive with a bitter bite. The duality of this month send us into, what I am coming to learn may be the most liminal pocket of time in the entire year. Allowing us to be reborn by the sunrise of the brand new year when the solstice blesses us with hope as the days get longer and bright again.
Final Thoughts
We talked about many things in this blogpost including the history, some celebrations, the different energies and magical themes we can work with during this month. Along with how to connect to those energies, deities we can honor and worship, and how to work with the magic of December. December is a uniquely magical time that invites everyone to plant the seeds for hopes and dreams. December reminds us that even in the darkest nights, in the harshest conditions, and the coldest times we can still find hope and light. It’s the month that shows us the depth of our resilience and our willingness to thrive in harsh conditions. December invites you to let go and open up, to give out of yourself and to receive. It asks you to look within and tend to our inner garden. It asks you to weed out the old that no longer fits, and to make room for the new that holds endless magical possibilities. December shows us that just like nature we have the ability to every year become a blank canvas. Ready for us to paint and create something brand new and beautiful again. As the snow falls and blankets nature December’s magic brings the promise of rest, introspection, new beginnings, and endless possibilities.
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