Category: holidays and celebrations

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.

• Planet- The Sun
• Animal- stag, bull, goat, dove, owl, wolf, robin, foxes, reindeer
• Element-fire and earth
• colors- white, red, green, gold, silver, white
• Herbs/flowers- cinnamon, nutmeg, myrrh, frankincense, holly rosemary, sage, oranges, mistletoe, pine, oak, cedar, cloves, poinsettia, peppermint, juniper, bayberry, yarrow, ivy, bay leaves, winter jasmine, all spice
• Stones/ crystals- snowflake obsidian, blue topaz, onyx, malachite, green aventurine, carnelian, hematite, alexandrite, lapis lazuli, clear quartz, bloodstone, ruby, pearl, garnet, emerald, amethyst, sunstone, labrodorite
• Deities-green man, holly king, oak king, the horned god, Odin, Brigid, cailleach, baba yaga, freya, Baldor, apollo, mithras, sol Invictus, Demeter, ceres, holda, Diana, Saturn, crones, isis, befena, Horus, Ra, Jesus, Marduk, Ullr , Skadhi, thor, Brechta, sunna, Surya, Amaterasu, Ganesha, Janus
• Symbols-evergreen tress, bells, yule log, the hearth, sun wheel, candles, wreaths, gifts, krampus, the yule cat, yule lads, Santa, snowflakes, gifts, pineones, elves
• Food/drinks: apple, cider, wassail, mulled wine, fruits, bread, cookies, bread, oranges, eggnog, nuts, roasted meats. figgy pudding, eggs

Ways to connect to Yule

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
• do a release burn
• Go on a mindful walk in nature
• Plan and set SMART goals
• Gather Mistletoe-In Celtic times, druids gathered mistletoe from oak trees to ward off “evil” spirits and bring good luck.
• Make and hang a wreath-Evergreen wreaths symbolize eternal life and are displayed to honor nature
• Do some kitchen magic by baking sigils into your baked goods like gingerbread and use spices of the season like nutmeg and cinnamon
• Use Apple magic and orange magic for prosperity and abundance by making a dried fruit garland
• Hearth magic to keep your home warm
• Make some traditional drinks like hot apple cider, wassail, or eggnog
• Make a yuletide wreath and hang it on your front door or add it to your altar
• Candle magic- light white to welcome new beginnings and cleansing for the new year
• declutter and cleanse your home only keeping the things and energy you want to bring into the new year
• feast around a lit hearth with your friends and family
• Have a ritual cleansing bath to promotes self care and self worth; add herbs of yule and shut the lights off and light as many candles as you can
• renewal, rebirth, and transformation magic
• solar magic
• Create a wishing spell jar for the winter solstice or create one to release the past year and bury it into the earth
• Exchange gifts with family and loved ones
• Donate items, time or money to your community to spread joy and give support during the hareshest months of the year
• Make a yule pomander ball
• Create a yule charm and gift it to some friends and family
• Write a gratitude list
• Leave offerings for animals out in nature

A Witch Ball Yule Spell for Protection

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.