Winter Solstice: The Magic of Yule
By Karen Arends, Minister of Metaphysics and Master Life-Cycle Celebrant
“Winter Solstice Sunrise” quilt by Karen Arends
The Magic of Yule
In the Celtic Wheel of the Year, Yule is the celebration of the return of the Sun on Winter Solstice. The hours of sunlight increase each day after our Sun rounds the corner from the longest night on December 21st. Of course, we have much winter yet to endure, but the lengthening of the days reassures us that spring and summer will return. It is a time when community celebration is much needed; whether in ancient times or modern, the Yule season is a very welcome event. Therefore, even in the midst of the dark, this is a season of new light and clarity.
Celebration of this dark season has been in religious customs of many ancient civilizations. This is no surprise for people who depend on the return of the Sun for a renewed food supply in the form of grains, vegetables, or fresh dairy. And so, the people needed a reason to celebrate together. In our modern times, the urgency may be lost, but the need for community remains strong. This is one season where the Christians and Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, Buddhists and First Nations, Pagans and Atheists – all can truly share in love.
Crafting Your Personal Solstice Rituals
In your home, bring in some ritual intention as you decorate for the holiday season by creating an altar for the Sun. Symbols of the Sun can be shining lights or candles, sparkling ornaments, and crystals. Represent the Tree of Life by including evergreen plants such as pine, holly, and ivy. Accent the green with white of the mistletoe berry and red of the holly berry often seen together in the wild. In Celtic villages, these cohabiting plants represented the God and the Goddess coming together. Add the warm and soothing scents of orange or cinnamon to remind all who smell this that the dark time of the year will pass.
As a personal solstice ritual, near dusk on the longest night, take a meditative walk outdoors and watch the sun setting. As you walk, reflect on the gifts and abundance that you have received over the past year. While not everything that came our way may seem positive in the moment, remember the harsher lessons and learnings, too. And consider ideas for future goals, hopes, and dreams. When you are ready, come in and sit before your Sun altar.
- Take a moment to acknowledge and give thanks for those gifts received. Smiling and proclaiming them out loud helps us to accept the goodness that came our way. Then light a candle in gratitude. If you can, safely leave it to burn into the night.
- Next, recall the lessons of this year and give thanks for the teaching they brought, accepting that you are done with each lesson and can let it go. Find a way to make some noise—ring a bell, bang a drum, or clap your hands—to release these, leaving you open for new clarity.
- Now that you are ready, write down some goals for the coming year. These can be simple or complex, but try not to second guess your choices. Tuck that paper away in a place you can find it to bring out next Yule. You may be surprised to discover that you have achieved more than you thought.
Photo credit: Alain Audet / Pixabay
The next morning, take another walk outside. Inhale deeply the air around you and release your breath on the start of a new day. After the longest night, the rising of the Sun is a reminder that brightness follows the dark. And so, celebrating the return of the Sun has been and remains a tradition in cultures worldwide. Let’s not lose that by retreating to the indoors.
Yule is a time to count your blessings. The Sun is returning and, with it, hope and a renewed clarity. Enjoy your celebration of Yule, accepting your own shining brilliance!
About the Author
Karen Arends is a Minister of Metaphysics and Master Life-Cycle Celebrant
You can find her at Tidal Ceremonies - www.KestrelsNest.ca
"Changing tides are meant to be celebrated. I share the beauty of ritual with those who wish to be fully engaged and mindfully honor the milestones of their lives."
