Happy Yule/Winter Solstice!!!!
Yule is the first day of winter also
the longest night of the year. A time the ancient ones used to honor the sun. Many
of the traditions associated with Christmas actually come from customs of Yule.
The only difference is the sun that is honored in Yule is changed to the Son (Jesus). The mistletoe
that is hung over doorways, the decorated trees which usually where ones
outdoors or in containers to later plant, the yule log, many cultures from the
Celtics, Romans and the Egyptians honored the Sun.
Some Deities of Winter
Solstice:
Spider Woman and Hawn Maiden Hopi
They are honored in their solstice celebration (Soyal)
Horus Egyptian Sun God
Ameratasu Japanese Sun Goddess
Beira, the Queen of Winter Scotland
Frau Holle Norse (associated with evergreens of the yule
season)
Holly King British/Celtic
La Befana Italian (female who rode a broom and gave gifts
to good children.)
Odin Norse God
Mithras Roman Sun God
Celtic Yule Blessing
The food is put away for the winter,
the crops are set aside to feed us,
the cattle are come down from their fields,
and the sheep are in from the pasture.
The land is cold, the sea is stormy, the sky is gray.
The nights are dark, but we have our family,
kin and clan around the hearth,
staying warm in the midst of darkness,
our spirit and love a flame
a beacon burning brightly
in the night.
the crops are set aside to feed us,
the cattle are come down from their fields,
and the sheep are in from the pasture.
The land is cold, the sea is stormy, the sky is gray.
The nights are dark, but we have our family,
kin and clan around the hearth,
staying warm in the midst of darkness,
our spirit and love a flame
a beacon burning brightly
in the night.
poem by: Robert Herrick 1591-1674
The Yule Log
Come, bring with a noise,
My merry, merry boys,
My merry, merry boys,
The Christmas log to the firing;
While my good dame, she
Bids ye all be free,
While my good dame, she
Bids ye all be free,
And drink to your heart's desiring.
With the last year's brand
Light the new block, and
With the last year's brand
Light the new block, and
For good success in his spending,
On your Psaltries play,
That sweet luck may
On your Psaltries play,
That sweet luck may
Come while the log is tending.
Soyal Is the honoring of the solstice by the Hopi and Zuni. It is considered a time of purification. Gifts are given and dances are done to symbolize the light descending from the darkness.
Dongzhi Is an Asia solstice celebration it is seem as a time of increased positive energy in the spirit.
Mistletoe Lore:
- The leaves carried by an ill one in a pouch will make them better
- hang on the door to draw love
- A woman who whats a child should have a sachet of it.
- It is said those at war would put down their arms if they walked by it.
- Hang it for drawing abundance
- Kissing under the mistletoe comes from fertility practices of some culture but carried over to a kiss in ours.
Let us not forget the date 12/21 has big significance in the universe and in the world. 12 is the number of completion. The numerology meaning takes it down to 3/3 and 3 is rather significant reminder that all is possible. it is the connection to the higher powers.
Good stones for this cycle:
I wish you all a bountiful and amazing New year!!!
Purest Love,
Lisa Ann
©Lisa Ann Ulibarri
