The Wheel of the Year - Yule

Yule is a pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, which marks the longest night of the year and therefore the return of the Sun. On this day, the Earth’s axis tilts away from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the Sun reaches its greatest distance. But after today, slowly but surely, the days start to get progressively longer.

Because of this meaningful shift in seasons, the overall theme of Yule is about rebirth and renewal. Ultimately, this is a festival of the Sun, so light is an important element. Flickering candles, bonfires, twinkle lights, and the traditional lighting of the tree all represent this celebration of the slow returning of the light.

This dark and quiet time of the Winter season is an opportunity to focus on new beginnings. It’s a time to incorporate nature into your home, practice gratitude for abundance, and celebrate the returning of the light. Decorating the house with greenery and lighting candles are important ways to incorporate this holiday into your home.

Other ways to celebrate Yule include setting up a Yule altar and welcoming back the Sun with prayers and cleansing rituals. Burning seasonal plants like pine, cedar, rosemary, juniper, and frankincense can cleanse the home and provide delightful holiday aromas. The old tradition of holding a Yule log ceremony is also a way to welcome back the Sun. A log can be used first as a Yule altar, decorated with candles and evergreen plants, before it’s burned on the evening of the Winter Solstice.

Will you be celebrating Yule this year? If you have any Yule traditions that you enjoy celebrating, let us know in the comments!