Yule: the Winter Solstice Sabbat
RITUAL
The winter solstice is the day when the Sun is closest to the equator, and therefore farthest from us. It's consequently the shortest day of the year, marking the onset of winter. As we tend to stick to our usual routines without paying attention to the changing seasons, this can be a challenging period both mentally and physically. We feel tired and depressed due to the lack of light and vitamin D, struggling to wake up before sunrise and go to bed well after sunset...
That's only logical, as we resist following the natural rhythm of the seasons, and, let's face it, we don't stand a chance against cosmic forces.
I understand that it's not necessarily a choice; I can't imagine big industries agreeing to slow down and reduce their working hours to allow their employees' bodies the rest required by the winter season. However, everyone is free to take the measures that suit them to take a break and compensate.
The Yule Sabbat provides such an opportunity. Let's celebrate this Solstice that invites us to introspection and is actually a moment filled with hope and sweetness.
Firstly, the longest night of the year obviously means full mysticism. The night is connected to the invisible, introspection, and inner worlds. Like ocean abysses, it can be both fascinating and frightening. However, exploring the depths of your being can be an extremely enriching experience, an opportunity to turn inward and discover the wonders you harbour. Self-knowledge is a valuable asset to have in hand if you want to be well-prepared to move forward and create a fulfilling reality.
Then, Yule is a celebration, an opportunity to rejoice in the Sun's victory over the cold. While the coldest months are still ahead, the days will now begin to lengthen, promising the return of warmth and enthusiasm. It's the pagan ancestor of Christmas since it's customary to help each other and offer gifts that can help your loved ones survive the cold. These can include crystals, candles, and dried herbs for your fellow witches, as well as nuts and other seasonal food that lasts. Blankets and other knitted warmers are also welcome.
And, above all, take the time to rest. Listen to the needs of your body and mind, and accept going at a slower pace if that's what you need. Winter is usually a time of fallow for the land, a hibernation phase imposed by Mother Earth, allowing us to nestle in our cocoons and rest in order to soar with strength and grandeur when spring returns. It's a time of assimilation and necessary resetting. So, patience.
Now, the ritual. What you'll need:
Candles.
Lavender or ylang-ylang essential oil.
Soothing or hypnotic music, such as Tibetan bowls or crystal bowls.
A log, a branch, or pieces of bark collected in the forest.
Creative materials (wood carver, knife, plant-based paint, cotton ribbons, holly branches, etc.).
Chestnuts, oranges, pears, apples, and other seasonal fruits.
Warm and soft clothes.
You can, of course, use what's available to you and what calls to you; these are just suggestions.
Feel free to anticipate and spread out the various steps in time. The following one can, for example, be done several days before the Sabbat.
First of all, the log. Traditionally oak or ash (the most resistant woods), the log represents the strength that will help you survive the cold and, above all, hope. It's the certainty that the Sun will bring back warmth and abundance to start a new cycle. So, let's honour this promise of hope by decorating the wood as you wish. You can engrave or paint runes, sigils, sacred geometry, or any other symbol that inspires you; adorn it with cotton ribbons and holly or dried leaves... Let your creativity speak, but if you have a fireplace, please use only plant-based products.
Then create a small altar for it, placing candles and fruits as an offering all around.
On the night of the solstice (Friday, December 22 for 2023 and the northern hemisphere), turn on the soothing music and light the candles. Diffuse the essential oil, or place a few drops on your wrists and inhale it. In front of your altar, get comfortable and enter a meditative state with the intention to dive inward. If you wish, you can chant the bija mantra Om to help you.
If some thoughts sent by your thinking mind arise, be indulgent and let them pass gently.
Use your breath: try to visualise your consciousness sitting in your head and, with each exhale, bring it down into your body until it reaches your belly. You can place a hand on it to help.
Once it's there, speak to it and be ready to receive its messages, whether they show up as images, sounds, sensations, or subtle perceptions. You may not perceive anything at the moment, which is perfectly fine. The most important thing is to grant yourself this time of introspection and return to your centre. Answers to your questions or spontaneous guidance may appear in dreams or as synchronicities in the days to come, so maintain this state of receptivity.
Whenever you're ready to come back, open your eyes and drink a glass of water.
Then comes the moment to celebrate Yule, the victory of the Sun over the Night and its grand return. If you have a fireplace, burn the cherished log. If not, simply let the candles burn; they also provide warmth and hope. Feast alone or with whoever you wish, favouring seasonal products to embrace the Pachamama's natural rhythm. Eat the fruits from your altar while admiring the flames, and thank the fire and winter for their teachings and their contribution to your evolution.
❂ Thank you, and happy Solstice ❂
