A Yule Ritual for the Winter Solstice

It seems like only yesterday that us lot in the Northern Hemisphere were celebrating Litha and the Summer Solstice. Yet, in what seems like a blink of an eye, the wheel of the year has turned and once again, we are celebrating the longest night of the year.

Even though winter is just getting started, the Winter Solstice marks a time when the days begin to lengthen, taking us skipping joyously towards summer.

Yay!

Long before the church adopted December 25^th as the birthday of a guy named Jesus, people have been celebrating the longest night as a time of rebirth. Ancient Romans celebrated Midwinter with the week-long, hedonistic feast of Saturnalia, while pre-Christian Scandinavians spent 12 days celebrating the rebirth of the sun during the Feast of Juul, or Yule.

Christmas and the quintessential Christmas Tree came much later, although evergreens have been used to decorate homes for thousands of years, while burning a Yule Log pre-dates medieval times.

Originally, the Yule Log was a carefully chosen tree that was brought into the home with great ceremony and burned. A piece would be held back and stored safely to light the following year’s Yule Log – a tradition that is still honoured by many today.

If you’ve been around these parts a while, you’ll know that Beloved crafted me a perpetual Yule Log over a decade ago that boasts medieval heritage of its own. It was made from a fallen branch from the grounds of an historic English castle where Henry VIII is said to have stayed.

Quite the pedigree!

Not only is it the most important candle holder I have, it also plays a central role in my annual festive décor. Suzy’s Yule Log is most definitely not for burning, but I will be lighting the candles as part of my Winter Solstice celebrations.

I don’t remember where I found it, but this Yule Ritual is from my personal Book of Shadows and I use it every year as my way of honouring the season. I hope that by sharing it with you, it will help bring light and renewed optimism into your life. If you would like a larger version, drop a comment below and I’ll get that to you.

All that remains to be said is to wish you a very merry Yule. I hope all your festivities are overflowing with joy and laughter. May the Winter Solstice bring much light and love into your life.

A hui hou,

27 Comments

Margaret Oursler on 20 December, 2017 at 20:36

What a beautiful ritual, Thank You!

suzyhomemakeruk on 20 December, 2017 at 22:34

I’m so glad you liked it Margaret. Solstice blessings to you. Sue x
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Choice Furniture Superstore on 22 February, 2018 at 07:04

It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing this post. I liked it.

suzyhomemakeruk on 23 February, 2018 at 11:32

Thank you!
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Glen on 19 November, 2018 at 05:57

I would like a larger copy of the Yulelog information.

Witch at OneandSeventy on 19 November, 2018 at 10:11

Pleasure, Glen! I hope you enjoy it. Bright Blessings. Sue x
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Grace on 20 November, 2018 at 09:37

I would love to have a larger copy. I’m trying to incorporate more Yule traditions into my celebrations. Thank you and Brightest Blessings.

Witch at OneandSeventy on 20 November, 2018 at 11:02

Fantastic, Grace! I’ll email you the link to download it. Warm and Bright Blessings to you, too. Sx
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ginger on 20 November, 2018 at 16:10

I also would like a larger copy of this. Thank you so much!

Witch at OneandSeventy on 20 November, 2018 at 17:10

Consider it done! Will follow shortly. Sue x
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Andrea on 22 November, 2018 at 03:37

Hi….love this rit. I would love a larger version too.

Witch at OneandSeventy on 22 November, 2018 at 09:30

All done, Andrea, thank you! Sue x
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Tracy on 27 November, 2018 at 23:33

I would like the larger version. I think this will be a great addition to my celebrations. Thank you and BB

Witch at OneandSeventy on 28 November, 2018 at 18:22

Done, Tracy, thank you! It’s an honour to be a small part of your Yule celebrations. BB Sue x
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Julia on 2 December, 2018 at 16:36

I would like a larger copy of the ritual please. Your blog is lovely; I’m so happy I found it!

loraine Lawson on 6 December, 2018 at 18:57

I would like the larger version.

Witch at OneandSeventy on 6 December, 2018 at 19:16

All done, Lorraine, enjoy! Sue x
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Erin Snyder on 13 December, 2018 at 13:55

I’m sorry to nit pick, but day and night are not equal at the winter solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere it is the longest night of the year and the shortest day. I believe you were thinking of the equinoxes in the spring and fall.

Witch at OneandSeventy on 13 December, 2018 at 19:50

No, THANK you for nitpicking, Erin! It’s wonderful to know that someone who knows their Solstices from their Equinoxes actually reads my stuff and of course, you are absolutely right. I have made the necessary change! Thank you again for taking the time to comment, it really is much appreciated. Yule Blessings to you. Sue x
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Belinda on 17 December, 2018 at 13:51

I would love a larger copy. Thank you!

Witch at OneandSeventy on 17 December, 2018 at 14:31

All done, Belinda. Enjoy! Sue x
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Shane on 19 December, 2018 at 17:13

Me and my fiance really liked the short version and would love for the longer version. This is our first yule together and i didnt want her first yule to be a tradition i learned in the past i wanted it to be special.