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 25th 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,
What a beautiful ritual, Thank You!
I’m so glad you liked it Margaret. Solstice blessings to you. Sue x
Hi. I’m doing my first ritual at Yule. Will you share youra from your book of shadows? Jenna
Happy to, Jenna! I’ll email that to you shortly. Bright Blessings. Sue x
Hi I’m doing my first Yule with all my family..4 grown up daughters and their lovely children..wud love a copy of this to read out..
Thankyou
All done, Julia. I’m delighted and honoured that you would consider using my ritual for your very first Yule celebration. I hope it’s a beautiful event for you all. Bright Blessings, Sue x
It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing this post. I liked it.
Thank you!
I would like a larger copy of the Yulelog information.
Pleasure, Glen! I hope you enjoy it. Bright Blessings. Sue x
I would love to have a larger copy. I’m trying to incorporate more Yule traditions into my celebrations. Thank you and Brightest Blessings.
Fantastic, Grace! I’ll email you the link to download it. Warm and Bright Blessings to you, too. Sx
I also would like a larger copy of this. Thank you so much!
Consider it done! Will follow shortly. Sue x
Hi….love this rit. I would love a larger version too.
All done, Andrea, thank you! Sue x
I would like the larger version. I think this will be a great addition to my celebrations. Thank you and BB
Done, Tracy, thank you! It’s an honour to be a small part of your Yule celebrations. BB Sue x
I would like a larger copy of the ritual please. Your blog is lovely; I’m so happy I found it!
I would like the larger version.
All done, Lorraine, enjoy! Sue x
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.
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
I would love a larger copy. Thank you!
All done, Belinda. Enjoy! Sue x
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.
Consider it done, Shane. Yule Blessings to you both. Sue x
Could I please have the longer version? Thank you so much
All done, Ricky, I hope you find it useful!
Can I please have a large copy of this Yule tiding?
All done Catherine. Enjoy! Sue x
Hi Suzy,
I would love a word version of this if you have one still please?
Blessed be xx
All done, Kate. I hope you enjoy it! Bright Blessings, Sue x
I would like a word version of the ritual too please.
All done, Marie. Enjoy! Bright Blessings to you. Sue x
I would love to have a larger copy of your ritual.
Thank you so much
Apologies for the late comment, but I did send this, Sue. I hope you received it ok and were able to make good use of it. Bright Blessings, Sue.