Yule is celebrated at the Winter Solstice, which is the longest night of the year. This Sabbat celebrates the Winter Solstice and the birth of the Sun God. Most rituals on this day celebrate the coming of the Sun God, and the fertility of the higher power. Most feast foods represent and contain the energy of the sun. An example would be lemons.
On the stove- heat and combine equal parts
Heavy apple cider (not juice)
"country style" orange juice (lots of pulp)
stir in cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
serve warm with a cinnamon stick
optional- mix in some dark rum if the occasion allows
Wassail can be made with other liquids than those listed above- red or white wine, tea, pineapple juice, sherry, lemonade, cranberry juice, etc. Spices can also include cloves, ginger, allspice, cardamon, etc. Often it is served with lemon or orange slices floating or roasted apples in the drink.
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Yule Ginger Bread
preheat oven to 375 degrees
1 cup dark molasses
1/2 cup hot water
5 tbs butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
a few pieces candied ginger, diced very fine
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Melt butter in hot water, mix in molasses. Add flour, salt, ginger and baking soda. Turn into greased pan, sprinkle with candied ginger. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
A dark traditional ginger bread for the longest night of the year, and a celebration of the rebirth of the Sun.
Incenses, Herbs and Woods include Bayberry, cinnamon, and frankincense. Also consider spruce and pine.
Use bay leaves to write wishes on, then throw them in the Yule fire. Make cinnamon buns and the aroma of fresh baked sweets will not only satisfy the heart but invoke the powers of protection and success into your home.
Holly is also associated with Yule (protection and good fortune) as is birth (the Yule log is traditionally made from birch wood). Burn ash at Yule and you'll be invoking prosperity for the coming year.
The Perpetual Yule log is best made of birch. Procure a length of birch log about 18 inches long. Cut the log in half length-wise so the bottom is flat. Sand it down. Measure the top and drill three equally spaced holes to hold taper candles. Sand these as well. You can stain the bottom to protect it, if you like. Decorate with runes, gold paint, holly leaves or ribbons as you like.
Wiccan Protection Ball
*The perfect Yule craft!
Witch balls have been around for centuries, but it is nearly impossible to buy one. These silvery balls were once common fixtures in windows, particularly in England, where they were said to repel evil thoughts and curses.
You will need a clear glass ball or Yule ornament with an opening in one end. If the glass ball has some kind of design, choose one you like or one you ch change with further decoration. You will also need a bottle of silver paint, a few drops of frankincense or patchouli oil, a spool of red thread and a pair of scissors.
Cover your working space with newspaper to protect against spills. Take the metal cap off the ornament, carefully pour a little of the silver paint inside the ball and swish it around until the inside is completely covered with the silver. Set aside to dry. When the paint is totally dry, cut the red thread into three inch-lengths. Carefully poke this thread into the open end of the ball. Continue cutting and putting the thread into the ball until the ball is nearly full. Put in a few drops of oil. Then put the end back on the ornament. If it has no end, seal it with candle wax.
When you hang the protection ball, chant; symbol of the moon, symbol of the Lady divine, reject all negativity, defend this home (car), me and mine.
This protection ball can be hung in the window of your home or in your car. Any negative thoughts or ill-sishes directed against you are reflected back to the sender. You can also decorate the outside with appropriate designs. You can put them onto wreaths or make them part of a dried flower arrangement.
Wishing you a very merry Yuletide season!
*Some information from Yasmine Galenorn's "Dancing with the Sun" book
