The next Sabbat—Winter Solstice (Yule)

From: The Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

 

The real 12 days of Christmas. Yule begins on the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Typically beginning on December 20 or 21st (June 21/22 Southern Hemisphere), Yule spans twelve days ending 'Yule Night" on December 31st (June 30 Southern Hemisphere). Yule is the first of the solar festivals and the first Sabbat of the New Year. But here's something you may not know; Yule has a lot more in common with Christmas than most people think. Many of the symbols and underlying meaning of both holidays are very similar, if not actually the same.

The tale of Yule begins when the Holly King battles the Oak King in a fight to the death. The Oak King can be associated with many aspects of God. The year that has passed, or Father Time, death, or if you look at the king through nature, he can be associated with the old stallion who must fight for his position as the head of the heard. In the battle, the Oak King loses to the Holly King. Who represents the New Year, the young stallion claiming his position over the heard. He is also called the Divine Child. The newborn aspect of God.

On a personal level, it is a time for each witch to put to rest the old lessons, battles and issues that need to be released. To let go of those things that hold you back and move on into the New Year with a fresh view and perspective. It is a continuation of the introspection that you began during Samhain. It is a time of renewal, and movement; so miss it.

It is also a time to honor the Triple Goddess. Celebrating the birth and purity of the Maiden, the life and nurturing of the Mother and the wise knowledge of the old Crone.

In many sects this is also a time of celebrating the gifts brought to you by family and friends. Those being the gifts of spiritual growth and understanding. As the Holly King is born, the essence of that spirit is also born within ourselves, and honoring that birth is also part of the festival on Yule Night. Many believe this is where the exchange of gifts at Christmas originated. After all, in the Christian faith it is the Son of God who is being honored on his birthday, so why would you buy a new toaster for Aunt May? So decorating the Yule tree and placing presents under it to be opened on Yule, is actually a very pagan event.

 

What many people associate as Christmas colors, were actually Pagan long before the birth of Christ. Red, White and Green bows, candles, and various other decorations can be placed around your home and alter. Honor the Oak King with holly wreaths, and the Holly King with decorations of a young Stag.

The Yule Tree should be cut at the beginning of the Sabbat and decorated with all the traditional colors and symbols. Find that special piece of firewood for you're Yule log too. Some witches like to decorate the log with a pine garland, pine cones, oak nuts, white flowers like mistletoe, and red holly berries to add a dash of color. We like to sit our Yule log on the top of our firewood holder near the fireplace.

If you want to include the Triple Goddess in your decorations, select three special candles with small candle wreaths (you might find wreaths of silk to use each year, and to help represent the Goddess aspect). Chose a white candle with a wreath of Lily of the Valley to represent the spring when all things emerge and grow for the Maiden. Chose a red candle with a wreath of roses or carnations, to represent the mid-life of summer and the Mother. Chose a dark green candle with a wreath of holy and pine, to represent the old Crone and winter season.

Traditionally Sabbat festivals begin at sun set on the eve of the Holiday. You can use the daytime hours of this holiday eve to prepare baskets for harvesting the next day. Prepare your alter with red and green candles. A dark green tablecloth covered with red or white lace is also an attractive addition.

Some witches include gemstones to bring or add to the energy of the festival. Malachite or tiger-eye is good stones for the Holly King. Blood stone or garnet are wonderful stones to represent the Oak King. Serving trays and goblets for ritual offerings are also placed on or around the altar for easy access. Arrangements of winter flowers and foliage should also be included to recognize the festival.

If your altar is outside or you have space on your interior alter, you might add wreaths and garlands around your circle. Red and white poinsettia is a nice touch inside or out.

 

The altar cloth and candles should be purple. The Circle may be decorated with holly, mistletoe, ivy, etc. There is a cauldron in the south, filled with kindling. The Priest’s Horned Helmet is beside the altar. Short tapers (one for each covener) lie on the altar. The bell is rung three times. Priest sits or kneels in the center of the Circle.

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