Botanical: Aspen ~ hero’s tree, brings protection for the coming year

Crystal: Citrine ~ stone of the sun, embodying the return of the light

Fragrance: Clove ~ Encourages gatherings + closeness of friendships

Date: December 21st

On this date, we honour the Winter Solstice, the peak of darkness where the day is shortest and the night is longest. It symbolizes the rebirth of light as the earth’s course draws closer to the sun. This pivotal moment in the Wheel heralds the beginning of a reversal in the seasons, reminding us that even amidst the darkest of times, light inevitably finds its way back

With this turn of the Wheel, reflected in this ritual, we embrace both the light and the dark.

First, light the candle early in the morning, during sunrise is the best so you can take advantage of all the hours of daylight.

CREATE YOUR ALTER

During the day - get outside, feel the sun on your face, spend time in nature and forage for your alter items. Place your items carefully around your candle, being intentional with your placement and giving this space your time and care. You can bring in anything that reminds you of the sun and that reflects a rebirth of this new cycle. Other items that represent Yule:

Botanicals: Holly branch, Pine, Cedar, Aspen, Apple, or wreaths

Fragrance oils: Clove, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg

Colours: Red, Gold, Green, White

Crystals : Citrine, clear quartz

Once the sun sets sit by the light of the candle and embrace the darkness.  Go inward, consider shadow aspects of yourself with grace and kindness and use this time as an opportunity for self-reflection. You can write whatever naturally comes to you, or use some of the suggested journal prompts specific to Yule:

What are 3 things I am proud of or grateful for this past year?

What are some ways I showed up for myself?

What shadow aspects of myself would I like to be able to embrace?

What are 3 things in this new cycle that I am looking forward to?

When you have finished, imagine the light of the Candle illuminating those shadow aspects, enveloping those qualities in a warm, white glow that is loving and accepting.

Candles are particularly symbolic during this day, as they represent the return of the light and I usually keep my burning throughout the day and night if it’s safe to do so.