Rituals for Yule

The premise of Yule is that it is a time of hope and giving. It is a season rich with symbolism, which makes it a very magickal time of year. Even as nature declines during this time of year to regenerate, we are reminded that the Circle of Life continues and the Life Force is ever-present. The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year, with daylight increasing with the passing of each day to come. We see examples of this premise of continuing life in the evergreen wreaths adorned with holly berries hanging on front doors or over a fireplace mantel.

The colors of the Yule season are also powerfully symbolic. Green symbolizes renewal and the use of green candles during ritual or spell casting may help put you in sync with this particular theme.

Red is the color of blood, the viscous life-force that flows from generation to generation. Red candles are ideal for rituals concerned with connecting to our ancestors or to harmonize family relationships, for example.

White is not only the color of Divinity, but it is also the color of death. An example of this may be to cast a banishing spell whose theme would be the death of that which may no longer serve you. The use of white candles in this type of ritual would be superlative. In addition, they can serve the purpose of reminding you that while part of you may be dying, you are implicitly surrounded by the Divine at all times.

In addition to candles, scented oils and incense are also widely used in rituals to help emphasize a particular theme. If you happen to be working some magick for a harmonious household before hosting a holiday party, oil scented with apple spice would be a wonderful element to add. Apple is purported to increase harmonious relationships and peace in the home.

Perhaps you wish to do a ritual to help replenish your finances after doing your holiday shopping; Bayberry is a wonderful oil to add to your rituals, as it is associated with prosperity and abundance. Cinnamon is also another fantastic oil to work with, as it is widely used in rituals for gain and opportunity.

Yule also marks a season of festivities and feasts. Holiday parties abound, and people are rushing hither and yon to finish up their holiday shopping, thus dubbing this season the busiest of the year. Below is a recipe for Spicy Wassail, which is a simple drink to enjoy while winding down or to serve at a holiday party. Either way, this rich, aromatic drink is sure to keep you warm and cheerful during the season of the Darkest Night.

Spicy Wassail

2 quarts apple cider or apple juice

cup of orange juice

cup of brown sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp whole cloves

Optional: spiced rum or ale (I prefer Captain Morgan's Dark Spiced Rum if I am going to spike it)

Add ingredients to a pot bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. If you are hosting a party, you can also put the ingredients in a Crock Pot and set on low to keep nice and warm.