Yule, or Yuletide, has ancient roots as a midwinter festival celebrating the Winter Solstice. Originating in Germanic and Norse traditions, it marked the rebirth of the sun. It is thought to have lasted anywhere from 1-12 days, basically from the eve of the Winter Solstice to the start of the next calendar year. Yule customs may involve lighting candles, decorating with evergreens, burning a traditional Yule log, and performing rituals to symbolize renewal and the turning of the wheel of the year. Some Pagans also engage in feasting, gift-giving, and community gatherings during this time. As Christianity spread throughout Europe,…
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The Long Winter’s Night, Winter Solstice (northern hemisphere) gifts us with the shortest amount of daylight. In this typically hectic time of year, it’s an invitation to choose to set down your stress and burdens in exchange for a little more peace, a little more quiet, a little more rest. Instead of trying to cram in MORE more more in less time, Why not shut it down a little early tonight and gift yourself with a hard reset? Enjoy a little longer glimpse of the star-filled night sky, the twinkling lights of the holidays, or even a little extra pillow…
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Offering Forgiveness Today was the Winter Solstice, and the energy was intense! I have spent this shortest day of the year releasing grudges long held in my body through the practice of Forgiveness. Sun has set several hours ago here on the West Coast and I’m well into the longest night. I hear the soothing sounds of rain falling outside the bedroom window, and my Love breathing softly beside me as he drifts off to sleep. Silently, privately, I have been offering forgiveness throughout the day to those who have hurt me, betrayed me, offended me, annoyed me. I have…
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