Yule ~ June 21^st

Yule is celebrated at the winter Solstice, and the precise date is governed by the astronomical forces of the universe, but it's typically around December 21st or 22nd. This the time of the longest night of the year, and shortest day. From this day onward, the days will start getting longer. So we celebrate the return of light and warmth of the Sun.

Along a more mythological story-line, the God is reborn at Yule after sacrificing himself at Samhain's harvest. The Goddess has mourned him through the dark months of November and December, and now rejoices at his return. She is seen in her virgin, Maiden aspect at this time of year.

This idea of rebirth, is how Yule got tied in with the Christian story of the birth of Jesus. Though the holiday has become heavily Christianized, most of the traditions are based on older, Pagan beliefs.

Activities and Rituals: Caroling, wassailing, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, feeding of animals, birds with grains and seeds, become a part of nature

Incense: Pine, Cedar, Bayberry, Cinnamon, Frankincense
Tools: Bells and Candles

Stones/Gems: Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds
Colors: Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange
Symbols & Decorations:
Foods: Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog, ginger tea,
spiced cider, wassail, or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).
Deities:

Goddesses:

Brighid, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother
Gods:

Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, the Oak King, the Horned One, the Green Man, the Divine Child, Mabon

Herbs and Flowers:

Animals:

Work: Spell craft performed for Yule should be for peace, harmony, love, and increased happiness.