In 2016, Yule or the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere falls on Dec 21 at 5:44 EST. It’s the first day of winter and at this time, the hours of daylight and darkness are equal. Even in the midst of darkness, Wiccan begin to celebrate the return of more daylight using ritual themes of the Oak King, symbolic of longer daylight hours, vanquishing the Holly King, symbolic of more hours of darkness.
Spells and rituals related to personal alchemy are also traditional.
Yule ~ Winter Solstice Correspondences
Colours: red, green, gold and black
Oil: frankincense, cloves & orange
Stones: Turquoise, Jet
Yule ~ Winter Solstice Menu
Red Wine Punch
Cornish Hens with Port Sauce
Gingerbread Moon Cookies
Yule Mystery Meditation Ceremony
My Wheel of the Year Guide contains a Mystery Meditation, where you will have the opportunity to see into your future using the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Air. It also has recipes for the above menu. You could also chose a spell or ritual for personal alchemy, such as turning a piece of jewellery into a personal power talisman.
If you are in the southern hemisphere, you should read the entry for Midsummer or Summer Solstice spells and rituals.
Blessed be!
