Pagan Winter Solstice Traditions: Learn More About Yule And Christmas
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Yule is seen by many as “Pagan Christmas”, and they’re not exactly wrong! The pagan Winter Solstice traditions have a lot in common with traditions around the world.
During the Winter Solstice, we love to sing carols, bake cookies, sit around the fire, and enjoy gifts with friends and family. These traditions are common among many cultures, and can be enjoyed by all people.
It’s the snowy winter season, so let’s enjoy Yule together. Learn about Yule traditions, the history of Yule, and even get some gift ideas for pagan friends!
Whether you’re making a Yule log cake and creating your own holiday wreaths, or you’re doing nothing more than lighting a candle, these blog posts will help you get into the yuletide spirit.
Yule takes place on the Winter Solstice, when the day is shortest and the night longest. As I explain in one of the blog posts below, this is why we celebrate the coming of the sun.
After the Winter Solstice, the world gets warmer and brighter. Gradually, the sun rebuilds its strength and so too does the earth itself. Think of the Winter Solstice like the new moon: soon, all things will be waxing and becoming stronger, warmer, and more healthy.
During ancient times, pagan traditions revolved around cosmic events. This is because ancient pagans relied on the earth to sustain them. There were no refrigerators to preserve their food!
Curious how to celebrate this awesome holiday in a pagan way? Read on!
Learn More About Yule
Yule Activities For Green Witches
Green witches might have the hardest time of all witches during the winter holidays. The Winter Solstice can be a hard time to find plants and do green magick.
This post will give you ideas to incorporate plants like holly, birch, and cinnamon sticks into your Winter Solstice celebration.
Green witches and pagans that crave greenery will also find gifts and other ideas to help people with green thumbs.
Yule Gifts For Green Witches: Witchy Christmas Gifts
Dried flowers and white sage don't always cut it for a green witch. If you have a friend that practices green witchcraft, you might need more unique gift ideas.
Your witchy friend will be touched by these gifts. Best of all, most of them would please any plant lover!
Skip the essential oils, and get your witchy friends herbal blends for everyday healing. Green witches know the power of nature, and their ritual tools are the leaves, fruits, and berries of medicinal and magical plants.
So help your friends explore natural magic with these modern witch gifts.
The Fake Log Cake That Links Christmas With Norse Gods
While you might not want to burn a Yule log this year, you can still use your kitchen witch skills to make a Yule log cake!
This is a Christmas tradition is based on the Medieval practice of cutting down a Yule tree. Also known as a Bûche de Noël, this is usually a chocolate sponge cake covered with decadent icing and decorated to look like a Yule log.
Yule Sugar Cookie Recipe: Pagan Yule Recipes For Your Yuletide Feast
Classic Christmas sugar cookies can be made with a kitchen witch twist! With the right intentions, everyone that eats these magical cookies will prosper and be merry through the Christmas season.
Turn your baking into a witchy ritual! It's as simple as grabbing a few candles before you begin baking.
Yule Wreaths
While wreaths can be hung up year round, they are most popular around the Winter Solstice. Would you rather buy a wreath from some faceless company, or hang your own handmade wreath? The choice is obvious!
Wreaths can bring good fortune and are easy to make with items found in the forest (or local craft stores).
The right holiday wreath will usher in good fortune, prosperity, love, and so much more!
Are you interested? Then let's learn how to make a Yule wreath!
Yule Altar Symbolism And Decorations
Your Yule altar is an important tool for your Winter Solstice rituals. This is where you'll place offerings and decorations. You will also do your rituals at this altar.
Clearly, you'll need to set it up right.
With some holly, mistletoe, a yule log, and plenty of solar symbols, your altar will radiate magic!
This post will teach you about the symbols of winter and what decor to choose. From pillar candles to sun wheels and pine cones.
5 Easy Decorations for Yule, the Winter Solstice
Decorating for Pagan Christmas doesn't have to be hard! There are some simple decor options that will make your home feel hygge all through the season.
The Meaning Of Yule: Why We Celebrate The Winter Solstice
If you have ever wondered why witches and pagans even celebrate Yule, this is an essential read for you.
This post goes into the history of Yule, why pagans celebrate the Winter Solstice, and gives you ideas on how to celebrate it more authentically.
The History of Wassailing and Mumming
Wassailing and mumming are ancient traditions that even modern Christians still see as a Christmas tradition. If you're looking for something new and fun to do this Winter Solstice, consider trying this Anglo Saxon tradition.
5 Creative Budget Yule Gifts For Witchy Friends Under $10
Treat your pagan friends to fun Yule gifts without breaking the bank! These gift ideas are each under $10, and are perfect for the holiday season.
I'm sure that your holiday expenses are piling up. Choose something cheap but unique for your witchy friend!
Perfect for anyone trying to have a debt free Christmas.
Journal Prompts for Yule
No pagan celebration is complete without some shadow work. Try some Winter Solstice themed journal prompts to unlock your own mind. These writing prompts are aimed to help you enjoy this seasonal holiday.
Journaling is helpful for anyone dealing with the sadness and anxiety that most of us get around the holidays. Shake off the winter blues and do some cathartic writing!
Throw An Amazing Eco-Friendly Christmas Or Yule Party
Throw a great Yule party without harming the environment! With a few simple swaps, your party will be just as fun but with less environmental harm.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Traditional Yule Log
Add a more traditional flare to your holiday celebrations with this traditional Yule Log. Decorate tables and altars with this Yule log, and protect and bless your whole house.
Easy Slow Cooker Wassail: Christmas Wassail / Yule Traditions
This Wassail recipe is so delicious, I sometimes even make it after Yule!
Throw in some kitchen magic correspondences and you'll be drinking to more prosperity in the new year.
The History of Christmas Carols
Christmas carols are fun, and they're an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed even if you have to socially distance! Learn about the history of carols at this site. And then go outside and sing your heart out for friends and family!