Yule - Winter Solstice

December 21-23 - this is a astronomical time and usually falls between those dates. This is the time of the Birth of the Sun. But this time period is rich in traditions. Called Alban Arthuan by the ancient Druids It is the end of month of the Elder Tree and the start of the month of the Birch. The three days before Yule is a magical time. This is the time of the "Serpent Days" or transformation according to Helena Paterson in her book "the Handbook of Celtic Astrology". The Elder and Birch stand at the entrance to Annwn or Celtic underworld where all life was formed. Like several other myths they guard the entrance to the underworld. This is the time the Sun God journey's thru the underworld to learn the secrets of death and life. And bring out those souls to be reincarnated. Yule Eve is the Holy Mother's time, the time of her labor to bring forth the Child sun, and the time of the Crone in her midwife aspect. Every year this labor takes place, this fight for life and renewal. This is a time of remembering a women's most dangerous time and the highest act of courage, giving birth to new life. It several old societies it was a rite of passage for women, and in Celtic and Native American beliefs it held the same honor as any warrior going to battle, but this was a battle only a female can do. Come Dawn the Child Sun is born, welcoming him to new life and rejoiceing take place, this is a time of honoring the Family. The Gaulish Druid's called their Sun God by the name of Hu or Hu Hesus, The British Druid's by the name of Hu Gadarn, the names mean Son of the Creator and he was symbolized by the first fork of the Oak tree, and believed to sit on a throne in the centered of the Golden Wheel or sun. These symbolized spiritual growth to the ancient Celts. The Creator was always hidden from view and believed to be named Celi which means Sacred Grove of Oaks in Welsh. His consort was Cerridwen. This is the time of the renewal of promise to all life of the cycles of nature. These beliefs also made it easy for the Druids to accept Christianity as another version of the beliefs they have already held for thousands of years. For some their saw Jesus as a modern rebirth of the legends. Hu Gadarn or Hu the Mighty was believed to be the person who led the Celts to the British Islands. Most Druid group's that I know, that really trace their ancestors, trace it back to the "founder" Hu-Gadarn. This is the rebirth of Hu or the Son/Sun he has visited the underworld, spiritual grown and been reborn. He has brought New life/growth with him. This is a day of great rejoicing, the families are together, the tribe/community is together, and hopefully all are well and there is enough to last the rest of the winter. This is a time of renewed hope within the darkest time of year. Of gift giving, for the past time since harvest's end is the time for craft and repairing and making of new items. All that has been collected is being remade into new things. This is usually an indoor Sabbat, because it was too cold rainy and snowy to be outside. Even in the American southwest it can be to cold, windy and rainy to be outside. But inside..the smell of food, pine, spices and wood smoke make it a happy time. The closeness of friends and family, the happy children, and the shared song and storytelling, make this one of the most magical times of year. From this day on the days start to become longer and the nights shorter. Good cause for celebration. In the far past the "christmas" tree or Yule tree was kept outside and bits of food and trinkets were left on it. Candles were lit and left in the branches or around the tree to encourage the Sun to be reborn and show the people's welcome, love and commitment to the reborn Sun. Most of our Christmas traditions come from the ancient tradition, Yule logs, Christmas tree, holly and ivy decorations, mulled wine/hot apple cider is a traditional drink, Dec. 25 is the Christian Christmas, because of adjustments between the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar 11 days were lost and some "traditional" things were lost. Christmas use to be a 12 day celebration that lasted until around Jan 5-7. The choice of December 25 was made by the Pope Juliu I in the fourth century AD because this coincided rituals of Winter Solstice., Before that is was a moveable feast day. They were hoping that it would replace the Pagan Yule rituals. As for a Ritual for Yule..it is a celebration of Life, Love and Hope. I cannot think of anything better than being surrounded by family and friends. Have a gathering for Family or friends, Make some Eggnog and cookies or make a full dinner. I call it a Yuletime party to my friends that are not all that understanding about my beliefs, they tend to think it is a Renaissance thing since I am a fan of the Ren Faire. I have invited those I know who have nowhere to go and will be alone to Christmas dinner. Those are the best and truest rituals, the actions done in perfect love with no expected gain or benifit. This is a time of family on one level and community on another, for are we not the family of man/womamkind? And carry that compassion and love with you all thru the year. I usually get a large yellow or orange and large green candle, and start the Yule season by lighting them at the start of Yule, the evening before. I let the candle burn thoughout the Yule/Christmas season I do a short meditation on the various meaning of this season. Then I get up before sunrise and welcome the Newborn Sun. Bright Blessings to you all this season!