Magic Forums

Hello, thank you for reading this. With the Winter Solstice approaching and the Wild Hunt soon on it's way, I thought I'd quickly share with you my Yule celebration. I have not posted anything here for a good while, and am trying to get back into the rhythm with something light.

For myself, Yule is celebrated for 12 days starting on the Winter Solstice. The first day of Yule, I pick out a "Yule log" that I and my loved ones will write what the Gods have blessed us with that year. It also being the shortest day of the year we make offerings to Sol, allowing her rest and welcoming her back to lengthen our days again. The second day I make an offering to my ancestors, and spend most of the time alone. The third day I make an offering of food and song to Odin and the Alfar that accompany him in preparation for the Wild hunt. The fourth day through the seventh we decorate our trees, make offerings, sing songs and prayers to the gods, our ancestors, and wights of the land. The eighth day is the day of drinking and gift giving, usually aligning with my Christian families' Christmas celebrations. We will then take a few days of rest and self reflection, writing down on paper whatever it is we wish to be delivered amongst the Nine realms. Poems, prayers, thankful messages, and that we want to say to our loved ones who passed that year. On the last day we burn our log, as well as the papers and decorations, and solemnly wait for Wild hunt to end and the fire to go out.

Thank you for reading this far, if you could, I'd love to hear your Yuletide traditions, traditional or not, and I am always looking for ways to enhance my own religious practice. Thank you.