Yule, December 21st, 2007

       Yule is also called the Winter Solstice - Dec. 21st. Yule comes from the Norse Lul meaning wheel. Yule is the time when the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God. It also marks the birth of the Oak King, God of the waxing year. The Yule Log is an important rite on this night. A log bought into the house is kept burning all night. Afterwards, the ashes were scattered in the fields to ensure a good harvest for the next year. Keep a small pice of the left over Yule Log to use as kindling at the next Yule.

       One traditional Yuletide practice is the creation of a Yule tree. This can be a living, potted tree which can later be planted in the ground or a cut one. Appropriate Wiccan decorations are fun to make, from strings of dried rosebuds and cinnamon sticks for garlands, to bags of fragrant spices which are hung from the boughs. Quartz crystals can be wrapped with shiny wire and suspended from branches to resembl icicles. Apples, oranges, and lemons hanging from the boughs were customary in ancient times.
       Many enjoy the custom of lighting the Yule Log. This represents the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within it and think of the coming warmer days.

Colors - Red, Green, White and Gold

Symbols - Evergreen trees, Yule Log, Holly, Eight-spoked Wheel, Wreaths, and spinning Wheels.

Deities - Newborn God, Tripple Goddess

Stones - Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet

Ritual Oils - Rosemary, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Saffron, Cedar/Pine, Wintergreen & Ginger.

Food - Nuts, Apples, Pears, Cakes of Carraways soaked in cider and pork are traditional fare. Wassail, Lambswook, Hibiscus or Ginger tea

Did you know...

       While both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the spring.
       Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, every single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen - had to be a girl.

3 eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered cocoa
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 containers of white frosting
2 3/4 cups flaked coconut

       Beat eggs, gradually beat 1/2 cup sugar into the eggs and set aside. Combine remaining sugar, cocoa, milk and butter in a pan and cook on low heat until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt. Pour egg mixture into that. In a bowl, put remaining dry ingredients and slowly add the cocoa mixture, beating all the while.... fill 30 , 2 1/2" muffin cups about 1/2 full and bake 20-25 mins at 325 degrees. Cool completely and frost bottom, top and sides. Then roll them in the coconut. Let them stand at room temperature until the frosting is firm, then serve or store in a container.

2 parts Pine
1 ½ part Juniper
1 ½ part Cedar
2 parts frankincense

Information From Various Sites, Page Composed by Stary.