Friday Form A Circle – Stay Up All-Night Yule Ritual

Stay Up All-Night Yule Ritual
by Zyalia, the crone, found on The Dance

At the moment of Solstice light a large (either pillar or tall floor) candle. I use red as it is the Holly King’s time. This should burn itself out towards dawn (hopefully).

"As the long shadows fall
In the dark of Winter’s thrall
Let flame to wick alight
And illume the longest night."

At dusk – light the three candles of the Yule Log. Different Trads use different colored candles. Some use Black, Red and White. I Use Red for the Holly King, White for the Goddess, and Green for the Oak King. From now until dawn, the candles must be kept burning, light each replacement from its predecessor – don’t fall asleep – have company in to keep you awake. Have a party – that’s what I do. Sing, eat, tell stories… be creative…

"Watch we all ’til morn
When the Light shall be reborn
And in creeping measure, day
Replaces night’s cold sway."

At dawn, you may extinguish the Yule Log candles. Greet the fledging Sun … outdoors if possible, as He rises on the first Winter morning.

"As God is of the Goddess born
Upon this first of Winter’s morns
Let Time’s great Wheel turn
And the candle bright flame burn
With the first Great Light ascending
Let the long, dark night be ending."

 

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

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Thursday This Is Your Spell – Winter Solstice Spell for Healing

Winter Solstice Spell for Healing
From Wiccan Magick: A Seasonal Guide to Wiccan Religion and Ritual (link is dead )

Needed:

• Mistletoe
• Pine Branches
• gold candle
• Frankincense (or other appropriate incense)
• Small cauldron (or similar container)
• a ripe apple
• three bay leaves
• rock or sea salt
• spring water
• sprig of evergreen

Adorn the Altar with the Mistletoe and Pine Branches and place the candle in the center. Burn your incense choice. In cauldron, place apple, bay leaves and a pinch of the salt. Light the candle, visualizing the rebirth and return of the God banishing the cold of Winter. Recite this Solstice Chant:

"Geese and standing stones and mist,
Baying hounds and hooting owl,
Sparkling Stars, and snow is crisp,
Herne is here, bring forth the Bowl."

As this is said, sprinkle spring water into the cauldron using a sprig of evergreen, visualizing the strength and healing power of Herne’s rebirth. This power flows into the Apple, energizing it with all the power of the God. Lift the apple from the cauldron. If the spell of healing is for another, visualize this person receiving the healing power within the apple, picture them gaining strength, becoming well. Replace the Apple into the cauldron and finish with a chant of thanks:

"May the Goddess of Night,
Fair Lady of the Moon
And the God-
Great horned hunter of the sun,
May the power of the stones and the oceans,
The Winds and the Flame,
Bless me this night in my sacred work,
Which is right and just in your name.
Blessed Be."

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Wednesday What Herb is This – Yew Lore

Yew Lore
Taken In part, from an essay by Sarah the SwampWitch,
Originally written for and posted to the Witches Three list

Tree of the day before the Winter Solstice (Aprox. December 21)
Latin name: Taxus baccata.
Celtic name: Idho (pronounced: Ih’ huh).
Local name: English Yew, European Yew
Parts used: Needles, wood, berries.
Herbal Uses: Caution!! This plant is poisonous and should be used with caution!!!! The needles and branch tips have been used to treat lung diseases and bladder problems, and more recently a new cancer drug, Taxol, has been derived from its bark and berries.
Magical History & Associations: The name "Yew" is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon word ‘eow’. The word ‘Taxus’ is from the Greek word ‘Taxon’, meaning ‘bow’. The 5,000 year old "Ice Man", discovered in the Alps, had a bow and axe handle made of Yew. The Yew is known as the ‘Tree of Death’ throughout Europe and is associated with the season of winter. It is sacred to many Dark Goddesses: Banbha, Amalthea (mother of the horned Dionysus), Morrighan, The Erinyes, Cailleach Beara, Berchta, and Hecate.  In addition, it was associated with Odin. Shakespeare recognized the relationship of Yew and Hecate and referred to the contents of her cauldron as

"slips of yew, silver’d in the moon’s eclipse…"

(Macbeth)

Elsewhere, Shakespeare makes ‘hebenon, the double-fatal yew’ the poison which Hamlet’s uncle pours into the king’s ear.

Hecate’s sacred tree of death is said to root in the mouths of the dead and release their souls, and also to absorb the odors of death itself. Bulls are associated with this tree, as are female goats. The bird associated with Yew is the eaglet, since the eaglet’s appetite is insatiable, and the bones of its nest are white like the snow on its cliff-ledge. The Yew’s colors are white and silver and it is associated with the element of water. The Yew is associated with the planet Saturn and with the metal lead. In Old England the Yew was known as "The Witches’ Tree" since it is associated with sorcery and magic, and was used by the Celtic-Irish to make dagger handles and wine barrels. Some say Yew wood is acceptable for the making of magical tools such as wands and staves, yet others strongly recommend not using this wood for any magical tools.

Magickal usage: The time of Yew is known as a time of death, and so on the day before Yule it said that is not a good idea to do actual spell work. Instead, it is suggested that rituals of the season concerned with reincarnation are appropriate. Because the Yew grows to such an old age, it has become a symbol of stability in Celtic areas of the world and so is often used as the central "World Tree" in ritual spaces. Yew sends up new trees from its roots, so is a powerful symbol of death and reincarnation. It is called for in "destructive" workings concerning death, as well as those concerning passage, spirits, penitence and psychic growth.

No tree is more associated with the history and legends of Great Britain than the Yew. Before Christianity was introduced it was a sacred tree favored by the Druids, who built their temples near these trees – a custom followed by the early Christians. The association of the tree with places of worship still prevails In ancient times Yew sticks were carved with the Ogham characters as tools of divination. The Futhark features a 13th Rune, which is considered one of the most powerful Runes and represents a stave cut from a yew tree. This Rune is regarded as the stave of life and death. As one of the three magical trees (along with the Alder and the Black Poplar) associated with death and funerals, the Yew has often been planted in graveyards. It is, as such, traditionally a cemetery tree, in large part because Celtic Priests and Priestesses regarded it as a symbol of immortality and planted it in their Sacred Groves, druids also used wands of Yew to foretell the Future. Yew leaves placed on a grave remind us that the death of a dear one is only a pause in life before rebirth. It offers healing for mental and emotional problems, and is said to contain the secrets of the Goddess. Yew can also be dried and burned as an incense to contact spirits of the dead – or even to raise the dead, so it is claimed…

Yew is represented by the letter I (idho) in the tree alphabet and is sometimes regarded as the most sacred tree to the druids with it symbolism of death and rebirth (due to the fact that the outer tree dies and a new tree grows within). It represents transformation & reincarnation and may be used to enhance magical/psychic abilities as well as to induce visions. All parts of the yew are poisonous apart from the berry covering, and as such, it was used to poison weapons. Before the use of iron became general, yew was greatly valued as it  resists the action of water and is a very hard wood. It is a symbol of the hunt, making superior bows and was widely used for that purpose. This use, and the high quality of bows achieved using the wood, also strengthened the belief that the Yew was strongly connected with death.

This herb is sacred to the the Winter Solstice and deities of death and rebirth. The Yew is known as the death tree in all European countries. The Silver Fir of birth and the Yew of death are sisters. They stand next to each other in the circle of the year and their foliage is almost identical.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

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Tuesday Try A New Taste – Winter Solstice Soup

Winter Solstice Soup
Submitted by: Sara Mayes From All Recipes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups milk
• salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine and sauté the onions for 5 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Add the carrots, potatoes, water, salt, parsley, thyme and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor in small batches and return to the pot. Stir in the soup, mixing well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. A golden colored, nourishing soup created on a cold northeastern winter night. Perfect to warm you from the inside! Serve with biscuits and a fruit salad.

Makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes.
Cook Time: 45 Minutes.
Ready in: 55 Minutes.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Monday Make A(n)- Evergreen Yule Candle

Evergreen Yule Candles
from Kaboose

What You Need:

• Paraffin
• Empty, clean, dry can
• Pan
• Water
• Use of a stove
• Paint brush
• Candle (a large candle is easier to use)
• Small Sprig of evergreen
• Holiday ribbon

Melt some paraffin inside a can placed in a pan of hot water (on the stove). Flatten the small evergreen sprig and put some hot paraffin on the candle where you want the sprig to go. Place the sprig decoratively on the hot paraffin – it should stick to the candle. Then paint more melted paraffin over the sprig of evergreen. Let set. You may need multiple coats. Tie festive ribbon around base of candle. This will make a nice centerpiece or to give as a gift.
Adult supervision is recommended.
This project is rated EASY to do

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Friday Form A Circle-Yule Ritual for Children

Yule Ritual for Children
by Michelle Balsley; November 17, 2000

Start this Seasonal Celebration early in the day, Make Sun symbol ornaments and White Stag Ornaments to hang on the Yule tree, You can always put some type of sealant on the ornaments and hang them outside on a special tree, if this is what you prefer.

Write your own songs to sing to the Lord on his day of rebirth. Decorate the house in Golds, Greens (Ivy, Pine), Whites, some Reds, cut out big Suns and Stars hang them around the house or make a mobile to hang from the ceiling.

Go walking through the woods, park and be on the look out for a Yule Log. And once you locate your Yule log, drill three holes in it, one for a White candle, Red candle, and a Black Candle (Maiden, Mother and Crone) place these in the holes that you drilled in the Yule Log and light the candles.

Decorate your Table/Altar in Golds and Whites.

Have the children and yourself, take a Ritual Bath, burn some Pine Incense or whatever appeals to your emotions and reminds you of Yule. Help each other get dressed for the Celebration of welcoming the rebirth of the Lord, and this is also the time to Thank the Lady. Everyone should have some part in helping to set up the Ritual Area, I use a Gold cord to mark the Circle, this helps the kids, as a Yule Ritual can be pretty long. (let the kids lay down in the Circle, the Lady understands-make special pillows, stuffed with Pine, Orange Peel, of course I wouldn’t suggest using Pine needles, nothing like having one stick you in the cheek, just use some Oil, these pillows are for the kids to put their heads on while they wait for the return of the Sun)

Once it gets closer to the Yule Ritual, have the Children welcome in the guests if any are coming.

The Ritual:

Lay the Gold cord on the floor
Cast your Circle
Call the Quarters
Welcome the Lady and the Lord

Mommy/Daddy:

"Welcome to our Yule Ritual, this is the time we look forward to our Sun/Lord/God to return, We have missed him high in the sky, smiling upon us as we start another day, his hugs are the rays that shin upon us as we work or play outside, his kisses are a warm breeze that gently caresses our cheeks, he is the green of the woods, the bright gold of the sun, he is the White Stag in the Woods, Protector and Watcher".

Children/All:

"Father/God/Lord we await your return". (Say as much as you want to, this is also a good short, sweet chant to use to raise any energy you may want during the ritual)

Mommy/Daddy:

"We light the Candles on the Yule log in honor the Goddess/Mother/Lady, White for the Maiden, Red for the Mother, and Black for the Crone". (Light the candles and let them burn, to almost the Yule log, don’t want the log to catch fire)

Children/All:

"We thank you Goddess/Lady for all that you have given us".(Once again another short and sweet chant to raise energy) At this time Share of some Cakes, Wine/Ale/Fruit Juice should be done. (One of our favorites is light and fluffy Divinity Candy, or baked sugar cookies that look like the Sun)

Share stories about Yule’s past and talk about what you would like to do next Yule Talk about what the Goddess and God mean to you and of course let the Children tell their Stories and feelings too! Exchange small Yule Gifts.

Mommy/Daddy:

"We thank the Lady and Lord on this day for the gifts they have given us, and for each other. Bright Blessings upon us all".

At this point you can either stay in the Circle and keep on talking until the Sun comes up, or dissolve the Circle, of course always thanking the Quarters and the Lady for being there. Go for a walk outside and Welcome the New day as the Sun comes back.

I know that this Ritual is not as formal, as some would wish, but you have to remember you are involving young Children with short attention spans (some adults have those, too!) These types of Short, Sweet and to the Point Rituals prepare your children for the more Formal ones later in this Lifetime. Blessings for a Bright Yule! (Copyright Michelle Balsley About this author: Wiccan, Married, two children, work full time outside the home, I live in a small town, love to write, read, swim, and laugh. )

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Thursday This Is Your Spell-Magical Yule Cards

Magical Yule Cards
Source Unknown

Do you send out Yule cards to all your friends and family every year? Then perhaps this magical craft idea will interest you… Make handmade Yule cards. Use your imagination <smile>. Once they are all made, separate the cards into categories:

• Friends and family who need healing
• Friends and family who need a financial boost
• Friends and family who need protection
• General Love

Match the four categories with your favorite incense, oils, and candle color. Place the four piles of cards on your altar (stamped and ready to go), and say:

"Holy Mother (or divinity of your choice) I can upon thee. In your grace, please hear my petition of (love, success, protection, or healing) for those individuals who addresses lie here."

Run the incense slowly over each pile, and say:

"In the name of (divinity) I cleanse and consecrate these cards. May they be vehicles of positive magic, and blessed by the Gods."

Take your time with the incense so that the scent will permeate the paper. Light the candle color of your choice and say the following verse seven times:

"Darkness to light,
my wishes take flight
The Witch
The power
The flame."

As you feel the energy building over the altar. Then, one pile at a time, focus on a pile saying the name of the category seven times. For example, repeating the word "love". Allow your fingers to tingle, your palms may grow warm. That’s fine. When you have finished with all four piles, hold your hands once again over the altar and say:

"Seasons Greetings
With Love in my heart
My gift to you
Is a magical art.
So mote it be."

Seal the spell by drawing an equal armed cross (or pentacle, if it is your preferred power symbol) over the altar with your finger in the air. Thank Spirit in your own way. Then mail the cards.

 

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Wednesday What Herb Is This-Mistletoe

Mistletoe
by Sarah the SwampWitch
Originally written for and posted to the Witches Three list.

• Tree of the day after the Winter Solstice (Aprox. December 23)
• Latin name: Viscum Album
• Celtic name: It is said that Mistletoe is too sacred to have a written word
• Common or Folk names: Mistletoe, Birdlime, All Heal, Golden Bough, Loranthaceae Phoradendron flavescens
• Parts Used: leaves, berries, twigs

Herbal Uses: **CAUTION: Mistletoe berries are extremely poisonous and have been known to cause miscarriage.** Mistletoe can be used as a stimulant to soothe muscles and to produce a rise in blood pressure. It increases the contraction of the uterus and intestine. Mistletoe has been recommended as an oxytocic in postpartum hemorrhage and menorrhagia. It is also used as a circulatory and uterine stimulant. This plant can induce menstruation. It has shown effective in treating tumors in some animals. It is recommended that due to the toxicity of this plant that ingestion of this herb be avoided.

Magickal History & Associations: Mistletoe is one of the Druid’s most sacred trees – as Ovid said, "Ad viscum Druidae cantare solebant. (The Druids are wont to sing to the Mistletoe.)." In Druidic lore Mistletoe is an herb of the Winter Solstice and is the special plant for the day after Yule. The Druids gathered their Mistletoe at Midsummer or at the 6th day of the moon. The Druid priests or priestesses would wear white robes while gathering the plant and would use a golden knife, taking extreme care not to let the plant touch the ground. Two oxen were often sacrificed for the harvest. The Druids considered that the Mistletoe that grew on Oak trees was the most potent and sacred.

Mistletoe is a plant of the sun and also of the planet of Jupiter. It is associated with the element of the air. The colors of Mistletoe are green, gold and white, and its herb is hyssop. The gemstones associated with Mistletoe are Black Quartz, Amber, Pearl and green Obsidian. Mistletoe has the immortal creature the Gryphon-Eagle associated with it and also the plain eagle is its bird association. There are many deities associated with Mistletoe: Loki, Blader, Hercules, Shu, Osirus, and Aeneas are a few of those deities.

Magickal uses: Romans, Celtics, and Germans believed that mistletoe is the key to the supernatural. Mistletoe will aid and strengthen all magical works but is best called upon for healing, protection, and beautiful dreams – dreams which will unlock the secrets of immortality. Mistletoe is a good wood to use for making wands, other ritual tools and magical rings.

The Berries are used in love incenses, plus a few berries can be added to the ritual cup at a handfasting. Boughs of Mistletoe can be hung for all purpose protection around the house. Sprigs of Mistletoe can be carried as an herb of protection – plus amulets and jewelry can be made out of Mistletoe wood as protective talismans. Hung over the cradle, Mistletoe will protect the child from being stolen by the fey and Mistletoe that is carried will protect the bearer from werewolves. Mistletoe stood for sex and fertility – hence our tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. It is traditionally hung in the home at Yule, and those who walk under it exchange a kiss of peace.

Sources:

Year of Moons, Season of Trees, by Pattalee Glass-Koentop
Tree Medicine Tree Magic by Ellen Evert Hopman
A Druid’s Herbal by Ellen Evert Hopman
Celtic Astrology by Helena Paterson
Glamoury – Magic of the Celtic Green World by Steve Blamires
The Book of Druidry by Ross Nichols

Document Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002,2003 by Sarah Nunn (Sarah the SwampWitch). This document can be re-published and shared only as long as no information is lost or changed, credit is given to the author, and it is provided or used without cost to others. Other uses of this document must be approved in writing by Sarah Nunn. Btw, this material is Hex Protected, and if it is ’shared’ without accreditation the person doing so will be sorry.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Tuesday Try A New Taste-Gingerbread Snowflakes

Gingerbread Snowflakes
From Gourmet Magazine’s Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipes,

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup molasses (not robust)
• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 ¾ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Decorating icing (recipe follows)

Special Equipment:

• assorted 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters (preferable snowflake-shaped)
• a metal offset spatula
• a pastry bag fitted with 1/8- to 1/4- inch plain tip (optional)

Bring molasses, brown sugar, and spices to a boil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, and remove from heat. Stir in baking soda (mixture will foam up), then stir in butter 3 pieces at a time, letting each addition melt before adding next, until all butter is melted. Add egg and stir until combined, then stir in 3-3/4 cups flour and salt. Preheat oven to 325°F. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead, dusting with as much of remaining 1/4 cup flour as needed to prevent sticking, until soft and easy to handle, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Halve dough, then wrap 1 half in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature. Roll out remaining dough into a 14-inch round (1/8 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut out as many cookies as possible with cutters and carefully transfer with offset spatula to 2 buttered large baking sheets, arranging them about 1 inch apart. Bake cookies in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until edges are slightly darker, 10 to 12 minutes total (watch carefully toward end of baking; cookies can burn easily). Transfer cookies to racks to cool completely. Make more cookies with remaining dough and scraps (reroll once). Put icing in pastry bag (if using) and pipe or spread decoratively onto cookies.

Cooks’ note: Cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature 3 weeks.
Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Active Time: 11/2 hour.
Start to finish: 21/4 hour.

Decorating Icing
Ingredients:

• 1 (1-lb) box confectioners sugar
• 4 teaspoons powdered egg whites (not reconstituted) Note: Egg whites act as a stabilizer in this icing, allowing it to harden for decorating the cookies. Because the whites are not cooked, we prefer powdered egg whites, such as Just Whites, which are available in the baking section of most super-markets.
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Food coloring (optional)

Beat together all ingredients except food coloring in a large bowl with an electric mixer at moderate speed until just combined, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and beat icing, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, until it holds stiff peaks, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 4 to 5 minutes with a handheld. Beat in food coloring (if using). If you plan to spread (rather than pipe) icing on cookies, stir in more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to thin to desired consistency.

Makes about 3 cups.
Active time: 10 minutes.
Start to finish: 15 minutes.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Monday Make A – Children’s Activities for Yule

Children’s Activities for Yule
From The Celtic Connection

Yule is a Sabbat to welcome back the Sun King. The sun is vital to all that exist on Earth. It is the giver of light and warmth, and causes the rebirth of this past years crops by warming and gently coaxing the seeds that have been sleeping underground during the winter. Traditional methods of celebrating this Sabbat are mostly inside activities.

Yule Log Hike
Materials:

• Warm Clothes
• Sense of Adventure.

This is an activity that can be done the weekend before Yule. On a bright crisp morning, dress the family warmly and head for the park, mountains, or beach. As you hike along, looking for that special Yule log to place in your hearth, also be looking for decorations to make it personalized by each member of the family. Select a proportionally sized log that will fit easily into your fire place. Ash, oak, or cedar make great Yule logs. Try to find one that has already fallen and is on the ground. On the beach, driftwood can be found and obtained for your log. As you are looking, or on your way back home look for natural decorations to adorn your Yule log with. Traditional adornments are, pine cones, leaves, holly sprigs, mistletoe sprigs, rosebuds, winter flowers, wheat stalks, and corn husks. If you must cut anything from a living plant, remember to ask and thank the plant for its gift. If you don’t have a fire place, select a smaller log, slightly flat on one side so that it doesn’t roll. Adorning the logs will appear farther along in the activities. (Explain how the Yule log was set ablaze on Solstice night to help vanquish the dark and add strength to the returning sun.)

Sun Welcoming Center Pieces
Materials:

• Flat or bowled wicker basket
• Evergreen Boughs
• Oranges and Apples
• Whole Cloves
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Wheat Stalks
• Flour
• Red, Green, and Gold Bows or String.

Children of all ages will delight in both making and giving these delightful center pieces. Place the basket in the center of the table. Lay a couple of evergreen boughs (can be found at most Christmas tree lots) in bottom of basket so that the tips flow out from all sides. Spike the oranges all the way around with several whole cloves. Arrange the oranges and apples on top of the boughs. Arrange in a couple of the walnuts and hazel nuts. Place a couple of the wheat stalks standing up amidst the fruit. Lightly dust with flour. Tie bows to the handle and outside the basket. Tell children about each special part of the centerpiece. Explain that the baskets were used during the harvests during the season before. The evergreen boughs are symbols of immortality, reminding us that the Sun King is not dead, but reappears at Yule each year to lengthen, brighten and warm the days ahead. The oranges and apples are symbols of the Sun King, The nuts symbolize the seeds as they lay sleeping and awaiting the Sun King’s return. The wheat stalks symbolize the yearly harvests and the flour represents the triumph of the forces of light and life.)

Sun Bursting Ornaments
Materials:

• Ruler or Compass
• Scissors
• Thin Cardboard
• Gold Foil Paper
• Glue Stick
• Heavy Thread and Needle.

Help child cut out a 4" cardboard circle. With this template, the child can then trace and cut out 14 circles from the foil paper. One by one, fold a circle in half, half, and half again. Unfold the circle and cut along the fold lines, stopping about 1/2 inch from the center. Repeat until all the circles are cut. Form the points of the Sun Burst by wrapping each of the eight segments around the point of a sharpened pencil. Point of pencil should face away from the center of the circle. Secure each point with a dab of glue. Thread a needle with 18" length of thread. Insert the needle through all the centers of the circles from the foil side of the first seven and the plain side of the last seven. Gently pull the circles together, bunching them into a ball. Tie off with a knot, and use the excess thread to form a loop for hanging the ornament. (Hang up in windows to reflect the sunlight or on tree for decoration, explain to children how the sun gets stronger, climbs higher, and last longer in the sky each day starting at Yule.)

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