Winter Solstice Celebration: Why Do We Celebrate Yule?
History Of Yule | What Is Yule?
Is Winter Solstice a Pagan holiday?
Ancient Pagan Traditions + Natural Science
- The earth’s actions that cause the Winter Solstice are not inherently Pagan, but the original celebrations of the event by people were Pagan in a historical sense.
- Science:
Every year, the Earth tilts farther away from the Sun before tilting closer again; this is what gives us our beautiful seasons. This tilt causes the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year.
Winter Solstice happens in the winter season when on the date of the longest day of the year. - Spirituality:
Historically, people on this beautiful Earth celebrated the changing of the seasons with rituals, marking events such as the alignment of the sun during a Solstice, burning fires, and lighting of candles to symbolize the increasing power of the Sun.
The rituals of these people became what we practice today as children of these ancient Pagan cultures.
What cultures does Yule come from?
The Celts and Norse Peoples:
Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden.
Am I allowed to celebrate Yule if I’m not Celtic nor Norse?
Long story short: Yes.
- As many Witches know, and now science supports, our DNA carries the memories of everyone who made us who we are today.
- You may have DNA from a culture that doesn’t represent who you associate with today.
- You may have Irish or Scottish ancestry which would call you to celebrate Celtic traditions.
We love to tell everyone to follow their own guidance, follow their own energy, and, if you’re called to, follow their ancestry. Learn anything you’re called to learn and then respect what you have learned and experienced. Respect is key.
Similar Winter Solstice Holidays
Similar Holidays
These are other similar spiritual- and ancestor-centric celebrations in the world that occur around this day that may resonate more with your ancestral history:
- Dong Zhi, Chinese
- Inti Raymi, Peruvian
- Lohri, Indian
- Saturnalia, Italian
- Shab-e Yalda, Iranian
- Soyal, Hopi
- St. Lucia’s Day/Festival of Lights, Scandinavian
- Toji, Japanese
Yule Correspondences & Winter Solstice Symbols
Quick correspondences & how to decorate your Yule altar
Goddesses and Gods
Apollo, Brigid, Cernunnos, Demeter, Dionysus, Fortuna, Hel, Holly King, Isis, Lugh, The Green Man, Odin, Saturn, + more →
Candle Colors
Gold, Green, Red, + more →
Herbs, Oils, and Incenses
Bay, Cinnamon, Clove, Juniper, Mistletoe, Orange, + more →
Foods & Drinks
Ciders, Dried fruits, Egg nog, Gingerbread, Mulled wine, Roasted apples, Roasted meats, + more →
Yule Shopping
Candles, Oils, Statues, and More 👇
$6.95
Sage is the perfect herb for cleansing and purifying a space, person, or item, but when it’s combined with Pinon Pine, fertility is added to the mix, creating the best smudge for those trying to start something new! Light the end and let the smoke cleanse and carry your will to the heavens! This Sage [...]
$4.95
- Makes a great incense ♨️
- Wonderful in hot foot powder 👣
- 1 ounce ⭐
$3.95
Ginger root is often used in spells to attract something to the user. Ginger can be used to attract love, money, or success. Because ginger is connected to masculine energy, Mars, and fire, it can be used to increase the passion and fire within someone. Add it to sachets, bubble it in Yule potpourri, and more! This [...]
$2.95
- Uses: Meditate with Bear energy 🐻
- Scent: Sandalwood blend ♨️
- 15 grams. Made in India 🇮🇳
$4.95
Lodestones are natural magnets which make them perfect for drawing things to you! The Red Lodestone can help draw love, affection, courage, and strength to you! Simply add the lodestone to charms, spells, altars, and mojo bags. This is a single lodestone and measures approximately 1 inch. ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
$8.95
This Red Seven Knob Candles (also known as a Wishing Candle) are similar to knot spells or bead prayers; the energy or intention either builds or dissolves as each knot is burned through. This, like other shaped figure candles, may require leveling to stand perfectly straight. ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
Out of stock
$1.75
Green Taper Candles are great for invoking the verdant fertility of the earth. Use them to empower your spells of money drawing, and seek positive change, growth, and fertility. This style of taper candle measures 6″ x 5/8″ and burns for 5 hours. ShareTweetPinRedditMore0 Shares
-10%
$1.75
Invite the blessed, protection energies of frankincense and myrrh into your home with these Frankincense & Myrrh Incense Cones, made by HEM. Great to burn during Lammas or Lugnasadh, this box contains 10 Aloe Vera cones and a single, metal burner plate. The burner plate must be placed on a heat safe non-flammable surface in order to avoid [...]
$2.95
Traditionally, Rosemary is great for increasing memory as well as being a powerful aid in spells of love and romance. This 1 ounce packet of rosemary leaves makes a great addition to Mabon rituals! ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
$4.95
Traditionally, Rosemary is great for increasing memory as well as being a powerful aid in spells of love and romance. This 4 ounce packet of rosemary leaves makes a great addition to Mabon rituals! ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
$67.95
Invite the energies of Deer into your ritual space and life with this beautiful ritual tool. This Stag Horn Damascus Athame blends the artistry of Damascus steel with the natural quality of deer horn as a beautifully crafted knife perfect for magical craft. The athame measures 8 1/2″ with a 3 1/4″ blade. ShareTweetPinRedditMore0 Shares
$8.95
Bayberry is widely used in rituals and spells of luck, plenty, wealth, and prosperity. Used during Yule, bayberry is carried on the person, burned, or sprinkled around a home or business to bring more positivity, better luck, and more wealth to the area! This is a 1 ounce package of dried bayberry bark. ShareTweetPinRedditMore0 Shares
Out of stock
$129.95
The chief of the Norse Gods and ruler of Asgard, Odin, is shown here in a bust of his head and shoulders. Appearing stern and wise, with one eye and the fierce armor of battle, it is easy to see why the Norse Gods made him Chief. This Odin Bust Statue measures 11″. ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
-10%
$1.75
Raven is a creature of brave trickery and knowledge and this Raven Prayer Poster can aid you invoking the spirit of this animal and seeking the wisdom and guile when you need it in your life. This poster is paper sized at 8 1/2″ x 11″. ShareTweetPin4RedditMore4 Shares
$10.95
- Great as an altar cloth or wall decoration ⭐
- Has every Northern Hemisphere Witches' Sabbat date 📆
- 24" 📏
-35%
Out of stock
$4.50
This beautiful Gold Magnetic Sand, or lodestone food, is perfect for rituals, spells, and prayers for success, personal power, and wealth! This is a 4 ounce bag of magnetic sand. ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
$27.95
Red onyx is a gorgeous stone, and crafted into this Polished Onyx Mortar and Pestle, it has never been more gorgeous. Measures 4″ x 3″. ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
-20%
$34.25
Commonly used for rituals of purification or as an offering to Gods and spirits, this cut bulk Red Sandalwood is great for spells seeking healing and protection. Simply add a little to your spell or burn on your charcoal disc! ShareTweetPin1RedditMore1 Shares
Out of stock
$40.95
- Looks amazing on a bookshelf 📚
- Place it at the edge of your property to ward away harm ✖
- 5 1/2" x 6" x 2 1/2" 📏
$7.95
- Great for Yule 🎄
- Used in optimism and hope spells ☀
- 2 dram. For external use only. ⭐
