As we have journeyed through the darkness of the year, we must tend to our undying flames. Yule is a time to rage against the dying of the light, to call strength to Sól as she rides in her chariot across the sky. We give her strength to hold back the Wolf that pursues her. We sew together the mistletoe wound of Baldr, and breathe life back into his sweet countenance. Memories of Spring flowers and Summer sweetness light our way back to the Light Half of the year. We honor the Shining God's bir...
As we have journeyed through the darkness of the year, we must tend to our undying flames. Yule is a time to rage against the dying of the light, to call strength to Sól as she rides in her chariot across the sky. We give her strength to hold back the Wolf that pursues her. We sew together the mistletoe wound of Baldr, and breathe life back into his sweet countenance. Memories of Spring flowers and Summer sweetness light our way back to the Light Half of the year. We honor the Shining God's birth and recount his tale on this eve of the re-birth of light and anticipate the coming warmth.
This Ritual will be followed by a feast! Please bring a dish and/or beverage to share. For some inspiration, here are some traditional Yule foods and drinks: caraway cakes soaked in cider (British), nuts, root vegetables, all late harvest vegetables, dried fruits, mince pies (British), apples, pears, cranberries, citrus fruits (especially oranges), pork/ham (Norse and Slavic), turkey or goose (British/Celtic); hot spices associated with the sun such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves; kasha--cooked grain such as buckwheat, millet, barley (Slavic), gingerbread, wassail (English spiced cider), glögg or glühwein (Norse/Germanic spiced wine), eggnog, all kinds of cookies, buche de noel (French, Yule log cake). Pork is traditional for both the Norse and the Slavs, as the Sun Gods Freyr and Ovsen are both associated with the boar. Wassailing was a common tradition in both Norse and Celtic cultures; the orchards were greeted and blessed with a dousing of wassail to make them healthy and abundant in the coming year. Likewise, people would toast each other with wishes of goodwill. Originally, wassail contained eggs as a symbol of fertility for the trees, but this has now evolved into eggnog.
We also ask that everyone bring something to help decorate the altar. Here are some traditional Yule symbols: evergreen boughs, pine cones, ivy, wreaths, cedar, oak, holly and mistletoe, candles, oranges and citrus, gold (especially rings and coins), fruit studded with cloves, the colors red, green, white, and gold. Holly and mistletoe are especially significant. Holly’s evergreen quality symbolizes everlasting life and its red berries symbolize the sun. It also represents the Holly King, ruler of the dark half of the year who is conquered by his brother, the Oak King, at Yule. Many people believe the Holly King was the precursor to Santa Claus! Misteltoe was the most sacred plant of the Celts; it was thought to hold the life of the trees it clung to during the winter months, was considered an “all heal” in folk medicine, was seen as a symbol of love and fertility, and was used as a symbol of goodwill between warring tribes. It most often grows on the oak tree, and therefore is associated with the Oak King, ruler of the light half of the year. Misteltoe has a different, although equally powerful, significance to Norse Yule celebrations. Misteltoe was the one plant that could harm Baldr, God of Light, and it was with a mistletoe dart that Baldr was killed. It is the symbol of His vulnerability, and ultimately of the necessity of death.
If bringing food is not in the cards for you, please bring paper plates, napkins, cups, and/or plastic silverware instead. If you would like to contribute ritual supplies (incense, candles, oils, etc.) please make us aware asap and make sure you can attend the ritual, as we will be relying on your supplies. Donations are not required but greatly appreciated as it will help us run the group and pay for the space.
Light, Love, and Laughter,
Goðihexen Råvenn , Jacøb, & Lorelai