#yule being the celebration of the winter solstice and the new light and life to come in the following spring

[honey-rye]

Yuletide with the Hamatos

[pansy-picnics]

winter solstice today. i wish i could’ve made a tts drawing bc i think they celebrate yule/the winter solstice in corona instead of christmas or anything but alas 🫡

oh well. hc time. they all kinda spend the holidays like kids of divorced parents tbh LOLL….. the royal family are very involved in corona’s holiday traditions and rapunzel really just loves Being with people so shes busy with her family and partners all day….like they always host a big feast at the castle where everyone is welcome and raps makes sure nobody leaves without presents. she picks out gifts especially for all the castle staff too!!! so all in all shes SUPER busy on the actual day of the solstice. rapunzels the kind of person who already started planning for the holidays in october. shes probably been making presents since like july. girl is PREPARED

varian and hugo usually stay with quirin for the holidays because they dont like all the big crowds at the capital, but later in the day they always try to make it for the party. lance and the girls go ALL OUT like theyre dressing up and hes making a huge breakfast and everything. their house always has the most decorations on it. also bc they live nearby quirin and the boys usually end up joining them for breakfast and they collectively have SOOO many sweets the girls make themselves sick

but the whole family always gathers at the castle at the end of the day to have a little sleepover and exchange gifts the next day teehee :3

its very based on ancient germanic paganism and how people celebrated the solstice before christianity took over. so there are a few traditions i like to pull from that, like hanging dried oranges on evergreen trees as a symbol of the sun, representing the return of light and warmth during the winter season!! since they follow the solar/lunar cycles very closely, the long night and the sunrise that follows is like a “rebirth” of the sun and its honestly very akin to a new years celebration for them even though its. Not the new year LOL.

they all exchange gifts both bc. yk. love and friendship and stuff and because it represents the “gift” of life given to them from the heavens. the whole celebration is very engrained in coronan culture so most people will celebrate regardless of whether they follow the sun or another celestial power….i think maybe the dark kingdom has different traditions but i havent fully fleshed that out yet.

nuru and yong both have different celebrations in their own kingdoms (like bayangor definitely has something akin to chinese new year) so they usually cant make it for yule, but team radical always try to get together early in the year. if not after the holidays, they always make it in time for varian’s birthday in march ^_^

[talonabraxas]

"The Yule King" Talon Abraxas

Yule / Winter Solstice December 21

The Holly King rules over the dark part of the year from Midsummer to Yule, he is God of the Waning Year. At Yule, The Holly King surrenders his life to the young light Oak King, God of the Waxing Year and his twin, who rules over the light part of the year from Yule to Midsummer. Both rule for half of the year, both fight for the favour and love of the Goddess and both surrender their life force for the well-being of the land. In truth, they are one.

[rebelliousstories]

Yuletide

25 Days of Ficmas

Relationship: Corey Cunningham x Reader

Fandom: Halloween Ends

Request: No

Warnings: Fluff, Mentions of Paganism, Light Angst

Word Count: 1,445

Masterlist: Here

Summary: Christmas holds some rough memories for Corey. Luckily his lover has some ways to override Christmas memories of the past.

“Wait, so can you explain this again? I’m really trying to understand. I’m just having a hard time. I’m sorry.” Corey ducked his head as he asked for his girlfriend to repeat what she said for about the third time. He saw a hand rapidly approaching his face and flinched when he felt contact. But there was no stinging, just a gentle caress over his stubbly jaw.

“Of course. Don’t worry, I didn’t get it right away either.” She assured him, trying to reverse the years of damage any way she could. Grabbing her handwritten book, she opened up to a specific page and spoke slowly and carefully.

“So Yule is our version of Christmas. When the christians came upon the pagans living in Europe, they saw our festivals and celebrations and made their own versions to make it easier to convert the pagans. As opposed to a specific day, Yule is a time frame. It starts sundown of the winter solstice, and ends in the new year. We always have a big meal that first sundown and enjoy the festive time.” Her delicate writings and sketchy drawings that littered the pages in front of him, captivated his senses. Corey trailed his fingers over the ink that stained the pages in front of him.

“So christians took Yule, and turned it into Christmas?” He questioned,hoping to prompt more information out of his lover but he had no idea how or what to ask.

“Yeah, pretty much. Yule logs are a pretty obvious tie, but the reason there is always a big feast is because pagans would commemorate the solstice with a boar in honor of the wild hunt that takes place. Christmas trees were brought about because that’s what we use to offer thanks.” She explained further, watching as he kept his eyes on the pages before him. Corey opened and closed his mouth several times, like a fish gasping for air, but no words came from his throat.

“Do you… do you think, that-” came from the young man, but he never finished the thought. His hands messed with each other and he picked at his nails. However, his girlfriend reached her hand over and placed her own on top of his to steady them.

“Do I think what, Corey?” Her question was so soft and gentle, that he could not help but look up to see his lover gazing back at him.

“Do you think, maybe, I could. I don’t know. Maybe, I could come over and celebrate with you instead? I don’t have good memories with Christmas anyways.” Corey’s eyes dropped back to their hands that were joined together, and he fiddled with the rings that adorned his lover’s delicate fingers. It was quiet for a moment, as nothing but the sound of her breathing passing between them. Corey, on the other hand, was too afraid and anxious of her response to dare break his silence. But, he felt a kind kiss being pressed to his forehead.

“Of course you can! I would love to have some company.” He looked up at this, complete with a soft, boyish grin on his face. It grew into a smile that matched his lover’s as they sat there.

“Okay. Awesome. I’ll tell my mom, and then I’m all yours.” Corey looked so incredibly happy about coming over rather than spending the evening with his own family.

//

“No. Absolutely not. You are not leaving here Christmas Day.” And there it was, his mother’s veto that came with just about everything in life that Corey wanted. But he was an adult now, surely he could find the strength to tell his mother no. His hands shook, and he looked anywhere but here as he sought the strength he needed.

“Can’t even look me in the eyes and ask me. That just means you’re not serious, and you’re lying about having a girlfriend.” She continued to chastise and criticize her son, who still fought with his heart and his head. Yet soon, he thought about how excited his girlfriend was when he finally asked her to join her, how happy she looked to have him around.

“I am going to spend the day with her.” Corey stared his mother dead in the eyes, and fought with himself to not back down. She almost looked impressed, but she, too, did not back down.

“You really think that some girl is going to treat you the way I do? That some other girl will love you like I do? I am your mother. I am owed you being with me on the holidays.” Her tone turned deadly, and she shook her finger in his face. Corey wanted to run and apologize; his past experiences telling him that was the easiest path. But he did not want to let his lover down.

“I’m going, mom. I’m an adult and can make my own choices so I’ll be spending the day with her instead of here.” Before his mother could get another word out, Corey turned on his heels and went out the front door. There was still a couple days till Christmas, but he could not bear it in that house anymore. He got lost in his thoughts, and before he knew it, he arrived at the doorstep of his lover. Corey did not realize where he was walking and now he was here. Should he knock? Should he go? A sudden breeze blew by causing Corey to shiver and huddle closer, unknowingly kicking the door.

“Core?” A sweet and kind voice reached his ears. It was only then that he noticed that his girlfriend had opened the door to her apartment, and was reaching out to the man. He stepped inside once she touched his arm, and felt the warmth breathe into his bones.

“You alright, Core?” She questioned; her face full of concern. He smiled and shook off her worry as he placed his hands along her waist.

“Yeah. I’m alright. Just, needed out of the house. You know?” While his comment was vague, his girlfriend knew exactly what he meant.

“You had another fight with your mom?” Her question was rhetorical, but Corey nodded with a deep sigh, and pressed his head into her neck.

“Yeah.” His muffled voice tickled her lightly, causing a giggle to come out and a hand to start brushing through his curls.

“Well, you’re more than welcome to stay here. I still have you’re drawer and closet space. Want to help me decorate for Yule?” Pressing a gentle kiss to his head, his lover’s question was out of genuine interest and it made Corey happy. He nodded up and down into her neck, causing another fit of giggles over his stubble rubbing up against her. Pulling apart, Corey was eager to follow as he was dragged by the hand over to where some decorations laid in boxes.

“Okay. Let’s decorate.” The couple found themselves falling into an easy routine. Corey enjoyed being able to put up all the pine, holly, and runes around the rooms. At some point, he found himself hanging up a wreath above the television while she made a simmer pot on the stove. It provided an incredible smell to the whole home and made Corey enjoy this even more. His girlfriend came over at some point to take him away from his decorating skills with a dark blue and gold mug in each hand.

“Wassail?” She asked, holding the mugs up higher. Corey took one with glee and followed her onto the couch.

“Mhmm. What is this? This is amazing!” He complimented, watching his lover’s cheeks became set aflame as she tried to hid it in her mug.

“It’s basically spiced apple cider, brewed with intentions. It’s a traditional Yule drink, and it’s one of my favorite things about the season.” She explained, watching him drink even more of it.

“Well, I love it.” He concluded, and that led them into a moment of silence. Their eyes scanned the room and enjoyed what they saw. The decorations were hung up faster than usual having two people instead of one but it made them all that much better. Some of them were slightly taller than usual on account of Corey’s incredible height. The burst of color filled the bland apartment, and Corey just felt home. This was his home. Neither one spoke, just sipped their wassail, and enjoyed being with each other during the holidays. It felt oddly domestic for Corey, but he certainly was not turning it down. This was going to be his favorite Christmas, by far. As well as his first, of hopefully many, Yule celebrations.

[daphyswitchylibrary]

Blessed Yule!

Yule, Yuletide or the winter solstice, happens usually around the 21st to the 25th (it depends for each year!) The winter solstice is a celebration of the longest night and shortest day of the year: after that, days will get longer again! It's a great time to celebrate home, family, friends, and reflect on ourselves. It also celebrates the eternal cycle of light and dark, life and death.

Crystals that are good to have for Yule are Ametrine, Orange Calcite, Ruby, Turquoise, Garnet, Bloodstone, Snowflake Obsidian and Onyx

For food, you can think of fruit (like oranges!), dried fruit, nuts, or even drink cider!

Colors that go well for Yule are, of course, red, green, white, silver and gold!

What to do for Yule

Decorate a Christmas/Yule tree. It's also a great activity if you are still in the broom closet

Bake a Yule log (the cake!), gingerbread cookies, plum pudding, or other recipes you usually make for the holidays. For example, fruit pies are always a big thing in my house during Christmas, so I also bake some for Yule!

Since Yule is a great time for reflection, make sure you take some time for that. Sit down and think about what happened in your life this year, meditate on it, try to see what was good and what was bad, and how to fix/change the latter. Do shadow work. Be grateful, make bullet points of your year's highlights. Using divination tools, like making a tarot spread about yourself/your situation, is also a great way to do that. Sometimes, it's even easier because the tool might bring up points you would've never thought of.

Have fun with family and friends! Yule is about the love and warmth around you, that also goes for the people you love.

Take a cleansing bath or shower! It's time to let go of things that you don't need anymore: and cleansing yourself helps to move on, to get rid of energies that no longer serve you. It will make some space for new things to come!

Go take a walk outside! Go appreciate the cold and how calm winter is.

Watch the sunrise and sunset. Afterall, it is the shortest day of the year, and it's nice to really see it.

With all that being said, I wish a blessed Yule to all! Take care of yourselves and have fun :)

[musingsbyserena]

Yule 🎄

In the Northern Hemisphere, Yule is December 21st. In the Southern Hemisphere, Yule is June 21st.

Like Samhain, Yule, also known as the winter solstice, is a rather large holiday in the Pagan calendar, but it is also has a large presence across the world. The biggest shadow looming over Yule is, of course, Christmas and Christmas Eve. It's the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth, but we all know that it’s the Catholic church’s way of shoehorning pagans into celebrating Christmas. Those who are blatantly against the celebration of Christmas celebrate Newtonmas, which is the same basic idea, but in honor of Sir Isaac Newton and science instead. Alternatively, you could join the Festivus gang for people who are fans of Seinfeld. Other holidays include the Jewish Hanukkah, which honors the miracle of lasting oil, the Ancient Saturnalia, a festival for Saturn and the coming of longer days, and Kwanzaa, which is actually a holiday started in America to celebrate African culture and family in much the way Christmas does. There are also a number of other holidays of varying names, and religious backgrounds that all celebrate the same core idea of family, beliefs, the coming of summer, and giving back.

At its heart, the Solstice signals the coming of longer days and shorter nights. In the midst of the dark days of winter, Yule is the promise that it won't last forever  The God has been reborn, and as a symbol of the Sun, he brings a stronger one. A sun that will melt the snow and bring new animal and plant life. Now that the Goddess has ensured the survival of nature, she can rest for the rest of the season. It is a time to celebrate hope and the power of community in surviving the hard times.

Traditional decorations really take the concept of the new sunrise and run with it. Bonfires, candles, Yule logs, and even Christmas lights all come from the same idea of bringing light back into the darkness. You could even be as obvious as hanging sun symbols and using citrus fruit in decor pieces. Pinecones and evergreens are included for the symbolization of being “ever green” and the hope of new life. We’re just looking for the general feeling of life going on through the winter, and bringing the sun back into our lives, also incorporating the standard “Christmas” colors like red, green, gold, silver, or even blue if you want to bring in the cold and snowy element.

[magicoldcottage]

The 12 days of Yule

Looking to add more meaning to the season?

I think it's time we started to look back at our traditions from the past, and brought real meaning to the festivities rather than the commercialised mess that Christmas has become. The season was never about how many presents you got, how much money you could spend. It was about spirituality and family.

Below I run through the 12 days of Yule which started this year on the 21st Dec. I write this on boxing day which is 6th day of Yule if you are trying to find the current day.

When is Yule?

I've seen some confusion on posts of the date, this is natural as the date varies. The celebrations commence the day before the winter solstice, the shortest  day of the year. Which does vary slightly from year to year. This year the shortest day is the 22nd, so Yule starts on the 21st.

What were the 12 days of the celebration.

On the first day of Yule, The day before that Winter Solstice. people honoured "The Mothers", the goddesses who watched over the family and the land. They offered them food and drink on Mother’s Night, and asked for their blessings for the coming year. If you don't follow the Mothers in any guise simply substitute for one you do as part of your practice. For more details on the mothers click here

On the second day of Yule, people celebrated the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. They lit candles, bonfires, and the Yule log to symbolize the return of the sun and the warmth of life. They also decorated evergreen trees with ornaments and gifts. To those of you who've had your tree up since october, yes decorating the tree was part of the festivities. As not everyone has the ability to burn a giant log so a candle lit to banish the dark is a great modern option.

On the third day of Yule, people honoured Odin, the god of wisdom, war, and magic. They left offerings of food and drink for him and his followers, the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession of spirits and animals that roamed the sky during the winter nights. They also told stories and poems about Odin and his adventures. It was a family day pulling everyone together to spend time telling tales and being close.

On the fourth day of Yule, people honoured Thor, the god of thunder, strength, and protection. They ate and drank in his name, and thanked him for his blessings. They also carved runes and amulets for protection and luck. If you don't fancy making Thors hammer amulets use this day to make something simple to act as protection for your family. For an easy option why not make my tripple goddess knot, only a length of string in needed, guild click here

On the fifth day of Yule, people honoured Frey, the god of fertility, prosperity, and peace. They exchanged gifts and tokens of love and friendship, and wished for a fruitful and prosperous year. They also made wreaths and garlands of mistletoe, holly, and ivy, which were sacred to Frey. Again making the Wreath was part of the festivities rather than something that you made in advance.

On the sixth day of Yule, people honoured Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and magic. They celebrated with feasts, music, and dancing, and expressed their joy and gratitude for life. They also practiced divination and seidr, a form of shamanic magic that Freya taught to Odin. So Boxing day (as of 2023) is the day to break out your favourite divination tools and scry the future.

On the seventh day of Yule, people honoured Balder, the god of light, joy, and purity. They remembered his death and resurrection, and hoped for his return in the new world. They also played games and sports, and enjoyed the snow and ice. A great day to break out those new boardgames, invite people over who are getting bored and have a games night.

On the eighth day of Yule, people honoured Skadi, the goddess of winter, hunting, and skiing. They admired her beauty and strength, and respected her independence and justice. They also went hunting and skiing, and enjoyed the cold and the wilderness. Not everyone is going to enjoy a hunt, but getting out in nature to spend some time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us should be our target on this day.

On the ninth day of Yule, people honoured Ullr, the god of archery, skiing, and dueling. They praised his skill and courage, and challenged themselves and others to contests of honor and glory. They also made offerings of skis, bows, and arrows to Ullr. Although Monopoly in our house tends to turn into a blood sport, contents of strength should be slightly more energetic.

On the tenth day of Yule, people honoured Loki, the god of mischief, fire, and change. They laughed at his tricks and pranks, and acknowledged his role in the balance of the world. They also played jokes and riddles, and embraced the chaos and the change.  Again draw together with friends or family and have some fun, even if its settling down for a good comedy film.

On the eleventh day of Yule, for the end of the year people honoured the ancestors, the spirits of the dead who lived on in the otherworld. They remembered their names and deeds, and honoured their legacy and wisdom. They also set a place for them at the table, and shared stories and memories with them. We have all lost someone who remains in our hearts. Use this day to remind yourself how they have touched your life. Pull out the old photographs, share their stories with those too young to remember them and keep them alive. Click here for my memory stones for those feeling crafty.

On the twelfth day of Yule, people honoured the Norns, the goddesses of fate who wove the threads of destiny. They reflected on the past, the present, and the future, and made resolutions and plans for the new year. They also burned the remains of the Yule log, and scattered the ashes for good luck. This day normally falls around the new year and the tradition lives on as "New Year Resolutions". Don't aim for the impossible, practical resolutions are far easier to stick to.

For more ideas of things to make or do, click here for my masterpost.

[santoschristos]

Winter Solstice/Yule Blessings!

Yule or Winter Solstice December 22, 2023 It’s the longest night of the Year when the Goddess - the womb of the cosmos - generates light.

The Sun is reborn from this day and, until the Summer Solstice, the light increases. Rejoice for the return of the Light, honor the Great Mother, infinite womb that transforms every potential into being, including dreams.

Name and honor the dream of a new life you discovered in Samhain. Colors: White, Red, Green & Gold or Yellow.

Altar: Dedicate the altar to the Great Mother and the light that returns.

Put a large yellow/gold candle symbol of God, the Sun returning or reborn, inside a bowl, symbol of the Goddess, Mother and Womb of Creation.

Celebration: Write on a candle in the color of your dream/goal your name is your goal. Place it on the altar. Light the yellow candle of the Sun in the bowl of the Goddess, recognizing that you are capable of turning your dreams into reality. Feel the love and generosity of Mother all around you. Feel the light of a new project shining within you.

Sing and dance around the altar holding the candle in hand and charging it with all your good energy. When you feel energies are at its peak light the candle and hold it high, declaring your wishes/dreams/goals for the new year. Place the candle on the altar and let it burn until the end. That yellow/gold candle can be switched off and reused in Imbolic. Rejoice and give thanks when you come full circle.

Canto: "Blessed be the Mother who gives us life, blessed be our lives on Earth, the reborn Sun shines on us, we feel the fire burning inside". extracted from the Essential Book by Phyllis Curott

Happy Yule and Sol Invictus Edited by--Alfa Omega

Crystal Solstice art: Mahaboka

[piscesseer]

Twelve Days of Yule for the Modern Witch

Inspired by this tumblr post. I have decided to plan a ritual (big and small) for each day with the intention of bringing in hope and prosperity for the coming year. Here, I am adding some history of what the days might have meant. Some of the days may correlate, some I am doing what is best for me.

You may use each day as you see fit! These are just suggestions and ideas to make the most of this magical season and to go into the New Year with intention.

Day 1, December 20: Mother’s Night & Ritual Cleansing

The first night of Yule was known as Mother’s Night. This day was set aside to honor the disir (female ancestral spirits) and Freya as Vanadis, the head of the disir. Many people choose to give their direct maternal line ancestors high honors on this night. We can honor and offer thanks to our female ancestors, those who are believed to watch over our families and help us in times of need. 

A good way to start Yule is to cleanse your house. Out with the old, in with the new. Contemplate what you need to get rid of physically and spiritually. Begin setting up your Yule altar, decorating your house and/or tree.

Light your first candle (preferably white) with purification and truth. Place it on your altar and this first candle is lit with the intention of cleansing and protection.

Physically clean your home and spiritually purify your home with your preferred cleansing tools.

Seal and protect your doorways from wandering spirits.

Take a ritual shower or bath and cleanse yourself.

Day 2, December 21: Light the Yule Log

The second night of Yule is The Winter Solstice. With the darkness being at its longest this day, we face our fears from last year in an effort to not be controlled by them in the coming year. We are also honoring the darkness as it comes, using it to contemplate the things that we want to get rid of.

Light a second candle (silver) with the intention of endings. 

Symbolically gather what you’re letting go of by writing it down on slips of paper.

Use the flame to burn old habits (safely).

We can also decorate with symbols of the sun, to celebrate the year to come, and encourage the return of light. Decorate the Yule Log with orange slices, and other symbols of Yule, light it and drink wine (or juice).

For those who like things that are spooky, here is an article on The Wild Hunt’s connection to Yule. The dead are said to be closer to the living during winter. With the lengthening of nights and the shortening of days, the spirits of friends, family, and ancestors had a greater opportunity to participate in life. The Wild Hunt and Yule were a ritual cycle that helped the living to move on from their attachments to the dead, and prepare for the new life that would come with the longer days and the spring, which couldn’t be too far away. As Odin's howling host came to collect the dead, one could find comfort in the fact that those whose time had come had now passed.

Many would stay indoors for fear of being swept up by The Wild Hunt. Many put out offerings for Odin and it doesn’t hurt to cast extra protection either. Use light to stay warm and safe inside. If you’re so inclined, put on a scary Christmas or winter themed movie like I will be.

Day 3, December 22: High Feast

The third night of Yule is known as the High Feast of Yule! In honor of Thor and Frey, gods of power and fertility it’s fitting to have a hearty feast. You can research traditional Viking feasts, but I think any warm, rich food would be great.

Consecrate two candles (red and gold) for these with symbols of hope, courage and love!

Day 4, December 23: The Sun’s Return

Rejoice! The Sun has returned. Each day, The Sun will grow brighter and brighter. We may not notice at first, but do not lose hope. 

Contemplate the calmness in knowing that darkness is ebbing.

Contemplate the birth of “the Son” and the Sun, and the potentials that they bring for peace and better things. 

Consecrate two candles (red and gold) for these with symbols of hope.

Day 5 & 6, December 24 & 25: Christmas

Celebrate Christmas as usual. In Pagan tradition these nights are sacred and time for community. This can mean covens, friends and family! We can respect the holidays that our loved ones choose to celebrate by partaking in these traditions too.

Do some inner work, from letting go towards what you want to bring to yourself.

Consecrate two candles (green and gold) for these days.

Raise a glass to hospitality and good health.

Day 7- 11 , December 26 - 30: New Goals 

We have transitioned from letting go to a new beginning. Each day is brighter. Set a few new goals.

Consecrate the candles (green) for these days with symbols of new light and hardiness. 

The winter will be cold and long, make short term goals, focus on the next three months. 

Write down these goals and place them on the altar.

If you want to look at old traditions, here is a list of things to honor and contemplate on each day.

7 - In Pagan tradition, there was a feast of Thor to honor the god of war and to ask for protection. It’s a good time for long-term protection spells and wards. 

8 - Honor spirits of snow and ice! If it’s a snow day, go outside and take in the beauty of the cold weather, even if it’s not your favorite. It’s a great day to start an ice candle.

9 - Traditionally honors Odin, the god of war and the dead. Contemplate your values and wisdom you’ve gained from your spiritual practices.

10 - Sacred to Sunna and the ancestors. Relax and honor the changing seasons and those who have guided you through them.

11 - Scared to the goddesses and Valkyries. Honor the cycles of life. 

Day 12, December 31: New Years Eve 

Put the New Year in motion! Celebrate New Years as usual.

Consecrate a white candle with symbols of prosperity.

It’s time to leap into action with our short-term goals. At midnight, as the year takes its first steps, we take our first steps with it by burning our goals in the 12th candle’s flames.

[sovaghoul]

Celebrations

There are eight Sabbats, or holidays, in the Wiccan calendar, along with the thirteen Full Moons, of the year, commonly called Esbats.

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Four of the Sabbats are considered Major or Greater Sabbats, also called Fire Festivals. They are Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas. The other four occur at the two Solstices and two Equinoxes of each year, and are considered the Minor or Lesser Sabbats. Sometimes they’re named also, with the most common being Ostara, Midsummer/Litha, Mabon, and Yule. The Wheel of the Year, as the whole of the calendar is sometimes called, is an agricultural calendar, marking the seasons according to observable events, such as the first planting or the first harvest. It also tells the story of the life of the God, conveying how His life stages are connected to these agricultural events.

Each new year is usually considered to have its beginnings at Samhain (or Halloween), as the word Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”) means “summer’s end” in Gaelic, and it is believed by some that the ancient Celts divided the year into only two seasons, Winter and Summer. My theory of why the year begins with darkness, is a matter of honoring the Empty Nothing that is the beginning (and ending) of all things; before a new life is created, the womb in which it will grow is empty, and it then returns to that state after the birth.

The word “equinox” means “equal night,” and indeed at those two points of the year, there are equal hours of both daylight and darkness. “Solstice” means “Sun stands still,” and at those two points, there is the most/least sunlight (Summer/Winter, respectively), so the Sun seems to pause.

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The dates given below are those traditionally observed for the Sabbats in the Northern Hemisphere. However, some choose to figure them according to astrology, celebrating the Major Sabbats at the precise midpoints between the Solstices and Equinoxes, rather than fixed dates. As such, I’ve included those astrological “timestamps” as well.

🎃 Samhain – October 31 or Sun at 15° Scorpio – Beginning of Winter. A time for communion with and honoring the dead. It is believed that the Veil between worlds is thin on this night, and so Spirits and the Fae are more active, and divination will be more successful. The God is the Horned Lord of the Underworld now, rounding up the souls of the departed on the Wild Hunt. Some believe the Goddess also descends at this time, to retrieve the God and guide Him to His rebirth. Usually considered the Wiccan New Year. Sometimes considered the third and final of three harvest festivals, wherein the “harvest” is that of the year’s dead souls by the Lord of the Underworld. Any number of Gods associated with that realm and with death itself are commonly honored at this time, as well as ancestors and other loved ones who have passed on. This Sabbat is also called Halloween, which is a shortening of All Hallows’ Evening, “hallows” meaning essentially “sacred things.” The traditions of costumes, jack o’lanterns, and trick-or-treating are all old Pagan customs.

🎄 Yule – on or about December 21/Sun at 0° Capricorn – Midwinter. Rebirth, the Light returns. Yule comes from a Nordic word, “jul,” meaning “wheel,” and perhaps this refers to the “restart” of the year, the year beginning to turn again with the rebirth of the Sun. The Mother Goddess brings forth Sun God to renew the world. The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree was originally a form of sympathetic Magick, reminding the trees to bear fruit in the coming Spring. Caroling door-to-door, or wassailing, and burning a Yule log, are also very old customs. Some see this as the beginning of the Oak King’s rule. Also simply referred to as the Winter Solstice.

🕯 Imbolc – February 2 or Sun at 15° Aquarius – Beginning of Spring. Cleansing, newness, advancement. The word has two possible origins: “oimelc,” meaning “ewe’s milk,” the time when mother sheep nurse their lambs; or “imbolg,” which means “in the belly,” interpreted as a reference to potential not yet realized. Indeed, the God is now realizing His own potential, finding His pure self and tapping into the creative fire. For some, this the Traditional time of Initiations. Others also celebrate the end of the Goddess’ Underworld journey at this time. Sometimes considered the first of three fertility festivals, the fertility of the mind, of ideas, the planning stages. Some choose to specifically honor the Irish Goddess Brighid at this time. Also called February Eve, Candlemas, or the Feast of Torches.

🥚 Spring Equinox – on or about March 21/Sun at 0° Aries – Mid-Spring. Balance, bringing forth the light, beginnings of life and fertility (where most of the symbols of Easter came from; rabbits, eggs, and baby chicks are all older, Pagan fertility symbols). This is a good time for Spring cleaning, physically and spiritually. Sometimes considered the second of three fertility festivals, honoring the new growth of the Earth, of plants and animals emerging again after the Winter. Some choose to specifically honor the Germanic Goddess Ēostre at this time. As this Sabbat is sometimes named fo Her. Also called Ostara, Eostar, or Lady Day. (Years ago, I came up with also calling it Vernalia, as another term for the event is the Vernal Equinox.)

❤ Beltane – May 1 or Sun at 15° Taurus – Bringing in Summer, growth, and celebrating fertility. The Lord and Lady consummate Their love. Dancing the Maypole is a staple celebration, symbolizing this union. The word refers to “bel fires,” an old tradition of building huge fires and driving livestock between them, meant to ensure their fertility. Additionally, people would leap over fires for their own fertility. For some, this is the Traditional time for Handfastings/weddings. Others considered it a day when rules surrounding marriage and commitment (i.e., monogamy) were suspended. Sometimes considered the third and final of three fertility festivals, where fertility is taken more literally, honoring the sacredness of sexuality. Sometimes spelled Beltainne or Bealtane, or referred to as May Day.

☀️ Midsummer – on or about June 21/Sun at 0° Cancer – Shining light, the longest day, merriment and celebration meant for all; even after Christianity became widespread, celebrations of Midsummer were a large event for entire towns with large public events that involved everyone. The God’s highest point of power, and so also the start of His decline. It's common to honor any number of Deities associated with the Sun. Some see this as the beginning of the Holly King’s rule. Also called Litha or the Summer Solstice.

🌾 Lammas – August 1 or Sun at 15° Leo – Beginning of Autumn. Harvest, bounty. The word comes from Gaelic meaning “loaf mass,” recognizing the sacredness and sacrifice of the grain. The Winter months approach and we must prepare for them. Sometimes considered the first of three harvest festivals, the year’s first harvests of grain and other vegetation. By some this Sabbat is also called Lughnassadh ("loo-nah-sah"), and specifically honors the Irish God Lugh, where contests of sport are held in honor of His trials from mythology.

🍁 Fall Equinox – on or about September 21/Sun at 0° Libra – Mid-Autumn. Balance again, but heading into decline instead of increase. The God retreats to the Underworld, a willing sacrifice. But the seed of new life still waits in the harvest stores. Sometimes considered the second of three harvest festivals, specifically when animals are slaughtered and their meat cured and stored for the coming Winter. It is often considered a time of reflection, and banishing what is no longer needed. Also called Mabon. (Since this is the Autumn Equinox, I came up with calling it Autumnus.)

To learn more about folkloric origins and traditions associated with the Sabbats, I invite everyone to check out Witches Sabbats. While not everything there aligns with these specific views, it is all nonetheless interesting information.

🕯🌒🌕🌘🕯

Also important are the Full Moons, or Esbats, of each month. These are times to work Magick, casting spells for healing or prosperity, or doing other works (the Sabbats are generally not appropriate times, as the focus then is to turn the Wheel of the Year and celebrate the season). It is the specific time also to honor the Goddess and to attempt connection with Her, through meditation, channeling, or divination.

Other phases of the Moon can be celebrated as well, if one so chooses:

🌔 Waxing Moon – the phase just before Full. This is a time for spells having to do with growth and gain.

🌖 Waning Moon – the phase just after Full, a time for banishing what we no longer need.

🌑 New (or Dark) Moon – some believe this is a time for the Goddess to rest, as She is hidden by darkness, and therefore no Magick should be performed. Others feel it is a time to do Shadow Work, confronting the most difficult and hidden parts of ourselves.

There are many names for the 13 Full Moons of the year, depending on your culture/Tradition/practice. Some use these names to create a year-long story, similar to the Sabbats, and others take them individually to create unique Full Moon experiences that align to the time of year (so that, say, Full Moon ritual in May would look different from the one in December). Check out the image below for just a sample of the various names.

Next post: Elements

[thecatsandthecrone]

Wheel of the Year: Yule

Photo by Ksenia Yakovleva on Unsplash ☽🔮☾🕯🃏🌕🕸✨🍃🍄🧿🌙✩ 🪄📚

Yuletide, Yule, Christmas… one of the biggest festivals in the wheel of the year and definitely one of the most popular ones, as it got adapted into Christianity and popularized as the "day of the birth of Christ". It is now known, observed and celebrated all over the world, be the country Christian or not. Even if Christmas is celebrated the 25th of December, Yule os more commonly celebrated between the 21st and the 23rd December on the North Hemisphere and between the 21st and the 23rd of June in the Southern Hemiphere.

Yule comes right after Samhain and before Imbolc. While pagan in origin, Christianity took from it, adapted it and turned into the majour festival of this religion.This is also one of the easiest to celebrate big time without needing to come out of the broom closet: a lot of the imagery of Christmas actually mirrors that from Yule, in fact.

Yule is the celebration of the winter solstice. Yule celebrates midwinter, and the longest night of the year. What this signifies is that the reign of darkness is over, the tipping point has been passed, and the reign of light is coming back. From now on, days are becoming warmer and warmer, sunnier and sunnier and life will start to come back to Earth, as winter winds down.

We don't know exactly where the origin of the word "yule" comes from, but it is suspected it might come from Old Norse, the word “jól", which meant a celebratory feast. The festival also has ties to Germanic and Scandinavian gods such as Odin, and it also played a part on their folklore.

Yule is a time for rejoicing. It mainly celebrates letting go of the old, accounting for the past year, cleaning house and making room for the new, shiny coming things. It's a time for rebirth, new beginnings and hope. It is also a time for reflection and introspection, to make sure not to repeat the same mistakes of the past year, and to try to steer ourselves in the good direction. It is also a time to chase away the darkness through joy and merriment: ignoring that the harvests have ended and our reserves are almost empty, let's celebrate and make merry for the good times are coming soon!

It doesn't matter where you live: Christmas, and therefore Yule, has become so popularized and commercialized that you probably can celebrate it inside your home and outside the house for the entire month of December. In most countries of the world illuminations, jingles, people dressed up as something or other and all sorts of shiny decorations will help you get in the holiday spirit. This is also one of the strong suits of Yule: you can still celebrate as much as you want, deck the halls and get into the holiday spirit… while still being extremely subtle about the fact that you practice witchcraft !

If you'd like to celebrate Yule, here you have a short list of options available to you. Some might be more adecuate to solitary practice, others might be best if you are part of a coven.Some allow you to get all materialistic about it, while others will help you keep in touch with the more traditional, raw side of the festival. Whichever you choose, make sure to enjoy yourself and look forward to the hope and hapiness this event brings us !

-Candles: Ever wondered why candles feature so prominently in Christmas decor ? Well, it's part of an old tradition where candles and fires were lit for Yule, both to light up the longest, darkest night of the year and to honour the Sun and call it home. Both candles and fire are incredibly popular motifs for Yule and many traditions include them, so if you can, light some: battery candles will do as well !

-Decorate: It's pretty evident that decorating is also a big theme in Yule. Christmas has become extremely commercial and big, lavish, expensive decorations have become the go-to; but just like with all the other festivals you don't need to break the bank to bring that holiday spirit home. Buying commercial decorations is not the only way to deck the halls: crafting your own, or collecting seasonal items such as pinecones, holly or mistletoe from nature are all fantastic options. Just make sure you are not damaging any plants or taking any protected species (holly is endangered in many countries) and you are golden !

-Crafting: Yule celebrates the longest night of the year, which means up until then the hours of night, of dark and of cold have been too long to go outside. This makes Yule a great festival to sit by the bonfire (or by candlelight) crafting decorations. Sew, crochet, felt, draw or create in any way that pleases you both to decorate your house and to offer gifts to your loved ones. I would recommend creating an evergreen wreath: they are so simple to make and so elegant !

-Bake: Like I mentioned just before, the days before Yule are too dark and cold to be out of the house much. The harvest season has also ended, so fresh ingredients are lacking: baking with dry ingredients such as flour served a double purpose back in the day (cleaning up the pantry from non-perishables that would sustain you through winter and starting the oven that would light up the entire house). Cookies and biscuits are traditional, but so are breads, pies, cakes, pizza… highly caloric, sugary food is favoured as well: you need to put on some weight to be able to deal with the freezing winter temperatures!

-Feast: "Feast", "festival"… close enough. You can't have a festival without feasting, and what are you going to do, not eat all those delicious cookies you just baked ? To really honour the season and bring some good luck and prosperity your way, make sure to share that feast with your loved ones or to do some charity !

-Share: While Christianity and Christmas might have popularized the "charity" aspect of Yule, it was always important to share during this season: those neighbours that weren't as fortunate in the past year might be running low on supplies and ingredients. Therefore, sharing is extremely important during Yule if you have extra, no matter what shape it takes: share your abundance by inviting your loved ones to a feast, give lovely gifts to those around you, share your time and joy by volunteering at a soup kitchen…

-Divination: Yule is close enough to the end of the year that you might be wondering what it has in store for you. Using a pendulum, scrying, tarot, tasseomancy… any way is good to discover what the future might hold and to look forward to it.

-Deep cleansing: Yule is a moment of saying goodbye to the past and honouring rebirth and new beginnings, so it is a particularly auspicious moment to make inventory, clean house and make room for the new and coming. This might be more metaphorical (looking back in the past year and letting go of what didn't serve you) or more physical, like really cleaning your house. Cleanse yourself and your house and don't forget to protect yourself to keep the wacky energies at bay.

-Shadow work: Yule is a particularly good moment for self reflection, for looking into the past and for being honest with ourselves. Shadow work will help you come to terms with the most painful parts of your past and of yourself, make a clean break with them and, if you can't let them go, make strides to integrate them into yourself and to start the healing process.

-Honouring: Yule marks the day where the Sun, the brightness and the warmth start to return to us. It would be a good moment to honour the Sun, honour your deities, honour yourself and everything and all that have allowed you to come to this place. Meditation, self reflection, gratefulness, offerings to your deities… all things that help you feel connected to yourself and the world, and everything that makes you feel grateful and hopeful for the future, works here.

-Decorate your altar: We can't have a festival without decorating your altar ! Add colours, motifs and themes that remind you of the season to your altar. It's also a good option to add offerings to any deities you might work with.

Colours associated with Yule: White, black, red, green, silver, gold Crystals associated with Yule: Black obsidian, red jasper, carnelian, calcite, sunstone Food associated with Yule: Apples, spices, wine and alcoholic beverages, baked items, meat, berries, sweets

I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you would like me to continue making posts like this please support me so I can continue making them: you can support me by donating here https://ko-fi.com/bunnymatchamochi or by visiting my Etsy store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LovenestAtelier?ref=profile_header Reblogs and likes also help ! Thank you so much for reading me !

[ghosting-medium]

・❥・ North ˗ˏˋ꒰ ❄️ ꒱

Moodboard: Made by me

What North Looks like:

Credit: Guinevere Sophie

North is into formality, she looks like her lips are like a kiss of frost bite, with the color a lavender blue tinge. Her eyes were like sapphires that shine the brightest blue but would change to black, to whiteish, and pale gray. Her skin looks almost whiteish blue, possible cracking with looks of blue or gold. Her cheeks look wind whipped, but it looks like she felt nothing from it. It's very cold when North touches you, very much like a death kissed touch or when there is a sharpness to a harsh breeze - Moonlight

Palace, Residence:

North wants to have her palace remain slightly vague, and private. So the energy of her kingdom is cold, it's very ornate. Beautiful landscape, and buildings. Imagine gothic architecture in snow, and ice. Seemingly cold and empty, but there are traces of life and beauty hidden.

She does ask for her privacy to be respected, she allows people to see her Palace when she sees fit. Once invited, and given consent to see then it's okay. Please be respectful of the wishes of the deities.

Ruling, Domain:

North rules over protection, sleep, death, healing, transformation, discipline, responsibility, some aspects of spirituality, resourcefulness, justice (in terms of death)

Still respecting her wishes to not detail her domain.

Correspondences:

Days of the Week:

Monday - connections with the moon, however Monday sets the tone for the week. Can either flow positive, or negative. It can be about getting clear with emotions, or having the day being about your emotional state

Saturday - the day of Saturn, aka responsibility, life lessons, and getting organized. Devotional acts on Saturday for North could be getting caught up on work, chores etc, and organizing and cleaning your space. Get balanced and grounded as well for devotional activities and offerings. “I prefer more organized and clean rooms than messy ones, and by organized I mean organized in a way for you.” After all that work is done though, relax and destress as needed.

Special Days:

1, 11, 4 - so the first of every month, the 4th of the colder/winter months (December, January, February, possibly March - for northern hemisphere opposite for western hemisphere). The 11th of January in specifics.

I can’t find anything special about the 11th of January; I assume it’s a special day because it’s particularly cold. I’m getting the vibes of there being a celebration, or a holiday in the Fellowship specifically for North. On this day North is celebrated, winter/cold is seen with appreciation and beauty. Certain foods are prepared and ate throughout the festival, it’s distinctively different than Yule however has some underlying themes of the Winter Solstice, Yule etc etc. Very french like vibes, a lot of the food are french dishes (or inspired by), not all but most. There is typically some sort of music playing, ice statues, there are shimmering lights throughout the palace and the courtyard.

Foods: Warmer foods, seeing this as being more of a dinner, pot roast, warm vegetables, apples, fried apples with cinnamon (desert possibly?), honey on warm bread, crêpes, waffles, french cullers, soups, pan d’Épices

Drinks: Mulled cider, warm wine, milk, coffee, milk tea

Elements:

Air, Water

Numbers:

1, 11, 4

1 - the start of something, spend more time thinking about your actions and create more solidified plan before moving onward; number of thoughts in the air but not materialized yet. New beginnings, new ideas, starting to plan, stability, structure, trust in what will happen, self and figuring identity out

11 - It’s technically a 2 when reduced in numerology, but it’s also a master number in numerology. Double what number 1 represents

4 - means something is complete, or it needs to become complete, joining numbers together to create some form of wholeness. Completion/coming to completion, connection, corrections, order (from my notes, apply your own meaning for the numbers if you see fit)

Colors:

Cold colors, on the lighter spectrum. Deep dark and vibrant blues, a plum color 

Planet:

Saturn, Neptune

Saturn - taskmaster of the zodiac, commanding us to get our work done and to work hard. Discipline and responsibility are important. Saturn makes us look at time, and asks us the questions of ïs there time for everything we want to do, or are there limits”. Managing the limitations that we find, and working through and around restrictions are important. Saturn also symbolizes old age in the aspect of life lessons. Structure, order, and the way in which we conduct our affairs and personal relationships (not just romantic) are all ruled by Saturn.

Neptune - Interesting enough Neptune is more fluid, and less rigid than Saturn is. I think this shows the duality that North is, and what they embody. In order to be somewhat fluid there has to be structure; and with being rigid there has to be fluid movement. It’s just like ice, and water. Ice can become water, and water can become ice. Neptune is about changing, and illusions, abstract thoughts and mysteries. Spirituality is something also ruled by Neptune. Using this neptunic energy can be useful in meditations to gain insights. Anything artistic is something that can be ruled by this planet; poetry, music, dance, glamor as well. Neptune is mysterious in the way that on the outside it’s enchanting and elusive on the inside it’s captivating but much deeper than what others might assume about it. The darker side of this planet looks into escapism, and delusions. Do you face the reality of life, or do you escape from it or do you find the balance that is needed.

Saturn and Neptune are opposites of each other, but they need each other for balance and harmony. If Saturn is the physical world, and Neptune is the metaphysical world than together you can create your dreams in reality and ground them, or you can be lost in delusions or lost in stress of physical materials not being enough.

Zodiac Signs:

More of the zodiac signs following after Libra

Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

Animals:

Chionophile - any organisms (animals, plants, fungi etc) that can thrive in cold winter conditions; these animals have specialized adaptations that help them survive in the harshest winters

Polar Bears

Penguins

Deer, Reindeer

Artic fox

Harp Seal, Leopard seals

Porbeagle shark

Tundra Swan

Steller’s eiders

Snowy owl

Plants, Fruits, Flora:

Allspice

Anise, Star Anise

Apples - Ruby Frost

Bleeding hearts

Cedar

Cherry

Cinnamon

Coral Bells

Fig

Holly

Hyacinth

Ivy

Jasmine

Juniper

Lavender

Lily of the Valley

Peppermint

Pine

Pomegranate

Siberian Iris, Iris in general

Essential oils/incense:

Allspice

Cedar

Cinnamon

Holly

Jasmine

Lavender

Peppermint

Pine

Crystals:

Amethyst

Black Obsidian

Black Tourmaline

Bloodstone

Blue Calcite

Blue Halite

Blue Sapphire

Clear Quartz

Fluorite

Hematite

Snowflake Obsidian

Divination associations:

Tarot

Death

The Star - Apples cut in half reveal a five-pointed star

Queen of Swords

8 of Pentacles

Apple - 9 of Earth (Herbcrafter’s tarot); the hidden star of hope sustains us, restraint and self-control with your bounty lead to community abundance. Apple is an ancient tree that contributes to the well-being of both the land and the people.

Knight of Pentacles

Runes

Nauthiz - represents need, restriction, conflict, willpower, endurance, self-reliance

Isa - represents ice, clarity, challenges, introspection, watching, waiting

Eihwaz - represents a yew tree, balance, death, the world tree

Algiz - represents an elk, protection, defense, instinct, guardianship

Sowilo - represents the sun, health, honor, resources, victory, wholeness, cleansing

Oracle - Moonology

Blue Moon - Believe in the impossible

New Moon Eclipse - Expect powerful change

New Moon - New start is coming

New Moon in Capricorn - Your hard work is paying off

Family:

Brother - Northwest

History, Mythology:

None recorded right now

Epithets:

Noble North - focuses on her personal qualities as a leader. North can be blunt at times, but they are honest. This epithet of them focuses on righteousness, honesty, generosity, and being a just leader.

The Statue - this epithet is focusing on outward appearances of looking cold on the outside, and unreadable, mysterious

Her Majesty - highlights her in a royal light, focuses on her responsibility, discipline

The Tender-Hearted one - connects with the side of her that they don’t show often, more outwardly caring, nice, parental like, protective but in a gentle way

Bringer of Death - her death epithet, otherwise known as “the soul taker”, this epithet solely focuses on her responsibilities of death, and navigating justice, fairness, and reality within it. The overall view of death, and how it affects everyone

Bringer of Life - the life epithet, focuses on her healing, sometimes fertility, and good health during and after birth, is also seen as the bringer of life when the winter lets spring come in.

The one who gives, and the one who takes - combines the ideas of Bringer of Death, and Bringer of Light together. It’s the balanced epithet of these two, also looks into transformation as life ends with death and the cycle goes on

Lady of Glass - Glass is referred to in two ways in this context; someone you can look through since of their honesty, and the stoic expression on their face.

Offering and Devotional Acts:

Listening to Music: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4RoZIoct4v0mzhRzaZ7Ymh

I find that she loves the Nutcracker a lot

Cleaning your room in their name, or with specific intent

Honoring her special days, and doing rituals with her, or in her name

Locating the North Star at night, and any other constellation you find (this aligns more with West though)

Wearing colder colors, hues of blue; or veiling your hair in these colors

Making to-do lists, and sticking to them

Creating vision, dream boards and then making steps to bring them into reality

Taking ice baths, or at least offering cold/ice water in a cup for North

Raising awareness for animals in colder climates that are losing their habitat from global warming, climate change

Donate to homeless shelters, especially when it starts to get colder

Offering apples cut into two (so the 5 pointed star on each side is visible), or offering an apple (or a part of an apple); then either consuming it after the offering is accepted and North allows you to, or giving it to Earth or an animal (that can safely eat the apple!).

Going apple picking

Making a simmer pot with some of her plants included (star anise, apples, cinnamon etc etc)

Growing some plants that can survive winter in your area, make sure you research what plants can survive colder weather as well.

Diffuse some of the scents she likes in a diffuser if you have one

Dedicate some crystals in her name, and wear them on your person or carry them in a bag

Make a satchel for protection, focus, clarity, and other intentions relating back to her

Try and get some deep, restful sleep with her aid if needed

Become comfortable with the idea of death

Have moments of meditation, and introspection about death and your beliefs surrounding death

Have moments to appreciate the cycle of life and death, appreciate how far you’ve gotten

Find beauty, and joy in the start of new things (cycles); easiest way to do this is to plant an herb from seed and nurture it from seed to sapling.

Perform magic for self-healing, or healing on others if they allow it

Research anatomy + physiology, medicine, maybe herbology with a focus on healing properties (do not substitute herbs with medication, or other medical needs and such)

Allow yourself to become more comfortable with responsibility

Create a schedule (based on your needs etc) and stick with it as much as possible, exercise discipline when needed

Research death work, spirit work, and familiar work

Mediate, and do some shadow work when needed

Devote time to yourself in her name, if it’s relaxing and maybe under her ruling and domain

Learn how to crochet, or knit! so you can make yourself some warm items

Look at photos of snow, snowy photography

Burn winter scented candles, or any other warm scent

In the winter, colder days:

Bundle up, and stay warm

Make hot chocolate, and other warm beverages: tea, mulled cider, mulled wine (only drink if you are of age!)

Make soup, or comfort foods that will bring a sense of relief into your life

Make snowpeople

Have snowball fights

Watch as the snow falls

Learn, try, or attempt figure skating or hockey (it doesn’t have to be turns and spins and complicated work, just getting on the ice is a really good start)

In colder months go outside, by a window and appreciate nature’s beauty

Make paper snowflakes

Go sledding

Food: Fried apples, apples, soup, crêpes

Altar Suggestions:

Cloth - white, silver, blue, purple

Bones - ethically sourced, better if they are animals that are associated with her

Oddities with relation to death, life, winter

Athame (knife)

Have the altar be facing north

Candles with herbs associated with them

Maybe try and keep a small cup/bowl with snow and keep the water that remains after it melts

Holly, other winter related flora

Pressed, or dead flowers

Apple peels

Crystals

Paper snowflakes

Snow Globe

Christmas lights

Items foraged in the winter

Offering dish - preferred to be made out of wood, but anything works

Terrariums - possibly get graveyard dirt (with permission, be super respectful follow graveyard and death work etiquette)

Artwork that you make of her, or something with her in mind

If your work also surrounds ancestors, grief practices maybe placing photographs of deceased people/pets on your altar might be a good idea as well

That is all the documented information that we have on North

Signing off, Ghost ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[nerdasaurus1200]

Some seven kingdoms Christmas/Winter Holiday headcanons!

The biggest tradition Corona has is the entire kingdom getting the biggest tree they can find and decorating it in the palace courtyard as soon as December begins. At least three times a week there’s a little choir march that sings carols throughout the town. And of course, naturally, they have jolly old St Nikolas who leaves gifts for all the good boys and girls of Corona….and St Krampus the ghostly elf who leaves them coal and scares them, but Rapunzel doesn’t need to know about that part yet. Another big tradition is telling ghost stories, the most famous one of all being the legend of Ebenezer Scrooge. Every year the Corona Newsies and other children gather around and listen as Cass tells them the story.

Saporia has technically two holidays- the Festival of Lights and Yule. The Festival of Lights is the longest Saporian holiday, and candles of a menora (as is the Jewish tradition) and owl feathers constantly lit to pray for Skinandi to be with Breyta during their slumber and keep Skinandi in the home as well. The Festival lasts 7 days and 7 nights. There’s music and games and feasts throughout the week, and a common game during this holiday is Dreidel, and adults will often place bets as to which letter it will land on. Back in the day dragons used to light torches in the square of Dragonwharf each night but that tradition ended after the unification. Yule is the last day of the Festival of Lights. Families get together and make cookies and breads made in the shape of flowers to honor Skinandi. A common dinner entree is goose, usually roasted by a dragon. In the ancient days the entree used to be a Phoenix before they were hunted to near extinction. Families also decorate their trees with flowers and dragon scales, exchange gifts with one another, and a townwide toast is given to the gods. Instead of Santa Claus, they have Jólakötturinn, the giant Yule Cat. Children will leave giant treats for it (a cake or a roast turkey) and get new clothes for Christmas to show Jólakötturinn they are faring well.

Neserdnia throws a country wide tournament that lasts the entire winter called Makahiki. There’s TONS of games and competitions throughout the season. But the most of it lies in December. They’ll dance, play games, boat race, play with the dolphins, and eat tons of food. The winner of the festival is announced on December 25th and they are invited to the palace to feast on a Kalua pig with the Chief and her family. Even families who aren’t participating in the official tournament can have little tournaments of their own, and the whole family has their on Kalua pig on the 25th as well.

Ingvarr has Yalda Night, which is celebrated on Winter Solstice. Yalda is considered the first battle for many young Ingvarrans. Because Yalda is the longest night, it is believed that this is the time when the forces of evil are at their most powerful. Because of this, Ingvarrans spend all of the night before the Solstice staying awake. They’ll feast on fruit, sing songs, and tell ghost stories in the company of friends and family. Some of the elder members of family will also pray, asking the Great Lion for protection throughout the night. If they stay up until dawn then the battle is considered won and they feast in victory.

Galcrest has Quviasukvik, which is the start of their New Year. It lasts about two weeks. The people of Galcrest will all wake early to greet the first sunrise of the year, gather in the palace square and pray, then have a great feast in silence. As a show of equality and goodwill, they all drink from the same cup and have a toast to a year of good fortune. Some of the younger Galcrestan men will swim with the penguins and try to race them.

Christmas time is one of the most sacred times of the year for Bayangor. Along with the solstice, they celebrate the official founding of Bayangor. As such, it is a time where peace, the preservation of life, and goodwill are extremely important. Naturally, they call it De jiérì eiríni (Festival of Peace) A common tradition during the week is to offer both family and strangers alike apples as a gesture of peace. Some other customs include hanging up boughs of evergreen and mistletoe, eating warm foods such as soup, and some families will pray to their ancestors. The most important tradition of all is that all the poor are invited to a feast at the palace.

In Koto, they don’t really celebrate Christmas or Winter Solstice to the degree the other kingdoms do. Families will get together for a special meal for the solstice but that’s about it

Pittsford’s Christmas is similar to Corona’s. Instead of St Nikolas, they have Old Man Winter or Grandfather Frost, and his granddaughter the Snow Maiden. It is said that the Snow Maiden is the one to bring winter to the kingdom and Grandfather Frost rewards well behaved Pittsfordians with gifts for enduring the harsh winter. Pittsfordians drink and feast the entire night of December 24th, and then officially start celebrating on the 25. The celebration lasts until January 7, and on the New Year they bring a fresh evergreen tree into the home.

[musingsbyserena]

Yule ❄️

In the Northern Hemisphere, Yule is December 21st. In the Southern Hemisphere, Yule is June 21st.

Like Samhain, Yule, also known as the winter solstice, is a rather large holiday in the Pagan calendar, but it is also has a large presence across the world. The biggest shadow looming over Yule is, of course, Christmas and Christmas Eve. It's the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth, but we all know that it’s the Catholic church’s way of shoehorning pagans into celebrating Christmas. Those who are blatantly against the celebration of Christmas celebrate Newtonmas, which is the same basic idea, but in honor of Sir Isaac Newton and science instead. Alternatively, you could join the Festivus gang for people who are fans of Seinfeld. Other holidays include the Jewish Hanukkah, which honors the miracle of lasting oil, the Ancient Saturnalia, a festival for Saturn and the coming of longer days, and Kwanzaa, which is actually a holiday started in America to celebrate African culture and family in much the way Christmas does. There are also a number of other holidays of varying names, and religious backgrounds that all celebrate the same core idea of family, beliefs, the coming of summer, and giving back.

At its heart, the Solstice signals the coming of longer days and shorter nights. In the midst of the dark days of winter, Yule is the promise that it won't last forever  The God has been reborn, and as a symbol of the Sun, he brings a stronger one. A sun that will melt the snow and bring new animal and plant life. Now that the Goddess has ensured the survival of nature, she can rest for the remainder of the season. It is a time to celebrate hope and the power of community in surviving the hard times.

Traditional decorations really take the concept of the new sunrise and run with it. Bonfires, candles, Yule logs, and even Christmas lights all come from the same idea of bringing light back into the darkness. You could even be as obvious as hanging sun symbols and using citrus fruit in decor pieces. Pinecones and evergreens are included for the symbolization of being “ever green” and the hope of new life. We’re just looking for the general feeling of life going on through the winter, and bringing the sun back into our lives, also incorporating the standard “Christmas” colors like red, green, gold, silver, or even blue if you want to bring in the cold and snowy element.

[sofiadragon]

Backstory headcanon nonsense I developed because I'm addicted to worldbuilding in no particular order:

Eileen Snape died of a stroke brought on by high stress near the end of Severus's seventh year. It was the fourth stroke she'd had in two years. Tobias took his own life shortly after because he blamed himself.

Mrs. Evans dies slowly of cancer. Magic can't help because her muggle body doesn't have enough magic to power the poitions, what Lilly tries to give her put of desperation makes her worse. This is the last straw for Petunia.

Tobias was an alcoholic and the fights he got into with Eileen were intense, but they usually ended up with makeup sex rather than spousal abuse. She might slap him and he might shove her away, but he never punched or kicked her or anything that intense. They were a mess, but they didn't hate each other. Being dirt poor and having expensive addictions to alcohol and tobacco is the main reason they fight.

Severus Snape was not born a bastard by seven hours. Eileen went into labor during the muggle courhouse ceremony after spending months trying to talk her family around until time just about ran out. Severus grew up with this fact being tossed around as a joke between his parents. The first time he made the joke in front of Lilly she went home, repeated it, and horrified her whole family. No, she didn't have a clue what it meant, she was 6 and thought it was neat his parents wanted his birthday to be on their wedding day.

Nana Snape was a German Jew and the second she got pregnant in the early 1930's she girlbossed, gaslit, and gatekept her sexworker ass to the UK in a highly illegal way that likely got some people fired. Then Tobias grew up and became an atheist. Nana Snape never forgave him for it. Severus never spoke a word of Yiddish after her death because he didn't have anyone to talk to and has subsequently forgotten how, which he regrets. Nana Snape never married, but Severus dimly remembers that she had a lot of male visitors to keep her company, which was just so nice for an old woman who didn't get out much, don't you think?

Christian wizards aren't Church of England or Catholic, but their own thing entirely. It came from converting publicly just enough not to be obvious but keeping their pagan beliefs in private and then centuries of cultural divergence and a lack of pressure to conform to CoE standards after the Statute of Secrecy was instituted meant that the old pagan roots sprang up new shoots and took over a lot of real estate. A more sober Yule celebration on the 21st, Christmas as a family holiday on the 25, and the New Year's Eve get drunk blowout party make for a three-pronged winter holiday season for most, Easter is celebrated on the equinox, Halloween looking like a muggle candy feast is a highly unwelcome change Dumbledore and many "light" families made for political reasons after Gellert got got, "dark" families still call it Samhain, Summer solstice is also a holiday and Hogwarts sends the kids home the day before it.

Other religions exist in the Wizarding world, obviously, but they match up much better with their mundane counterparts. Christianity got put through the wringer in England because that's what the kings and lords were mucking with in order to further their political careers. These people will acknowledge the usefulness of the way wild magic changes through the year, but wix originating in places with wildly different seasonal rhythms have no good reason to worship like an ancient Celt.

Snape "converted" to dark wizard Christianity during his first year to prove he wasn't the wrong sort if halfblood, but he's always been an atheist at heart. He found out his Nana's backstory when he found her journals as an adult and is conflicted by performing proper pure blood traditions publicly, being an atheist in his private life, and wondering what Judaism is about with no idea where to start or when he would get the time to look into it.

Dumbledore trusted Snape with his life, but hated him as a person. It was mostly the oaths he trusted. During Snape's first year as a teacher he put a geas spell of Snape that regulated his behavior in a number of ways so Severus could prove himself. The accidental classical conditioning means that even years later Snape really can't stomach more than a glass of wine with dinner levels of alcohol consumption and can't stand the smell of cigarettes. He would never have become an alcoholic for Tobias-shaped reasons, but not being able to get smashed on occasion makes him grumpy about his own autonomy.

Severus is a biromantic asexual in this one. He loves Lilly, but isn't as mad she married someone else as he was that she cut him out of her life in increments.

Got sick again, read a Harry Potter fanfic that had been in my read later forever while on decongestants, and now I'm writing a fixit starring Snape.

The man was all ready to walk into the afterlife and take whatever he had coming, but an upset Harry Potter meets him in the fog limbo train station between life and death. Harry's upset with Dumbledore playing with several generations of people like it's his personal dollhouse instead of fixing anything, says Severus deserved better, and yeets his brain into his 16 year old body for a redo.

More under the cut, because I wrote an epic legnth trans-positive Loki story and JKR is a TERF. The characters live in my head rent-free due to a decade of obsession, and at least Voldemort never intentionally misgendered anybody.

Reluctant savior vibe. Decides the arms race he and the Maurauders had made a lot of useful stuff he could patent so he isn't so desperate for money that he must serve the Dark Lord. He figured out he was ace biromantic a while ago. Despite still caring for Lilly she was a bad friend to him, and his possessive behavior made him a bad friend to her, and it was never going to work. Ends up with Regulus, Horcrux hunting with a group of people that really didn't want to serve a madman but would never go to Dumbledore due to the old man's prejudice.

Voldemort is insane because that's what horcruxes do when you make more than one, and making the Locket in '79 is what cracked him for good. He used to have some fair points and possibly workable policy ideas, but it's devolving into nothing more than calls to violence and a desire to burn the government to the ground.

(Oh hi Mitch McConnell, didn't see your dry husk come in. Sorry, I don't have any appropriate refreshments for an undead turtle. No, you aren't in this story, but I can see how you would think so.)