Yule 1998 Newsletter About Yule

Yule, or the Winter Solstice occurs each year between the 20th and 23rd June. Solstice means 'sun standing still', as it is at this time of the year that the sun is furthest from us in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the shortest day of the year, and from now on the days start to get longer.

As we wind down, our energy becomes depleted as we long for the warmth of summer. We spend more time indoors, protected from the cold, contemplating and waiting for the new Sun to be born. Whilst Yule symbolises the return to warmth, here in NSW, the coldest part of winter is yet to find us. But it is the knowledge that as the days grow longer, the warmth of spring will soon return to us. We realise we are never trapped in one place, but that the wheel is constantly turning, asking us to remember the past, live in the present, and to be inspired by the promises of the future, which has also been, and will again be our past, present and future.

The Solstice is a celebration of light and the rebirth of the Sun. The days increase in length as the sun grows in strength to peak at the time of the Summer Solstice. The young Sun is born on the Winter Solstice, and takes over from the old Sun who has worked hard to keep us warm in the early days of winter. A good, but cold, activity to do on Solstice morning is to get up for the dawn and welcome the rebirth of the sun. Imagine the days warming up and spring blooming as the Sun starts to rise in the sky. Perhaps you would like to make an offering to celebrate the Sun's rebirth. You may like to offer something to the earth to encourage it to thaw out, and feel the suns warmth. Others might like to participate in the traditional gift giving festivities that we associate with Yule. Others may like to donate blankets or tinned food to a charity to help those not so fortunate through the final harsh months of winter. You might like to organise a tinned food drive through work, or in your street or within your family.

Another form of offering that can be done is a Yule log. This is a log that is burnt on the Solstice fire. Some people meditate on the past year and then place wishes for the coming year on it to be burnt. Some logs are decorated with ribbons or colours representing various things including each person present or the hopes and aspirations of those in attendance. Traditionally a small part of the Yule log is kept to start next years fire.

In the Northern Hemisphere the Winter Solstice occurs at approximately the same time Christmas does. Pagans there are surrounded by the traditional symbols of winter as a constant reminder of the season. Here we are surrounded by those symbols in the middle of summer, and at Yule we might feel 'odd' putting up a tree, and having decorations around. If this is the case, you might consider a wreath on your door, or wall as a little less 'conspicuous'. It should be wreath with evergreen foliage, and symbols marking the start of the solar year. These symbols might include cut out pictures of the sun, or baubles as a symbol of light. You can still have a great winter feast with family and friends, because after we have been cold for so long now, there's not many people who wouldn't be into celebrating spring being on its way. And goodness knows, you might even educate a few people, and have a great time doing it.

Other activities at this time of year include consideration of the year ahead. You might like to look at what you have achieved over the past year, and what you still need to encourage to blossom in your life. As our energies start to increase, the seeds we have planted will begin to grow.

Some people ring bells to welcome in the new Solar year, the bells are symbols to help the earth warm up. They are also a celebration of the rebirth of the sun. However you celebrate Yule, I wish you all the best for the season.