The
night of the Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. Now darkness
triumphs; and yet, gives way and changes into light. The breath of nature
is suspended. All wait while within the cauldron, the Dark King is transformed
into the infant light. We watch for the coming dawn, when the Great
Mother gives birth to the divine Child Sun, who is the promise of the
summer. We call the Sun from the womb of the night. Our Blessed Lady
carries in her young womb - the womb which has birthed all things into
being. Our Lady turns the wheel once more. Since it is a solar festival,
it is celebrated by fire and the use of the Yule log. It is a time to
let go of all fears, all doubts, all outworn ideas, all projects finished
- anything in our lives that holds us away from the new beginnings that
will lead to new growth. It is a time to let go of the past and walk
toward the light. Some witches light a gold candle in the cauldron and
jump the cauldron of rebirth making a wish for her to be a better person
in the coming year. On this longest night, we renew and rebirth our
bodies and spirit self. This is when we plant our seeds of change, whether
it be truth, love, friendship, etc.
Candle Colors: Red, green, white and especially silver and gold. You can have scented candles of Yule incense or pine, bayberry or holiday potpourri. Incense: Cinnamon, myrrh, cloves, jasmine, aloe wood and frankincense, which are predominantly solar mixture of scents. Bayberry, cedar, pine and rosemary. Gemstones: Cat's eye and ruby Foods:
Roasted turkey, nuts, fruitcakes, caraway, eggnog and mulled wine. |