Yule

Winter Solstice

December 21st

The Rebirth of the Sun & the Light Within the Darkness

The Basics

Yule marks the Winter Solstice — the longest night and shortest day of the year. It falls around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (or June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere). From this night forward, the days begin to grow longer, and the Sun is reborn.

This Sabbat celebrates renewal, rebirth, and hope. Though the earth is cold and seemingly lifeless, the spark of life remains. Evergreens, holly, and mistletoe remind us that vitality persists even in the darkest times. Yule is a festival of warmth, family, and returning light, reminding us that after every ending comes a new beginning.

History & Origins

The word Yule comes from the Old Norse jól and the Anglo-Saxon geol, both meaning “wheel” — a reference to the turning of the year.

Norse Traditions

The Norse celebrated Yule as a 12-day festival honoring Odin, with feasts, toasts, and the burning of great logs. The Yule log tradition, carried into modern times, symbolized bringing warmth, protection, and luck into the home.

Roman Saturnalia

Around the same time, Romans honored Saturn, god of time and agriculture, with Saturnalia — a week of feasting, role reversals, and merriment.

Christian Adaptations

Many Yule traditions were woven into Christmas — evergreen trees, mistletoe, feasting, and gift-giving all have Pagan roots. The “birth of the Sun” was reimagined as the birth of the Son (Jesus).

Themes & Symbolism

Rebirth, Renewal, and Returning Light

Endurance through Darkness

Family, Hearth, and Home

Hope and Spiritual Illumination

Symbols

Evergreen trees (fir, pine, holly, ivy, mistletoe)

Yule log with candles or carvings

Sun wheels and stars

Bells, antlers, and reindeer imagery

Red berries, pinecones, and wreaths

Candles and lanterns (light in the dark)

Colors

Red (vitality, warmth, life)

Green (everlasting nature, endurance)

Gold (sunlight, prosperity)

White (snow, purity, renewal)

Foods

Roasted meats and winter vegetables

Nuts, dried fruits, and apples

Spiced cakes, gingerbread, and cookies

Mulled wine, cider, or wassail

Yule log cake (Bûche de Noël)

Eggnog, cream, and warming dairy-based dishes

Celebration Practices

The Yule Log

Traditionally, a large log was burned in the hearth, decorated with greenery and carved with protective runes. A piece was saved to light next year’s fire.

Today, many decorate small logs with candles, crystals, and herbs as a symbolic centerpiece.

Evergreen Magic

Decorate your home or altar with pine, cedar, holly, ivy, or mistletoe.

The evergreen represents immortality and the soul’s endurance through winter’s darkness.

Candle & Fire Rituals

Light candles (especially red, green, and gold) to call back the Sun’s warmth.

Each flame lit symbolizes the growing light within yourself and the world.

Feasting & Family

Host a warm meal with seasonal foods — roasted meats, root vegetables, baked goods.

Share stories, blessings, or toasts of gratitude.

Divination & Reflection

Use this time of stillness to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the next.

Tarot spreads for “what is reborn” or “where light will return” are especially powerful.

Modern Ideas for Celebrating Yule

Decorate a tree with charms, runes, or intentions for the year ahead.

Make homemade gifts, emphasizing creativity and thoughtfulness.

Brew mulled cider or wine infused with cinnamon, orange, and cloves.

Create a wreath from evergreens to symbolize the turning wheel of the year.

Spend the night by candlelight to honor the darkness before the dawn.

Closing Thought

Yule reminds us that even in the coldest, darkest nights, light is reborn. It teaches patience, endurance, and trust in the cycles of life. By honoring Yule, we honor hope, family, and the eternal flame that carries us through the winter into brighter days.