Grimorie/ Book of shadows

Yule and new years

YULE December (December (20th night) 21st 2025, January 1st 2025)

A 12 day celebration the begins on the eve of the winter solstice and ends at the new year

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HISTORY

Yule is the celebration of the winter solstice. It represents death and rebirth. Yule comes up on December 21st. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Sun gets its lowest elevation in the sky. Gradually Yuletide was extended to span a full 12 days and nights, blending several other traditions. The 12 days between the winter solstice and the beginning of the next solar year were considered a sacred period, belonging neither to the old year nor the new year. The night before yule is part of the celebration. being mothers night, to honor and offer thanks to our female ancestors and spirits, and those who are believed to watch over our families and help us in times of need.

The legend of the oak king and holly king:

There is the enduring legend of the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. These two mighty rulers fight for supremacy as the Wheel of the Year turns each season. At the Winter Solstice, or Yule, the Oak King conquers the Holly King, and then reigns until Midsummer, or Litha. Once the Summer Solstice arrives, the Holly King returns to do battle with the old king, and defeats him. The battle takes place at the Equinoxes, so that the Oak King is at his strongest during Midsummer, or Litha, and the Holly King is dominant during Yule.

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YULE ASSOCIATIONS

Element: earth

Colors: red, green, white, silver, gold, midnight blue, light blue, gold

Crystals: snowflake obsidian, bloodstone, ruby, emerald, clear quartz, garnet, diamond

Herbs/flowers/trees/incense/oils: clove, mint, cinnamon, chamomile, sage, holly, nutmeg, mistletoe, pine, evergreen, ivy, frankincense, peppermint, rosemary, thistle, oranges, ginger cedar, juniper, myrrh

Food and décor: mistletoe, pinecones, lights, candles, reindeer, hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog, gingerbread, nuts and fruit, bells, gifts, wreaths, yule tree, yule log, fruit cake, cookies, snowflakes

Themes: bells, candles, evergreens, lights, holly, mistletoe, pine cones, wreaths, yule log

Animals: bear, deer, eagle, robin, squirrel, sow, wren

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THINGS TO DO AND CELEBRATE

-Set up/ decorate alter

-Have bonfire

-Make a wreath

-Make time for reflection

-Make gingerbread

-Light candles

-Take a cleansing bath

-Make yule decorations with natural materials

-Decorate yule tree

-Make a yule log cake

-Make cinnamon and pine smudge sticks

-Bake treats

-Make garland out of natural materials and dried fruit/herbs

-Do spells

-Do rituals

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SPELLS/RITUAL WORK IDEAS

-Abundance

-Prosperity