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Twas the night before

Yuletide and all through the glen

Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.

A mantle of snow shone brightly that night

As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.



The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,

Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.

The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,

Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.



When low! the earth moved with a thunderous quake,

Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.

The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet

Then raced to the river where they usually meet.



"What happened?" they wondered, they questioned, they probed,

As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.

"What caused the earth's shudder? What caused her to shiver?"

They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.



Then what to their wondering eyes should appear

But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.

It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,

Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.



Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,

There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,

A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,

Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.



As she passed by them the old crone's perfume,

Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,

Made each of the fey folk think of the spring

When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.



"My name is Gaia," the old crone proclaimed

in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,

"I've come to remind you, for you seem to forget,

that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet . . ."



"I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,

The air isn't filled with fragrant smells

Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,

Of cider that's mulled or other hot brews."



"There aren't any children at play in the snow,

Or houses lit up by candles' glow.

Have you forgotten, my children, the fun

Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?"



She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,

As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.

Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,

"Come, my children," she said, "Let's play."



They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,

Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.

They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.

They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.



They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,

In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.

They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,

Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.



Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,

Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,

The fey folk they gathered 'round their favorite oak tree

And welcomed the sun 'neath the tree's finery.



They were just reaching home when suddenly it came,

The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.

It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar

The golden-like sphere turned into a star.



The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,

"Happy Yuletide, my children," she whispered. "Good night!"

Yule Origins, Lore, Legends, and Customs





Yule falls approximately on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. After Yule the period of daylight begins to wax, until it reaches the longest day on June 21, the Summer Solstice. For folks in Northern climes, the Winter Solstice was a most welcome day to anticipate at the dark end of the year, and although months of darkness lay ahead, folk could rest assured Sunna's might was on the increase and darkness was waning. Yule is actually a span of thirteen days, usually counted from the night before the solstice (19 or 20 December, as it varies from year to year ), to the thirteenth night, (usually January 6 called "Twelfth Night" later by Christians). Bede called Yule eve "Mother Night", and it is thought this night was devoted to honouring the Idises (or Disir, female ancestral spirits) the family protectors. The Solstice itself, either 20, 21 or 22 December, is the most important of the days, when the dead and other beings of the dark fare most freely, Winter arrives, and humans are closest to the spirit worlds.



Jölföðr (Yule-father) and Jölnir (Yule) are names of Odin. Some think Odin was the original "Alf" or gift-giving "Elf" ( Julesvenn in Denmark, Jultomten in Sweden, and Julenissen in Norway). Before Santa Claus was popularised in the Victorian era as a fat jolly Elf, he was seen as tall and lean, wearing a dark cloak, not a red and white tunic. Earlier legends describe "Santa" as riding a white horse, not driving a sleigh pulled by reindeer. This reminds us of Odin's steed Sleipner. The elder "Yule Elf" was a bit stern also, and could be quite a terrifying figure, especially to rude or ill-willed folk. This forbidding Yule Father probably arose from ancient legends of the Odensjakt or Wild Host who during Yule tide ride the stormy Winter skies, led by Odin as Oskoreidi. Sometimes people would be taken to join the Wild Host in tumultuous flight. In the Christian era folklore advised people to stay inside at night to avoid the furious Host, which was much feared. There are many accounts, especially from Germany, of wayfaring folks being picked up and transported from one place to the other by the throng of the dead, only to be left there lifeless. Other legends tell of those who could lie as dead (presumably in a trance state) while their souls fared aloft with the Wild Host. However, it is quite possible that fearful reputation of the Wild Host was especially encouraged by Christians, who claimed the Wild Huntsman was their devil. From a Heathen perspective it is likely that originally the Wild Host was made up of ecstatic human devotees of the God Wodan. He is the God of ecstasy, but also of death, so the dead probably always made up part of the Wild Host, which rode with great clamor upon skeletal horses and accompanied by ghostly hounds.



In contrast to the solely horrific nature of the Hunt as seen by Christians, there is a great deal of evidence that Heathens believed fertility and blessings were brought by the Wild Host . Oski, "Fulfiller of Desire," or "Granter of Wishes," is an aspect of Odin that could well be associated with the Yule Elf, for Oskoreidi, Leader of the Wild Host, was known to give gold or other boons to those who were courteous or clever. The greatest boon believed wrought by the Furious Host was that as they rode above the fields they ensured fertility and fruitful harvests. An interesting related custom survived in Germany of leaving the last sheaf of grain cut in the field for the Huntsman's horse, eight-legged Sleipner, Odin's magical steed. This fertility aspect of the Wild Hunt could be connected in some way with the return of the dead to their earthly homes at Yule, for it was thought they brought blessings with them and bestowed them upon their kin. These 'evolved' dead were considered to be Alfar (male Elves) or Disir (powerful female ancestral spirits), a higher soul state some benevolent humans were believed to achieve upon death. These holy Ancestors became guardian spirits of their kin's land, much involved with the continued fertility of the land and its inhabitants. Folk would honour the ancestors by bringing gifts of food and drink to the family howe (burial mound). There also survives the custom of sitting out on a mound in order to get the highly valued advice of the Ancestor within. Indeed the kindred Dead were considered to still be an integral part of the family by Heathens, and were treated as such. The ghostly Wild Hunt is another manifestation of the pervasive Heathen beliefs of the eternal connection of the living with the dead, and the fertility bestowing powers of the Ancestors.



In Scandinavia it is the God Thor who is thought to be the origin of the Yule Elf.

The Julbock or Julbukk, the Yule Goat, who to this day plays a big part in Norse Yule festivities, is thought to derive from Thor's magical goats Tannginost and Tanngrisnir who draw His chariot through the sky. There are many legends that tell of Thor's benevolent protectiveness of human kind, and of his jolly, fun-loving nature (at least when He is not in a Troll-slaying mood). This seems more in line with modern conceptions of jolly Saint Nick than grim Oden the Wild Huntsman. The Yule goats carry the Yule Elf as he visits the folk, bestows gifts, and gets his traditional offering of porridge. Modern Yule decorations of straw formed into goats, straw-goat ornamented wreaths, and a (mock) Yule goat head bourne about on a stick are all memories of Thor's animals. When the Yule log burns on the hearth, some scholars say, it is an offering on Thor's altar. Thus we have the legend of Santa "coming down the chimney".



In Germany Frau Holda, Perchta, or Oskoreidi, and in Scandinavia and England The Wild Huntsman, come at Yule, leading hosts of the dead. The Perchtenlauf and other ritual perambulations are folk memories of earlier pagan processions at Yuletide. Either beautiful or monstrous, the masked Perchten, like the season itself, can be boonful or terrifying, and have their origins in very ancient Heathen beliefs. Winter Solstice is the time when the veils between the worlds are thin, and the dead may most easily manifest to the living. But it is not usually the human dead who were considered the most fearsome wights. At Yuletide spirits of all kinds are abroad; similar beliefs are held by Celtic Pagans of Samhain (Halloween). In Norse lands Trolls of many types are roaming; draugr (rare and evil human ghosts of enormous strength) accost mortals, and the Alfar (Elves) -- both malicious and benevolent -- may drop by the homes of men. Many Yule customs that survive to this day have their origins in practices either meant to ward the home from evil wandering spirits at Yule, or conversely, to welcome good spirits into the home and show them thanks for the blessings they bestow. House wights (tutelary spirits of the home) and the respected dead of the family were welcomed gladly to the Yule feast. Food would be left out on the table for them after all had gone to bed. At Yuletide hosts of dead could be seen (by those so gifted) feasting with great revelry in their mounds, and paying each other friendly visits in each other's howes. Clearly Yule has a dual nature: it is the time of Death and darkness, when trolls, ghosts and alfs fare about, but it is also the time of return of the waxing Sun and celebration of Her promise of Life and light renewed.



The central celebration and rite of Yule is the holy feast. It is thought very important to spare nothing in providing for the guests--both living and dead, human and wight. All good wights shared in the Yule feast; dogs and cats ate the same food as humans, and were brought into the house. Offerings of cream, beer, and bread were left out for the house-wights. If the feast were being held by a chieftain (or a wealthy community leader), many people would be invited and it would last many days, with presents being given to the guests upon their departure. For less wealthy folk, there would be as good a feast as could be provided, and of course the Yule ale would be shared in frith between family members and friends. Sumble (ritual toasts) would be drunk to the Ancestors at this time as well, for Yule was the season for the recognition of the continuance of human life. The Ancestors would naturally be most welcome at the family celebration. Savoury foods such as mutton or leg of lamb, goose, pork, and beef, special Yule breads, porridge, apples, sweets and nuts are traditional. But most important is the Yule ale, brewed stronger than other ales, and considered holy. Oaths were sworn on the bragarfull (holy cup). Sumbles held during the days of Yule, and especially on Mother's Night, the Solstice, and Thirteenth Night are considered to be especially potent, being spoken in the presence of the Gods and wights at the most holy time of year. In Heathen times the sonargöltr (hallowed Yule boar) was led in and the holiest of oaths were sworn upon it, as is recorded in Helgakviða Hjorvarþssonar (The First Lay of Helgi Hjorvarthsson):

"In the evening (Yule-eve) vows were made: the sacrificial boar was led in, men laid their hands on him and swore dear oaths as they drank from the hallowed cup."

Then it was taken and slaughtered (not in a state of fear, but quickly) for the Yule feast. It was believed the soul of the animal went straight to the Gods, while its flesh provided the holy feast. In later times or among those too poor to own pigs, a special boar-shaped bread would take the place of the Yule boar.



Drinking Wassail at Yule is an English custom from Heathen times. 'Wassail' comes from the Anglo-Saxon Wes Hal, meaning "to your health". The beverage is made from ale, wine, and/or cider with fruits and spices added. Traditionally it was used in part as an offering to apple trees in thanks and for their continued fruitfulness. Bits of toast were floated in the wassail bowl, then placed in the branches of the tree, and libations poured over the roots. This is the origin of our term "to toast" someone.



As well as fruit trees, evergreens have long been part of Winter Solstice celebrations. The evergreen tree, which keeps its leaves throughout the year, is an obvious symbol of the endurance of life through the cold and dark Winter months. Beer, bread, and table scraps were offered to trees in Scandinavia. In South Germany arose the custom of a branch or small tree brought inside and decorated with offerings to the spirit of the tree. This Yule tree was considered to represent the luck of the family (as the old Bairnstock did) as well as being honoured as a powerful wight in its own right, capable of bestowing fertility in the coming year. The cosmic tree, Yggdrasil is an evergreen yew in some traditions, and an ash (rowan = European mountain ash ) in others. Both trees have bright red berries; possibly this is one origin of decorating the modern Yule tree with berries. The cosmic tree (the Axis mundi) bears all nine worlds of the Norse cosmos in its branches and among its roots, so perhaps tree ornaments in part represent the nine worlds. Trees are sacred to Germanic and Celtic peoples, and there are many ancient traditions of offerings tied onto trees as gifts to them, this practice is the most probable origin for the custom of decorating Yule trees with gifts. In Heathen times offerings were made to the Alfar (wights who govern growth and fertility in nature) in gratitude for harvest yields. The evergreen boughs brought inside to "deck the halls" represent the ever-renewed life force and serve to welcome good Alfar into the house. Not surprisingly, these holy boughs also served to protect the home from evil wights. Yew, rowan, and holly boughs are traditional Heathen choices for hall-decking.



Another Yule tradition that survives from Heathen times is the burning of a Yule Log. This was a specially chosen tree that was to burn for at least twelve hours, but possibly it originally burned for all twelve days of Yule. In some legends the log was offered to Thor. Oak would be the most appropriate choice, but any hardwood considered holy from the locality is suitable. English lore holds that Yule logs should not be bought, they should be gotten from one's own property, or a neighbour's. The log of course must be massive, and must be handled with care and clean hands, out of respect. In some places a whole tree trunk was brought in, and one end was placed in hearth. Then it was gradually fed in as it burned, to be finally consumed on the final night. The tradition is that the presence of the remnants or ashes of the Yule log in the house would protect it all year from lightning and would bring good luck. The new Yule log should be started with some splinters of the previous year's. Holly and other winter greenery is often used to decorate the Yule log. Today Heathens at need substitute a large candle (or series of candles) for it, and burn them starting on Mother's Night, all through the thirteen nights of the holy tide. This is done to honour and aid Sunna through the darkest time of the year, to ward off ill wights of darkness that might be about at Yule, and to symbolise the lengthening of daylight after Solstice.



Although it falls during the darkest time of year, Yuletide is holy and a time of peace. Frith is held between everyone, and all are focused on celebration, family, feasting,honouring the Ancestors, making holy oaths, and peace.

Letter To My Grandchildren

Author Unknown











To my beautiful grandchildren...



Our world is changing so fast and there are many things I wish for you...



I'd really like for you to know about hand-me-down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.



I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.



I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.



And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.



I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.



I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother or sister.



And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when they want to crawl under the covers with you because they're scared, I hope you let them.



When you want to see a movie and your little brother or sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let them.



I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.



On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.



If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.



I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.



When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.



I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.



May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.



I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.



And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.



I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your grandparents and go fishing with your uncle.



These are just some of the things that I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

Do Wiccans and Pagans Celebrate Christmas?





Now that the "holidays" are rapidly approaching, those relatively new to Paganism or Wicca may be wondering if it's appropriate for them to celebrate

The Christian holiday of Christmas. The answer is yes; Wiccans and Pagans are free to celebrate Christmas as much or as little as they desire. For

Wiccans and Pagans, however, just like it is for most of the secular world, Christmas isn't a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.



But instead is a holiday steeped in traditions with family and friends. The fact is that Christianity adopted and then adapted the Pagan celebration of Yule for their use, turning it into a celebration marking the birth of Christ. You should, therefore, feel no apprehension about celebrating Christmas since most of the traditions associated with Christmas are actually Pagan in origin.



For instance, did you know that when you decorate a tree, hang a wreath or mistletoe, give

Gifts, or prepare eggnog or spiced cider, you're actually following

Traditions that have absolutely nothing to do with the Christian religion or

The birth of Christ?



Yule, also called the Winter Solstice, arrives around December 21st each

Year. The word Yule is thought to have come from the Norse "iul" or "jul" or

The Anglo-Saxon "hweol," all meaning "wheel." The word Solstice comes from

"Sol" meaning "sun," and "sistere" meaning "to stand still." The Winter

Solstice is the first official day of winter, but it is also the Wiccan

Sabbat that celebrates the Goddess giving birth to a Son, the Young God.

Yule/Winter Solstice is the time of great darkness and marks the shortest

Day and the longest night of the year. This is the time when life retreats

From the Earth, when all is still and bleak within the cold grip of winter.

This is the Pagan Sabbat that acknowledges and celebrates the rebirth of the

Sun. In our symbolism of the Year as a constantly turning Wheel, this is the

Spoke where the Oak King (representing the light half of the year)

Vanquishes the Holly King (representing the dark half of the year), and thus

Ensures that the light and warmth of the Sun will begin to increase each

Day. Winter Solstice celebrations often echo both of these sentiments,

Beginning in silent darkness and ending in a blaze of light, fire, and

Laughter. On Yule, many Wiccans light fires, Yule logs or candles to welcome

The Sun's returning light.



December 25th, the now popular date to celebrate Christ's birth, was also

The birth date of Mithras, the ancient Persian Sun God of light and the

Guardian against evil. Christians adopted the Pagan celebration of Yule for

Their use to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the year 273 C.E.

(Common Era). Christianity in general didn't even celebrate Christmas as a

Holiday until the Fourth Century. And, even as late as 1740, Christmas was a

Normal workday for the Puritans in the New World of America. Those stern,

Hard-working Puritans viewed Christmas as a Pagan holiday and forbid any

Celebrations and decorations of acknowledgement of the day.



Many of the popular and traditional Christmas symbols actually originated

From Pagan Yule activities. Evergreens, decorating and lighting trees, Yule

Logs, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and the giving of gifts are all examples of

Things that have their origins in the Pagan religions. Let's look more in

Depth at some of these symbols.



Throughout centuries and cultures, the evergreen has been a potent symbol of

Rebirth. In winter, when all is brown and dead, the evergreen symbolizes

Immortality. They are reminders of the survival of life in the plant world,

And of growth and fertility, which has been threatened by the absence of

Light.



Contemporary Christmas trees are a vestige of the Pagan practice of bringing

Greenery into the home during the Winter Solstice to symbolize life in the

Dead of winter. The custom of decorating trees is thought to have originated

In the Roman custom of decorating homes with laurel and evergreen trees at

The Kalends of January (the Roman Winter Solstice celebration). It is

Interesting to note that, as with many other traditions adopted by the

Church, the decorated evergreen (now called a "Christmas Tree") was

Originally condemned by the Church in Rome. Even as late as the Sixth

Century, Bishop Martin of Braga forbade the "adorning of houses with green

Trees." So obviously, the Christian adoption of the evergreen tree as a

Holiday symbol was a case of, "If you can't beat'em, join'em!" The tradition

Of adorning the top of the tree with a five-pointed star (pentagram) also

Originated as a Pagan practice. The five points of the star symbolized the

Five elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit, but Christians later

adopted this tradition with the star representing the one that shined over

Bethlehem when Jesus was born.





The Yule log was a special log chosen on the eve of Yule for the holiday

fire. A small piece from the previous year's log was used to light the fire.

The lighting of the fire was a festive family event; to hurry the return of

the Sun. Charred pieces from the fire would be kept to protect the house

through the coming year. Woods most often used for the Yule log were birch,

oak, willow or holly.



Pagans traditionally made wreaths of evergreens, holly or ivy. The circle

shape symbolized the Wheel of the Year and the completion of another cycle.

Holly was particularly prized to decorate doors, windows and fireplaces

because of its prickliness giving it the ability to either ward off or snag

and capture evil spirits before they could enter and harm a household.



Mistletoe was held sacred by both the Druids and Norse. Druid priests

divided and distributed mistletoe sprigs to the people, who hung them over

doorways as protection against thunder, lightening and other evils. North

American Indians used it medicinally for toothaches, measles and dog

bites. It was also the plant of peace in Scandinavian antiquity. If enemies

met by chance beneath it in a forest, they laid down their arms and

maintained a truce until the next day. Celts believed this parasitic plant

held the soul of the host tree. As for the custom of kissing under the

mistletoe, some sources say this is purely an English custom. However,

there's another, more charming explanation for its origin that extends back

into Norse mythology. The Norse God Balder was the best loved of all the

Gods. His Mother was Frigga, Goddess of love and beauty. She loved Her Son

so much that She wanted to make sure no harm would come to Him. So, being

the loving and overprotective Mother that She was, She went through the

world securing promises from everything that sprang from the four

Elements--Earth, Air, Fire, and Water--that they would not harm Her beloved

Balder. However, the sly prankster Loki made an arrow from mistletoe wood

and took the arrow to Hoder, Balder's brother, who was blind. Guiding

Holder's hand, Loki directed the arrow at Balder's heart, who fell dead.

Frigga's tears became the mistletoe's white berries. In the version of the

story with a happy ending, Balder is restored to life, and Frigga is so

grateful that She makes the mistletoe plant a symbol of love and promises to

bestow a kiss upon anyone who passes under it.



Long before the Three Wise Men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the

newborn Jesus, the tradition of giving gifts was common during the Roman

festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia is one of the best known ancient

celebrations of the Winter Solstice. The name comes from the Roman God

Saturn, who ruled over agriculture. He was the main God honored at this

time, after the fall crops had been sown. Saturnalia lasted for several days

(usually seven) and was the greatest festival of the Roman year. It was

marked with great feasting, gift-giving, dancing, playing, and relaxing.

Homes were decorated, work was suspended, and there was general merry-making

done by all.



So, Christmas and its many customs have their origins deeply rooted in

Paganism. Because most of us were raised in homes that celebrated Christmas

in some form, many Wiccans and Pagans still do celebrate it, although

instead of celebrating the birth of Christ, they shift the emphasis to

spending the day with and having great meals with family and friends. Have

you ever heard people bemoan the fact that Christmas lasts just one day and

that it's a lot of work to prepare and then have it over so quickly? Well,

that's one of the great things about celebrating both Yule and Christmas.

You're able to spread out activities, doing some on Yule and some on

Christmas. It's more a matter of celebrating the season instead of just

focusing everything on one day alone.



A great way to celebrate Yule, and this season of giving, is to remember the

creatures of Nature this winter and/or those less fortunate and in need in

your community. It can be as simple as putting bird seed out for

neighborhood birds in your backyard, or going to a local park or habitat

where you live and leaving food for the wild ones. Or, you can bring canned

goods to a local food bank or volunteer to serve or deliver meals for

shut-ins or at community or homeless shelters. Take the time to visit

seniors who have no one to visit them in retirement homes and hospitals, or

contribute toys to a local women's domestic violence safe house. There are

many ways to give of ourselves. Of course, none of this is necessary in

order to have a Happy Yule or Merry Christmas, but it helps to remind us of

our blessings and teaches our children a wonderful lesson about giving and

the true meaning of this (and any) holiday.



So, celebrate our beautiful Sabbat of Yule, steeped in rich traditions that

honor our Earth and the changing of the seasons. But, if you so choose, feel

free to also embrace the customs of Christmas. That's the freedom given to

you as a Wiccan or Pagan.