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| Image courtesy of magickalgraphics.com |
It's that time of year. This week will mark the beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, or Summer if you're from down under. I'm focusing on the Winter Solstice here, and several lovely contributors have joined me, Karen and Kestril in our celebration. All have my deepest thanks for their submissions, and we hope to give you some fun ideas for crafts, recipes and celebrating this most auspicious time of year :) With that said, this is a modified edition of The Stew. Some regular features won't be in here today. I don't want to overwhelm the flavor ;) For all of you who celebrate the solstice in some form, I wish you the very best holiday you've ever had!! Now, on to the good stuff....
Happy Birthday this week to CeCe Taylor, Jannice Morgan, Mark Carter, Betzaida Marrero-Ulrich, Lucinda Erin Parker, Debbie Coulter, Tara Callahan, Jann Jones, Michelle Brooks (!!!!), Casey Stephenson Scott, my grandson- Kaeden(!!!!!!), my daughter- Lyssa (!!!!!!!), Jan Nerone (!!!), and Theresa Rogers. May this be your very best birthday ever, and may your next year of life bring you health, happiness, joy, peace, success and all good things in abundance :)
Pagan Lore with Karen Szabo
Sunday, December 16
In Mexico, the Yule Child is honored by a religious festival called Posadas, which begins annually on this day. It is celebrated until the twenty-fourth of December.
This day is sacred to the Pagan wisdom-goddesses Athena, Kista, Maat, Minerva, the Shekinah, and Sophia.
The Soyal ceremony is celebrated annually on this date (approximately) by the Native American tribe of the Hopi in the southwestern United States. The rites of the Soyal celebrate the return of the sun (Life) and commemorate the creation and rebirth of the Spider Woman and Hawk Maiden.
Monday, December 17
Saturnalia. The Roman god Saturn was honored in ancient times during this annual midwinter festival, which began on this date and lasted until the twenty-fourth of December. This was a week of feasting, merriment, gift-giving, charades, and the lighting of torches and candles.
Tuesday, December 18
On this day in Latvia, the birth of the god Diev and the rebirth of the Sun is celebrated annually with a four-day winter festival. Houses are festively decorated and traditional feasts are prepared to welcome the four gift-bearing celestial beings who are the heralds of the winter solstice.
On the second day of the Saturnalia, the ancient Romans celebrated the Eponalia (a feast dedicated to Epona, the Celtic Mother-Goddess and a patroness of horses).
Wednesday, December 19
On the third day of the Saturnalia, the ancient Romans celebrated the Opalia, a feast dedicated to Ops (Abundance), the harvest goddess of fertility and success, and the consort of the god Saturn. This day was also sacred to the Roman fertility Goddess Sabine.
The Hindu Goddess Sankrant is honored annually on this date (approximately) by a Hindu Solstice celebration called Pongol.
Thursday, December 20
On this day in the year 1946, famous Israeli psychic Uri Geller was born in Tel Aviv. He is renowned for his psychokinetic ability to bend metal objects by stroking them with his fingers and to stop clocks simply by gazing upon them. His metal-bending and mind-reading abilities developed at the age of five when he was accidentally shocked by his mother's electric sewing machine. He began his career as a full-time professional stage performer in 1969.
Friday, December 21
On the first day of winter (which normally occurs on or near this date), the Winter Solstice Sabbat is celebrated by Wiccans and Witches throughout the world. Winter Solstice (which is also known as Yule, Winter Rite, Midwinter, and Alban Arthan) is the longest night of the year, marking the time when the days begin to grow longer and the hours of darkness decrease. It is the festival of the Sun's rebirth, and a time to honor the Horned God. (The aspect of the God invoked at this Sabbat by certain Wiccan traditions is Frey, the Scandinavian fertility god and a deity associated with peace and prosperity.) Love, family togetherness, and accomplishments of the past year are also celebrated. On this Sabbat, Witches bid farewell to the Great Mother and welcome the reborn Horned God who rules the dark half of the year.
Saturday, December 22
On this date (approximately), the Sun enters the astrological sign of Capricorn. Persons born under the sign of the Goat are said to be ambitious, practical, loyal, and often reclusive. Capricorn is an earth sign and is ruled by the planet Saturn.
On this date in the year 1970, famous Wiccan authors Stewart and Janet Farrar founded their own coven. The Farrars, a husband and wife team, have written many popular Witchcraft books together.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Winter Solstice,
Karen
Solstice Traditions: Pagan Voices
Angie Holz:"I love the idea of taking the bottom bit of the Yule tree as the yule log. when I had real trees I would make candle holes and created my own yule log."
Lisa Souder Prescott:"Welcoming the evergreens into our home... showcasing the green that persists, even in the dead of winter, by setting up, naming (yes, 'tis a silly tradition but the kids find it fun) and decorating a real tree... also, a tradition started with us kids when i was growing up was giving an ornament to each kid, each year, so when they're adults and on their own and have their first tree, not only will they have ornaments but memories for their future trees... and it's fun to find ornaments that fit each kid's personality, that year...
Advice? realize that most the symbolism mainstream folks use have ancient roots... do a little digging on the WHY symbols are used and important and utilize the ones that sit well with you. i tire of seeing some folks do something without knowing why they do it... this is how we see folks decorating non-evergreen trees this time of year, something that NEVER happened, when i was a kid... let the sleepy trees sleep and if you want a fun tradition to wake them up in spring, look into the concept of the easter tree... i find symbolism particularly powerful and can be very meaningful and magickal when it's done with purpose and reason, rather than "keeping up with the joneses" or buying into the latest fad."
Tiffany Newson: "I'm big into sweets and cooking. I love to bake and my daughter loves to help.
Making cookies and...this yr I plan to try a yule log cake. It brings your family together and a sweet reward at the end."
Melissa Cassingmantaro:"Lighting our Log. My brother-in-law made it for me nearly 25 years ago and I have used it every year."
Deborah Martin: "I use a piece of the trunk from this year's tree as next year's Yule log."
Samantha Curtin: "Like many cultures, Norwegian Jul (Yule) traditions revolve heavily around food. I'll be making the traditional boiled cod, potatoes, Norwegian cheeses, veggies, and lots of yummy cookies (most of which my grandmother has made for me)."
Alan Sheridan:"One exceedingly simple tradition, in the absence of inclement weather, is to just have a hot cup of your favorite hot beverage and silently and reverently watch the sun rise outside in the cold. Experiencing sunrise on the solstice helps keep me in tune with the cycle of seasons, and doesn't disturb the neighbors. I do the same at summer solstice with the sunset (and a cool beverage)."
Firelyte Rioter:"The story shows from my favorite podcasts. I love a good excuse to sit around listening to stories and music."
Monica Belenchia: "We get together with friends...I make the Wassail for our gathering."
Monica's Wassail
1 gallon apple cider
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can (6 ounce size) frozen orange juice, thawed from concentrate
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
Combine 2 cups of the apple cider and spices in large pot. Bring to a boil. Add remaining cider, juices, and brown sugar. Heat until very hot but do not boil.
Note: You can add red wine to some recipes...I also like to slice oranges and put that in....you can heat on the stove or in a crock pot on low. ~ with great thanks to Monica Belenchia for sharing her recipe!!
Guest Blogs:
Renee Avard
Winter. Blankets. Coziness. Christmas. Just hearing these phrases invite a warm and genuine love in my heart. Although, I had never felt that way. My early childhood, albeit hard to remember, evoked a feeling a peace and pure happiness. My father made sure that he worked hard at his job, and then he opened his own company, not because he wanted to be someone who could flash money around, buy huge houses or take excessive vacations. He did it so that we would smile and feel safe and cozy.
After he passed away, I lost my “oomph” for the holidays. The rest of my family did not exactly feel that way, as remarriages took place, we moved into a nice house, I gained family I did not want and then list could go on. I honestly felt that doing a whole “decorated house” thing was a complete waste of time. The remaining few years of my childhood, I went through the motions, but never felt comfortable, home or loved.
When I finally moved into my own place and began my own family, I decided that, for my son's sake, I would work on my holiday cheer a bit more. I did decorate the house for the first time by myself. And though, we were never very much into going here, there, and everywhere for Christmas, I loved that. I loved to experience the serenity when my son and I celebrated quietly and every now and then, we would go out, and while we had a great time, I still felt a bit empty.
A dear friend of mine and I had been talking for awhile at this point, clued in to the fact that I had no real “set” religion. It was not that I did not “have one” so to speak, it was just nothing I had read about or came across made me feel welcome. Growing up as I did, the very last thing I wanted was to celebrate such sad times. Then, She came to me in the form of a gift.
Unwrapping the box I saw “Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.” , The Magical Household: Spells and Rituals for the Home”, and 2 gorgeous blank books to use as my “Book of Shadows”. So, thanks to my DFF (dear friend forever) and Scott Cunningham, I felt home.
So for me, the seasons took on a whole new meaning and over the course of thirteen years, my Faith ebbed and bobbed and finally settled into “A Spiritualist Eclectic Witch.” I still loved the things I had read and the people I came across during the early years, but once I discovered that I could go on my own path, I realized that I had the talent, the determination and the loyalty to forge my own Path did not mean it was a wrong one, it meant that it was a right choice.
So, now I use this very special time of year, the “Winter Solstice” as my recharge and planning season. It made perfect sense to me; bears hibernate, cats hide under covers or in windowsills …. I began to learn. I use my time now, especially since I am in business for myself, to do a sort of hibernation and focus inward. I spend a lot of time in reflection as I think about the past year, and what has gone on. Too often I ended up berating myself and I am working on improving that. Just because I might have had an 'off' year, day or moment, it does not mean at all that I have a bad life.
Please visit my site (http://reneeavard.blogspot.com) for some more Solstice news (including poetry, releasing, cleansing and purging) and news on all different ways to celebrate the Sabbats using my “StarSteps Method” approach.
What Yule Means to Me
by Sosanna
As a devotee of Hecate, I have a slightly different look at Yule and the entire Wheel of the Year than most pagans. Yule is generally the celebration of the winter solstice, usually around the 20th of the month. Generally speaking Hecate does not have a direct association with the wheel.
Her direct connection is more associated with the monthly cycles vs. the yearly one. I take the dark moon (just before the new moon) each month and conduct my rituals. This can vary month by month on the specific dates. I take part in other ‘festivals’ such as Hecate’s Supper and I honor her being the Goddess of Underworld around Samhain.
I belong to the Covenant of Hekate, there is a wonderful video related to Hekate and the Wheel of the Year published on hersacredfires youtubechannel.
So then what does Yule mean to me? Just as many out there in the Pagan community this time of the year has several different meaning for me. As a child it was filled with negativity dealing with a violent home. As an adult, I choose to spend my Yule season alone. I take my time to meditate, light my candles and appreciate the Mother Earth changing her robes from the bright orange of Samhain to the lovely icy white of winter. I light my hearth fire (be it a tiny woodstove) and sit and look into the flames. I watch the flames dance and consume the wood, producing the warmth that fills my body and home. I give thanks for each of the gifts from the Earth that helps me make it through this barren time.
So Yule, for a Hecatean may not be much different than any other Goddess worshipers. I don’t send out Yule cards, because I believe that we should protect our environment. I don’t exchange Yule gifts, as I’m the only one that I am physically near that would celebrate it. I don’t have a feast, as only hubby and I would be here to eat it. Instead, I cook a simple meal and we share it together. We bask in the warmth of our fire and enjoy what we have. Each other.
Wintry Wonderful Links and Shameless Plugs:
My buddy and amazing blogger/photographer, Heather Brooks Ray submitted the above link for your reading delight. Please visit Heather's blog (you will thank me for this) and follow "I'm Not Hannah" through her adventures in life and spirituality.
My beloved daughter from another life, Samantha Curtin (author extraordinaire) has written a brilliant piece on Santa. A must-read! You can visit Sammi at her blog there, and also follow her author page on Facebook.
The lovely Rowan Pendragon has written a wonderful book for your magical edification and entertainment. You can purchase this online and download immediately for all kinds of great ideas on how to celebrate the Solstice this year.
The History of the Yule Log (Note: Odin is misspelled in the post)
I found this one, but many thanks to my friend Vaygar (an expert in Heathenry) for checking this out for its accuracy for me!
If you're a Pagan Parent, this is a great (and free) source for teaching kids about the different Sabbats. You can sign up to receive notifications in email here.
Ever wondered how Heathens celebrate Yule? Now's your chance to find out. Come join Vaygar as he counts down the 12 days of Yule from December 19-31. It's lots of fun and educational too!
Yuletide Crafts and Activities
Winter Solstice Luminaries
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| Aunt Peaches.com |
These delightful luminaries are the brainchild of AuntPeaches.com
Go to the link to see how to make them. It's easy, cheap and the kids (of all ages) will have a blast doing them!
Build Your Own Stonehenge
This comes from Family Education and has several ideas for making your own stonehenge. It's super-easy and is a great science lesson as well!
Make your own St. Lucia Crown or Yule Headwreath
This comes from the blog "Nest full of eggs". This one is safe for kids, and I see all kinds of possibilities here. You could make your own wreath of pine and use battery operated candles as well, even adding some ribbons to the back. It's a lot of fun and you can really get creative with this one.
Make Citrus Pomanders
This comes to us from the blog entitled "Lost in Time". They're easy and smell just wonderful!
Pine Cone Bird Feeders :)
I did this with my kids to not only honor the solstice, but to feed our favorite birds and squirrels for the winter time. It's cheap, easy and lots of fun. This comes from Kaboose.
Sing Yule Carols Together!
Willow Firesong's Pagan Yule Carols site is just wonderful. We've used this site for years in our family, and it's been updated. Come check it out and sing your way to the joy of the Sun's Return!
Yuletide Recipes
Lots of great recipes for all my vegan buddies out there!
Finally, here are a bunch of great recipes for Yule from
This Week in Astrology
Early Thursday, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Sagittarius squares off with the Pisces Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action.
Dec 21st: Sun enters Capricorn and the Winter Solstice occurs at 6:12 AM EST
December VoC Moon Calendar 2012
Song of the Week with Kestril Trueseeker
The Sunday Stew will take a hiatus until the New Year in honor of all celebrations and the return of the Sun :) I'm sure I'll be blogging in the interim, but The Stew will take a break.
We'll see you again in the secular New Year! Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Stew!