Inspired by Bryn

Note: As this post was part of a temporary series on The Busy Witch website, the full text of the essay is below!

The Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, will be observed in the Northern Hemisphere on Monday, December 21, 2020. It happens for a moment, at 8:30am, but is recognized for an entire day. It occurs when the sun is the farthest away from the equator and Northern Hemisphere. The Winter Solstice generally marks the first day of winter on the pagan calendar and the beginning of days getting longer again.

Yule is a time focusing on the return of the sun towards Earth on its yearly cycle. Winter marks the end of the year, the death of the autumn, and the precursor to spring (when life returns to the surface). Many people tend to turn inward and reflect on the shadows within themselves and evaluate how they can better themselves and others in these times of seasonal transition.

Some activities that can be done during this Yuletide season are burning wishes and intentions on a special Yule Log (the type of wood you burn is your choice! Keep in mind that every type of wood has a different connotation or meaning, so burn something you think would help with your goals!), or having a get together with friends (safely, of course, during these times) to celebrate together and possibly exchange presents. Try utilizing the time indoors wisely by decluttering your home and performing cleansing rituals- out with the old, in with the new.

Another fun activity to try getting you in the mood of the season is reading! For example, if you’re a fan of nonfiction, you could try reading “Yule: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for the Winter Solstice” by Susan Pesznecker which elaborates on a variety of topics and activities to explore during the Yuletide season. If you prefer more fiction or poetry, “Pagan Writers Presents Yule” by Camenae E. deWelles contains a variety of writing formats created and presented by pagans for pagans!