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Yule
Event Details
Time: December 20, 2014 to December 22, 2014
Location: Celebrate where ever you choose
Event Type: holiday, festival, time
Organized By: Practitioners World wide
Latest Activity: Dec 30, 2013
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Event Description
Celebrate Yule in December with crafts, recipes, and rituals that rejoice in the sun's return to earth.
Yule is a celebration of the return of the light at the time of the winter solstice.
No matter how you celebrate it, the winter solstice is traditionally a time for all kinds of festivities, feasting, and fun.
The celebration of Yule at the Winter Solstice goes back hundreds of years. From the hearths of the Celtic tribes to the bonfires of the Norsemen, this winter holiday has been celebrated in many ways.
Cultures around the world have celebrated the winter solstice, and each has its own unique set of deities. These are some of the gods and goddesses associated with the holiday of the winter solstice.
Yule falls at the time of the Winter Solstice. Use seasonal concepts and themes to represent the longest night of the year on your Yule altar.
If your family enjoys celebration around the holidays, this Yule Log ceremony is a simple one you can perform with or without kids. Welcome the sun back into your lives as you burn your Yule Log.
At the winter solstice, some Practitioner groups celebrate with a goddess rite -- saying goodbye to the old, and welcoming the new. This ritual is designed for a group of four or more people.
The winter solstice is a festival of the sun, so why not celebrate by honoring its return?
If your family celebrates Yule with a decorated tree, you may want to consider doing a blessing ritual either when you cut it down or before your decorate it
Yule is a time of new beginnings for many people, as the sun returns its light back to the earth. Use this time of year to do not only some emotional refreshing, but also a physical cleansing of your personal space.
Looking for some great books to celebrate the Yule season? Curl up in front of a nice warm fire with one.
Just because you're celebrating Yule instead of Christmas doesn't mean you can't have a tree for the holiday and a tree itself is actually a pretty Practitioner thing!
Yule should be a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it becomes a stress-filled nightmare.
During the Yule season, a lot of us tend to eat more than our normal share. After all, it's the time of year when you're visiting friends and attending celebrations, and there's always food involved!
In England, it was traditional for people to visit from house to house, singing songs, much like Christmas Carolers do today. As a reward for their songs, they'd be given a cup of wassail.
In Scotland, the festival of Hogmanay is even more important than Christmas. Evolved from the Practitioner celebrations of Yule, Hogmanay is observed at the end of December, just before the New
The ancient Romans had a festival for just about everything, and the winter solstice was no exception. The week-long celebration of Saturnalia was a time of great partying, debauchery, and general revelry.
In modern Practitioners, one of the most popular legends is that of the Oak and Holly Kings. These two archetypes battle as the Wheel of the Year turns, and at Yule, one must relinquish his crown.
Although Julius Caesar attributed the use of mistletoe in ritual to the Druids, it has also been traced back to the Greek winter ceremonies.
Did you know that in Greece, fresh basil is attached to a wooden cross, or why the Scots want a dark-haired visitor on New Year's Day?
Winter Solstice…. “Yule” (Winter)
December 21 2014 23:03 GMT
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Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on December 3, 2012 at 1:44pm
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Miniature Yule Log Ornaments
These are super easy to make, and in addition to being cute ornaments for your holiday tree, they also make great favors to give to guests at a Yule celebration. You'll need the following:
A stick about an inch thick
Red yarn
Small feathers (you can find these in the craft store)
Small pieces of evergreen plants - pine, fir, spruce, etc.
Seed beads in your choice of colors
A hot glue gunCut the stick into 2 - 3" lengths. Decorate each small log with the feathers, evergreens and seed beads as you would a full sizes Yule log. Tie a piece of red yarn around the center and knot in a bow, like a ribbon. To hang as a tree ornament, use a bent paperclip or wire hanger. To give as a party favor, you may want to attach your miniature log to a piece of cardstock, on which you can write a note to friends, such as "Wishing you the blessings of Yule."
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Pipecleaner Pentacles - Make a Pentacle Ornament
"Pipecleaner Pentacles - Make a Pentacle Ornament"Use three chenille stems to shape this pent -- one makes the circle, and the other two get folded around to form the star.
Use chenille stems in your favorite color to create one of these. They're easy, and your kids can do it once you show them how to bend the stems. You'll need three pipe cleaners, or chenille stems, for each pentacle.
Bend the first stem into a circle, and overlap the ends by about an inch, so you can twist them closed.
Take the second stem, and create three arms of the star inside the circle. Be sure to twist it around the circle as you make the points, because this will keep it from sliding apart.
Take the last stem and create the final two arms of the star. Use the remaining length of stem (don't snip it off) to twist into a loop so you can hang your ornament.
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Yule Sachet - Make an Herbal Sachet for Yule
"Yule Sachet - Make an Herbal Sachet for Yule"Make an herbal sachet for Yule.
These simple sachets are easy to make, and you can either use them as ornaments on your holiday tree, or give them away as gifts. You'll need the following:
Bay
Cloves
Juniper berries
Orange peel, grated
Orris root
Peppermint
Pine
Rosemary
Squares of your favorite holiday fabric
Colorful ribbon
Cinnamon sticks
Small bellsMix the herbs together in a bowl. Blend varying proportions of each until you've got the scent you want -- here's a hint: start small!
Use a spoon to place the blended herbs into the center of a square of fabric. Pull the corners up and tie with the ribbon. Tie a cinnamon stick and a couple of bells in place as well. Use a second piece of ribbon to create a loop so you can hang the sachet if you like.
Timesaver tip: you can buy small tulle bags in holiday colors and spoon the herb blend into them. Pull the drawstring closed and tie shut, then hang up on your tree, or give them to a friend.
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Want to deck the halls with a more Pagan flavor? From Sabbat altar cloths to shiny sun decorations, here's where you'll find all kinds of fun Wiccan and Pagan themed hoiday crafts.
Pinecone Ornaments
Scented Pine Cones
http://0.tqn.com/d/paganwiccan/1/5/l/1/-/-/Pinecones.jpg
Scented pinecones are a beautiful -- and fragrant -- addition to your Yule decorations.If you want to keep an earth-friendly theme to your Yule decorating, one way to do so is to use the elements found in nature as part of your decor. This is a project that you may have made before if you have a Girl Scout -- simple things such as seeds, acorns, feathers, and other found items are easy to make into ornaments and other decorations.
For this simple project, you'll need the following:
Pinecones, of any shape or size
Equal amounts ginger, nutmeg and allspice, blended
A 1:1 mixture of water and craft glue
Glitter
Ribbon
A small paintbrushTo prepare the pinecones, rinse them under running water and then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake at 250 for about 20 minutes -- this will make them open up, and also get rid of any trace amounts of bacteria that might remain on them. Don't worry if there's sap on them - it will harden into a shiny glaze and look pretty. If you bought your pinecones from a craft store, they're probably open already, so you can skip the rinsing altogether.
Once the pinecones have cooled, use the small paintbrush to apply the glue to the cones (I'd recommend spreading out some newspaper ahead of time). You can either cover the entire cone, or just the outer tips of the petals for a more "frosted" look.
Add the spices and glitter to a zip-loc bag. Drop the pine cones in, and shake until coated with spices and glitter. Allow to dry thoroughly, and then tie a ribbon around the end so you can hang it up. Add a few springs of greenery if you like. Use it on a holiday tree, or place them in a bowl to scent your room.
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Yuletide Blessings!
A Fun Yule Project:
Salt Dough Cookie Yule Tree Ornaments
***Not For Eating ~ Decorated Ornaments Only***
Check this post out at the link below!
http://thesecretmoongarden.ning.com/group/paganparentspresiding/for...
Enjoy!
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Okay, so you're a Pagan, and you observe the Solstice or Yule, but on December 25 you have to go spend a day with your family, and they all celebrate Christmas. How do you make things less stressful?
Well, for starters, realize that no matter what you may think of Christianity or its holidays, Christmas dinner is NOT the time to get into a theological debate. Despite the fact that Uncle Ernie thinks you're going to burn in hell and that your spiritual path makes the Baby Jesus cry, take the high road and refuse to argue. Holidays can be stressful for all of us, but they can be even harder for people whose family disapproves of their spiritual choices. Here are a few tips for how to survive the Christmas season with disapproving non-Pagan relatives.
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Getting Through Christmas with the Family
In some families, the holiday get-together is something we look forward to. In fact, it may be the only time you even see some members of your family. However, if you're a Pagan or Wiccan, and the rest of them aren't, there are times when the winter holidays can be a bit awkward. So what can you do to make the season's celebrations a bit more harmonious?
First of all, remember that this is a day for families to get together and enjoy themselves. It's not a day to battle about religion or anything else. If your family celebrates a Christian holiday, no matter how you feel about Christianity, don't choose this as the day to talk about how ridiculous you think the Baby Jesus story is.
Recognize that just because you celebrate the Solstice or Yule doesn't necessarily mean that your whole family wants to hear about it. If your family is uncomfortable with your choice of spiritual path, Christmas dinner at Grandma's is not the time to bring it up. While it's nice to be able to share your beliefs with people you love, if it makes them uncomfortable, drop the subject, at least for now.
Start a new tradition. If your family is willing and open, consider asking them to join you at your home for a Solstice breakfast or something similar. This way, they can see what how you celebrate, and then you can join them a few days later for Christmas.
Keep communication open. If a parent or sibling asks questions about your beliefs, answer honestly, but don't let them antagonize you. If your sister tells you you're a sinner who's going to burn in hell, step back from the discussion. Say, "You know, I'm sorry you feel this way, and I'd be happy to discuss it another time, but not today. Pass the gravy, please."
If your family says a Christian blessing before eating, don't make a scene. You're not obligated to participate, but what you could do instead is offer up a silent thanks to the gods of your own tradition.
If going to a family member's home holds unpleasant memories for you -- if you grew up in an abusive family, for example -- then take something along with you that makes you feel better. Bring along a favorite crystal, a sachet with soothing herbs, or a piece of jewelry that makes you feel grounded. When you feel yourself getting stressed out, take a few minutes to get away from everyone who's making you feel frustrated, and try to re-center yourself. Remember, you're just visiting, and you'll be going home soon.
If you're taking your spouse or partner with you, talk to them ahead of time about any concerns or fears you may have about seeing your family. Sharing these worries is healthy, plus it will allow you to present a united front.
Keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum, or don't drink at all during a holiday event. Booze tends to make us say things we normally wouldn't, and the last thing you want to do is get in a drunken shouting match with your mom just because she thinks your pentacle necklace is tacky.
Finally, understand that while people can change, they don't do it overnight. If there's a conflict about spiritual beliefs at your family's holiday dinner, wait until another time to work on it. Realize that if even your family doesn't approve of your religion, they still love you.
If you've got tips on how to deal with relatives who may be less than understanding, share them in the Comment section -- we'd love to hear your ideas!
With thanks to Patti Wigington@about.com
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Are your children waiting for Santa Claus? It is perfectly alright. Like St. Brighid, Saint Nicholas was an absorbed pagan deity. Our modern version of this personage is an amalgamation of many old personifications of a very old elf. Yes, elf. In ancient times, it was believed that an elf came and delivered gifts to those who left him porridge. Ahh...see the connection between the milk and cookie offerings left by generations of children? Indeed, the popular figure of Santa Claus actually owes more to the god Odin than he does the Christian saint called Nicholas. Take a look. Good old Saint Nick is a very germanic fellow.
Doubtful? He dresses in red, a colour symbolic of the Teutonic Alfs, or elves. He has one eye with which he can give knowledge with a single wink. He has a long white beard and hails from the ancient lands of the frozen north. The twelve days of Yule are special to him. Nick is one of his many names. Do you see the similiarity? Keep looking and more will just smack you in the face. It doesn't matter if you are comparing him to Santa Claus, Father Christmas, whom ever. Look hard enough and you will see the pagan deity behind. As for how the Yule elf got mixed up in popular culture with this figure, it may be that it was easier to personify this as a single being. The Yule elf was not a single elf. This time of year was in many ways for the Germanic peoples what Samhain was to the Celts, a time when magic went out into the world, freeing the dead to walk and elves, trolls, gnomes, etcetera were free to roam. The idea behind the offerings of porridge was that it was an invitation of friendship and goodwill, which is why it was rewarded by the elf leaving a gift for the hosts. Perhaps this is how the idea of the elven workshop came about, as a way to explain who made the gifts.
So when your children call for Santa Claus, tell them about the Yule elf. Start a tradition of welcoming the local elf in from the cold. Have them leave out their offerings of milk, cookies, or if you wish to be authentic, porridge (also known as oatmeal). Tell them about Odin being also called Nick and how he flies through the skies hunting with his dogs for the twelve days of Yule.Decorate a miniature sleigh led by dogs, and fill it with goodies. Maybe the elf will like knowing that the old ways are not forgotten. After all, I believe in faeries...don't you?
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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
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