Wiccan Holy Days and Sabbaths to Observe –
Winter Solstice, Yule, Midwinter – circa December 22
Midwinter marks the shortest day of the year and it is a season of re-birth. In Roman and Norse traditions this marks the beginning of the year. In Wiccan tradition Yuletide is when the male God is born of the Virgin Goddess.
The male God is also represented by the sun, who starts his return on the following day. Fires and candles are burned to lure him back. Because many pagan traditions revolve around heavenly bodies, a common misconception is that they literally worship the sun. Actually it is recognition of the life-giving, ‘God-given’ energy we receive through it.
A Christmas tree may be decorated with images of dreams and desires, jewels and sweets. The evergreen represents the eternal aspects of God and Goddess. A wreath may also be made to symbolize the wheel of the year.
Winter Solstice – Additional Sabbath Tools
In addition to the standard Sabbath Tools, the following items should be brought to the Ritual.
Colors to wear
- red and green
Guests Bring
- a taper candle with holder
Leader Supplies
- Salt
- unbleached (turbinado or natural) sugar
- circular evergreen or vine
- small evergreen tree or Yule log (this is a small oak log – or piece of wood – with 3 holes drilled in it to hold candles) and 3 candles
Seasonal Incense or Oil
- pine
Special Refreshments
- sugar cookies
