Sunday 21st December marks the Winter Solstice for 2008.Wiccans observe this event as a Yule. This night is the darkest and longest night of the year. It marks the end of the Dark Lord's rule, and the eventual coming of the Light. The Days begin to grow longer from here, and thre is an evetual evening out of the time when all is at balance. The traditional celebration for Yule includes most of the elements of Christmas, the tree, the witch globes (balls on the tree) and lights (converted to electricity...)The symbolism of the Green tree in the midst of winter is that death is soon replaced by life, Life (the force itself) never dies, but regenerates into other energies. The Balls on the tree are a symbol of the ever turning forces of the solar system (yes, the planets) and the lights, are individual souls on different branches of Life's entity....each soul sparkling with their own energies. Each decoration is a gift which we achieve from experiencing life.....whether it be a joy, a lesson, an experience......... The colours of Yule are Red - Passion, Vitality returningGreen --everlasting life and new growthSilver - Earth mysteries, spiritualityGold - Richness of Life returning, prosperity There is a tradition of storytelling Yuletides pass, the italian witches peak of BEFANA, a witch whch leaves a token and sweets in the children's stocking. These are a bit different to the gifts from Santa Claus. Befana's gifts are meant to belessons to encourage spiritual growth. Children may get something usefull, or something to jar their behaviour (rocks!) Families had a tradition of lighting a Yule log, using a bit of coal left over from last year's log. The eternal line of yule log fires light the hearth in the home. When the log had burnt, one bit of coal went into a box decorated with red and green...till next year. This marks the last Moon Cycle- in Caribbean Wicca its the end of the Sun Moon Cycle.....its time to herald the Sun Again....(dry season.....) and the powers of yellow........ Yule Blessings to you and your families.
