Cyber Cauldron

December 16th, 2011

Yule is the Old English term for the winter Solstice, which fall anywhere between the 19^th and 23^rd December. This is a major pagan festival for those in the northern hemisphere who follow the old religions (pre Christianity). The Old English word Geola (pronounce Yula) means yoke of the year, the balance point across the lowest ebb of sunlight.

Now the longest night and the shortest day. The sun is at it lowest point in the sky at midday, lower than at any other time of the year, it also rises and sets at the most southerly points of the year.

Yule is a festival of hope and renewal, the time when the Sun Child is reborn and we see a return of all life through the love of the gods. The Sun has been in decline since the summer solstice, but now begins to regain its strength. Now marks the end to the long winter nights, although it won’t be noticeable for a while yet! It is this regaining of strength after weakness that made the Romans call this festival Sol Invictus, “The Undefeated Sun”.

Traditionally this is the time of year that homes are decorated with symbols of eternal life; such as evergreens such as Holly, Ivy, Rosemary, Bay, Laurel, Mistletoe and of course the ancient Pagan symbol, a decorated Spruce tree.

So important was the festival to the old English that their name for December was Ærra Gĕola (going before Yule) and for January Æftera Gĕola. In the Northern tradition of Paganism (and some other paths), Yule is actually the New Year.

The symbolism of this festival is about light in darkness, warmth in coldness, hope in despair, life out of death and plenty amid dearth. A time to strengthen those family relationships, feast and make and give gift.

Yule is also know as – Midwinter, Yule, Cuidle, Alban Arthan, Winter Rite, Mothers Night, Gŵyl Galan Gaeaf (Welsh) and the Winter Solstice.

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