A Magickal Midwinter
Notes on having a cool Yule.
Hello there, I’m poking my head out of my No-vember hibernation as I can feel a distinct change in the seasons. The wheel is turning, the days are shorter and there are far fewer leaves on the trees with a few just clinging on in the blustery weather. Nature is signalling the arrival of winter and this year I am looking forward to it. A simple time of introspection, a joyous time of feasting, and most importantly a time of rest.
It will be a while before the rest element of Winter is upon us, but I am looking forward to our school’s ‘Wellbeing Day’ - a day off on December 1st. This, in my opinion, is genius. Everyone has a rest to look forward to and morale is boosted all round.
The winter solstice is a day with which I have had a deep connection during my life, both before and after I began following the wheel of the year and focussing on my earth based spirituality. My grandmother was born at Yule so its always been a day of celebration for us. My mother in law always looks forward to the shortest day and in turn, the return of the light. This year, I am looking forward to some simple family traditions that help us stay connected to Mother Earth in this busy season.
Christmas Markets
The German teacher in me loves a Christmas market. They are evocative of all I love about European Christmas - Gluhwein (or saft - juice, in my case), Bratwurst, spiced cookies and artisanal crafts. Craft fairs are also a favourite too and this year I hope to attend our town’s version of a Nuit Blanche, the Dickensian Evening, in which the local business open their doors late and have a festive evening of independent shopping with activities for children and beautiful lights. A small way to battle against capitalism in the run up to the winter festivals, a Christmas market can support local, support the planet and bring joy with a thoughtful, high quality, handmade gift.
The joy of handmade
Much of our spare time in Autumn and early December is given over to making our own handmade gifts. This year we have a foraged Christmas Jam (damsons), chutney which is homegrown and homemade and not dissimilar to a spicy Branston’s, bath salts with herbs and flowers from the garden and a handmade loose incense blend. I truly believe that homemade is the best because of the intention and energy of love woven into the gifts.
A winter walk
Our favourite Yule tradition is going for a walk on a bright frosty day to find our Yule log. I go by the traditional teachings of the hedge witch in the first ever series of River Cottage (it’s on C4, go and watch it for some nostalgia and festive spirit). Her advice was to connect with the forest, be guided to the tree, ask permission and leave an offering in reciprocity. Once we’ve found our log and given thanks, we come home and burn the log in the fireplace for prosperity, health and an abundant new year. In its very essence it is a ritual about time standing still, like the sun does at the solstice, and being present with the people you love, being present in the moment and setting intentions for the spring to come.
Other things we like to look out for in December include: jelly ear fungus, mistletoe, old man’s beard, teasels, holly and ivy berries. I always like to have a few teasel seed heads as part of my altar for protection and good fortune.
Midwinter is magickal, there are many ways to mark the shortening of the days and the return of the light. I’m going to begin now by drinking a cup of herbal tea (mint, lemon balm and lavender from the garden), and reading a Christmas Carol.
How are you celebrating the turning of the year?