Yule, Saturnalia, & the Winter Solstice: Rebirth & Reflection

December 18, 2018 0 Comments

Yule, Saturnalia, & the Winter Solstice: Rebirth & Reflection

 by Rebecca Farrar of Wild Witch of the West 

Yule, Saturnalia, & Winter Solstice

Yule or Yuletide, aka Winter Solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere marks the longest night and shortest day of the year and is one of the oldest celebrations in the world. With modern technology, we can more closely track the exact moment when the Earth's pole is at its maximum tilt away from the Sun, which is when the Sun simultaneously moves into the tropical zodiac sign of Capricorn and welcomes the Winter Solstice. Like all the Neopagan holidays the date varies between December 20 to December 23 depending on the year with the Gregorian calendar. As a turning point of light and reflection and of all the cyclical, seasonal holidays, the winter solstice is perhaps the most Christianized from its Earthly Pagan roots and Roman traditions.

Many popular Christmas traditions evolved from Pagan and European Yule symbols such as the decorating with holly, candles, or mistletoe. Though the Yule log was the center of the celebration and was burned as a symbol of the rebirth of the Sun (or Son as Christianity would say :P ).Traditionally the log was harvested on the homeowner’s land, or brought as a gift. Once inside, it was decorated and then lit with a piece of last year’s log that was kept for this specific purpose. The log would burn through the longest night of the year and then smolder throughout the Yuletide (meaning “Yule time”).

The word "Yule" comes from the Norse word “hjol” and referred to the moment when the wheel of the year is at the lowest point, ready to rise up again (like the Sun). In pre-Christian Scandinavia, Yule it lasted for 12 days and each night honored a different aspect of the Triple Goddess and the Sun God. This 12-day festival and feast is the origin of the modern “12 Days of Christmas.” The festivities began on “Mother’s Night,” on December 20, and ended on “Yule Night” on January 1.

While the Norse celebrated Yule, the Romans honored the mid-winter season with Saturnalia beginning on December 17. It was a pagan celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of time (and of course now a planet). It was known for being the most joyous holiday and included sacrifices, feasting, dancing, and gambling. People exchanged gifts, made sacrifices to the Gods, and offered goodwill during the week-long ancient festival. It was common for social role reversals as well where the wealthy would pay for rents of the poor and children would get to be the head of the household.

As the Romans began invading the rest of Europe, the traditions of Saturnalia became more of mainstay and evolved into Christmas. Though by the fourth century A.C.E. (after common era), Western Christian Churches decided on December 25 and combined the Pagan midwinter and Saturnalia traditions. Now, we seem to celebrate a bit of all of them. However, if you aren’t up for the full 12-day commitment of Yule or the chaos of Saturnalia, welcome winter with some of these more simplified rituals:

  • While “spring cleaning” may be more popular, a good ol’ fashioned closet cleaning makes room for the new and the new year ahead.
  • Stay up all night eating and sitting by the fire or Yule log, basking in its lights.
  • Turn off all the lights and light a yellow or gold candle to symbolize the returning and rebirth of the sun.
  • Say a blessing of gratitude to your Christmas tree, or be sure to give it extra love. 
  • Create a Yule altar facing North (the direction of Winter) with holly or mistletoe and red candles. The Winter Solstice & Yule Ritual  Kit is great for this! Witchy bonus points for crafting a Yule log.;)

 

 

 

 

Read more on astrology, horoscopes, occultism, magick & ritual on our blog, Esoteric Insights!





Also in Esoteric Insights

Celestial Insights: The Cosmic Dance of Venus & Mercury Retrograde, March 2025
Celestial Insights: The Cosmic Dance of Venus & Mercury Retrograde, March 2025

February 25, 2025 0 Comments

As we navigate the celestial currents of 2025, a unique astrological event awaits: both Venus and Mercury will be retrograde simultaneously. Venus will transition from Aries to Pisces during its retrograde, while Mercury will retrograde in Aries. This rare cosmic alignment offers a profound opportunity for introspection, reassessment, and personal growth. When these two influential planets appear to move backward in the sky, their retrograde energies prompt us to slow down and reevaluate critical aspects of our lives. While the experience may seem challenging, it ultimately serves as a chance to heal, reset, and reconnect with our true desires and intentions.

Continue Reading

Deities & Demons: Cupid, The Mischievous Archer of Love
Deities & Demons: Cupid, The Mischievous Archer of Love

February 12, 2025 0 Comments

Throughout history, the name Cupid, or Eros, has been synonymous with romance, desire, and playful mischief. This cherubic archer, often depicted as a winged boy with a bow and quiver full of arrows, has roots far deeper than modern Valentine’s Day iconography. Originating in ancient mythology, Cupid’s story intertwines love and fate, often with dramatic and unexpected consequences. But who exactly is Cupid, and what is the lore behind this mischievous god of love?

Continue Reading

Pagan Practice: Capricorn, the winter solstice, & the symbolism that unites them
Pagan Practice: Capricorn, the winter solstice, & the symbolism that unites them

December 17, 2024 0 Comments

As winter envelops us in its quiet, reflective embrace, two profound symbols emerge in the cultural and cosmic landscape: the astrological sign of Capricorn and the winter solstice. Each holds unique archetypes and lessons, yet they intertwine beautifully to offer guidance and inspiration for navigating the darker, colder months of the year. By exploring their historical, astronomical, and astrological significance—as well as cultural practices worldwide—we can find meaningful ways to enrich our wintertime experience.

Continue Reading