Yule (Winter Solstice)

Yule takes its name from the Germanic midwinter feast mentioned by Bede and in Norse sources, though its Wiccan form is a modern composition. The Gardnerian Book of Shadows gave rites for the solstices and equinoxes in addition to the four great sabbats; these "lesser sabbats" were adopted as full festivals by Gardner's Bricket Wood coven around 1958. In the Yule rite a fire is kindled in the cauldron as a sign of the returning Sun, and the coven dances around it while chanting to the Goddess as queen of the Moon and the Sun. Wiccans often borrow seasonal folk customs such as evergreens, the Yule log and wassailing, and treat the longest night as a vigil for the dawn.

Purpose

Yule celebrates the rebirth of the Sun at the longest night, and in Wiccan myth the birth of the child of promise.

Timing

Season / time

The sabbat of Yule

At the winter solstice, around 21 December in the northern hemisphere. Wiccan festivals are commonly reckoned from sunset on the eve.

Materials

• candles
• salt and water
• incense
• cakes and wine (or ale)

Tools

• athame (black-handled knife)
• white-handled knife
• wand
• pentacle
• censer
• cauldron

Fire safety with candles, censer and any bonfire or cauldron fire.