Yule 2020

So I think its safe to say that this year has sucked on so many levels for all of us and Yule is the perfect time to let all that go and start anew. The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year. For this time of year Solstice refers to the sun and where it is in our sky, days are shorter nights are longer. Many Pagans refer to winter as the dark half of the year. Our ancestors celebrated Yule all over sometimes under a different name but all with the same idea, which is, its time to renew. The Old English called Yule “Geol '' meaning Christmas Day or Christmastide The Norse reffered to Yule as Jol which translates to Heathen Feast.  

The Winter Solstice is a very Mother centric time, The Norse Goddess associated with it is Frigg. They also referred to the Winter Solstice as the Mother Night because it is said that Frigg laboured and gave birth to the sun. Infact Norse women today still invoke Frigg in hopes for a healthy pregnancy. The Germanic Goddess of Christmas is Holda sometimes referred to as Frau Holle Hulda meaning “Kind One.” She is the bringer of prosperity and fertility. The Romans have Bona Dea meaning Good Goddess who represented chastity and fertility. The Italians have Befana who is similar to Strenua and Babushka who would give gifts to children. The Gods associated are the Oak King, Apollo and Saturn. Saturn has a holiday named after him called Saturnalia which is a Roman festival which was a time of merryment and feasting. 

One of the biggest traditions is the Yule log which is traditionally oak. So the oldest female of the household would cleanse and prepare the house while the oldest male would find the best log.

So for Yule this year on top of celebrating with my counterpart Brooke I have decorated my altar with some Yule colours. I added a Rose of Jerhico to represent the renew and rebirth of the New Year. 

Me and my Husband will be lighting the candles and putting positive affirmations into the new year. To let go of what cant be changed we will be writing them on white plates and then smashing them to release it into the universe. Let us know how you’ll be celebrating Yule this year. You can email us at truenorthwitches@gmail.com or find us on any social media platform @truenorthwitches. 

Songs and Recipies for Yule

Tree-Decorating Chili

1 pound ground beef

1 onion diced

8oz tomato sauce

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 can black beans rinsed

8oz cooked pinto beans rinsed

½ cup water

1tsp salt

21/2 tsp chili powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

In a large frying pan break up and brown the ground beef and onions. Spoon off and discard fat. 

Add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, black and pinto beans, water, salt, chili powder and cayenne and bring it to a gentle boil then lower and simmer.

Simmer for 2 hours uncovered add water if it becomes to thick.

Before serving check and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed.

Serve and customize as neede examples being cheese as a topper, serve over baked potato or over hotdog

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients: 

1 cup sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup unsalted butter softened (NOT Margerine)

1 cup vegetable oil (NOT olive oil)

2 eggs 

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cream of tartar

43/4 cups all purpose flower

Additional white sugar for flattening 

Cream the sugar , powdered sugar, butter and oil until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add salt, backing soda and cream of tartar and mix well. Add flour in increments, blending thourghly after each addition. The dough will be light and somewhat fluffy. 

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet, then flatten each ball with the bottom of a cup dipped in sugar.

Bake at 350 until barley light brown at the edges, about 10mins

Remove immediately to place on cooling rack. 

God Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk

God rest ye merry pagan folk, let nothing you dismay.
Remember that the sun returns, upon this solstice day!
The growing dark is ended now, and spring is on its way.
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

The winter's worst still lies ahead, fierce tempest, snow and rain!
Beneath the blanket on the ground, the spark of life remains!
The sun's warm rays caress the seeds, to raise life's songs again!
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

Within the blessed apple lies, the promise of the queen
For from this pentacle shall rise, the orchards fresh and green.
The earth shall blossom once again, the air be sweet and clean!
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!