Wiccan Yule is known as the pagan Christmas. The celebration of Wiccan Yule during the time of the winter solstice far predates our current Christian Christmas celebrations. In fact, many of the elements of Christian Christmas celebrations have their roots in the celebratory aspects of Wiccan Yule. Wiccan Yule is one of the seasonal pagan holidays that marks the constant turning of the wheel of the sun throughout the year. The other pagan holidays that mark the change of the seasons are Ostara, Midsummer and Mabon. The winter solstice occurs during the third week of December. It is the shortest day of the year. During the solstice, the night reigns supreme as the light wanes in comparison.

Celebration

To celebrate the contemplative quietude of darkness and the return of the light, Wiccan Yule is celebrated with warmth, fire, friendship, candlelight and Yule pudding, a traditional plum pudding. The celebration of Yule marks the beginning of the return of the sun’s warmth as its light begin to increase directly after the winter solstice. According to pagan Celtic mythology, the Holly King is said to preside over the darkest time of the year. Wiccan Yule celebrations and festivities may be small and intimate or comprised of elaborate ritual ceremonies in large pagan groups. The Yule may be celebrated for a period of one to twelve days depending on the custom of the group of celebrants.

Celebrating the Wiccan Yule is a time of renewal for many of the participants. As the participants connect and honor the four directions (North, South, East, and West), they are renewed in body, mind and spirit. During Yule celebrations, the presence of a spirit guide is also honored; this protective and wise presence is called the “fifth element”.

History

The practice of honoring the darkest night of the year and the beginning of the return of the sun is found throughout the world. Archaeologists have found evidence that solstice ceremonies were practiced by many indigenous cultures, including Celts in Northern and Southern Europe and Meso-American Indians. These groups of people often honored the return of the sun with elaborate rituals lasting over twelve days. For example, the breathtakingly massive stones of Stonehenge in England were aligned directly with the rays of the sun during midsummer and the winter solstice. The stones were also aligned to the position of the moon and major astrological constellations. There is evidence of an even older structure in Ireland known as Newgrange that served the same purpose. This ritual stone structure, which resembles a man-made cave, is believed to be 6500 years old. During the turning of the seasons, the sun's rays highlight the hand-painted spiral designs found at the back of the cave.