11 Days Till Yule Begins!
It seems like this year has gone by so quickly. But here in the northern hemisphere, the air has grown colder, the leaves have fallen, or are almost gone and our attention turns to the season of peace and joy.
For we Pagan Metaphysicians, that means it’s almost time for Yule. The 12 days of December where we honor the spirits of the Triple Goddess, the return of the God King and the enlightenment within ourselves and toward those around us.
Yule is a 12 day holiday, that begins on the evening of the Winter Solstice known as “Mother’s Night” (December 21st) and ends 12 days later on “Yule Night” (January 1st).
These festival celebrations are observed from sunset to sunset. In addition to honoring the Divine aspects of the Universe, this is also a time to go within and align one’s soul to the Divine and review the spiritual mission and lessons one has chosen for this lifetime. It’s not simply a time for reverent honor of the Divine, but for putting the gifts the Divine brings into practical manifestation in your life.
Yuletide is broken down into 4 observances.
- Dec. 20 to Dec. 23. During the 1st 3 days –
The virgin Maiden Goddess is honored as your guide for moving forward into the new year, to set you on the right and positive path. For many this is a time to align with the Maiden Goddess and go within to discern where your soul “needs”you to be vs. where your physical brain/heart “wants” you to be.
- Dec. 23 to Dec. 26. The 2nd set of 3 days –
The Mother Goddess is honored for fertility and all your coming endeavors. Again this is a reverent celebration that looks to align your soul with the greater Divine Creation of the Mother Goddess. To focus on what you “need” to create in your life to carry your soul forward on its spiritual mission.
- Dec. 26 to Dec 29. The 3rd set of 3 days –
These 3 days are set aside for the rebirth of the God, and honoring his guidance through the physical world. For many this is making plans and putting the spiritual knowledge learned from Maiden and Mother Goddess into practical steps. To physically create the spiritual insight that was attained.
- Dec. 29 to Jan. 1. –
The last 3 days are set aside for the Old Crone Goddess who is honored for wisdom and as your teacher into the cosmic lessons of life and spirit. In modern times, under the solar calendar, she might also be honored as the waning year giving way to the new year. Here many people align with the wise Old Crone to review their spiritual lessons and karmic mission. What have they cleared and what have they gained. What holds them back and how do they embrace the wisdom of the Divine and move forward into the coming year.
Festival celebrations vary greatly from one Pagan tradition (what we call our denominations) to the next. Even within the same tradition each individual group (coven, clan, grove etc) can implement different practices for celebration.
Some additional reading you might like to read and share:
Whatever your celebration practices maybe, here at Springwolf Reflections and Spring’s Haven, we hope you all have a wonderful, happy and joyful holiday season!
© 2013 Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. Springwolf Reflections / Springs Haven, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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