Ritually Speaking
Ritual at Winter Solstice
by Dryada
I In those parts of the globe where the season becomes cold, winter presents a threatening challenge: Who will survive? Many of our ancestors met this challenge in much the same way. After harvesting the grain, fruits and vegetables, and hunting or culling the herd as needed, they had an abundance of food, some of which was very perishable. A feast was not just possible, it was often necessary.
The winter solstice-time feast celebrations included not only some elements of the American Christmas, but also of Halloween and Carnival. The Roman Saturnalia, which could last a month and usually started around December 17th, was a holiday involving freedom of behavior for all including slaves. Presents were given. Children were honored on Juvenalia. Role switching between slaves and masters could last up to a week in the typical celebration. This tradition became widespread, and in fact the English continued this tradition.
Christmas in England before 1800 was like a Mardi-Gras Carnival. A student or a bum was designated the “Lord of Misrule.” Wassailers (carolers) went to wealthy houses and demanded the best of what was to be had in food and drink, and would do a “trick” if they were not satisfied. Obviously, this tradition survives in our Halloween. 1
On the Julian calendar, December 25th was the actual Solstice. It was also the day that the 3rd century Roman Emperor Aurelius set for celebrating the birthday of Sol Invictus. It was also the birthday of Mithra. Mithraism was popular with the upper classes of Rome. Mithra was born out of a rock and first worshipped by shepherds. 2 The image is so similar to the crèche that the description of Jesus’ birth cannot be an accidental imitation. Another parallel with the Christian mythos is the birth of Horus, which was celebrated in Egypt at the time of Winter Solstice with a babe in a manger. 3
The Yule log & the Christmas tree both began with the Norse bringing evergreens inside to celebrate. The burning of the Yule log was especially popular in England, France, Germany, 
and some southern Slavic areas. 4
The celebration of Yule in ritual and at home gives us an almost unlimited opportunity to improvise, and an endless wealth of familiar symbols. Our Yule or Solstice tree is simply a reclaimed symbol. We can even reclaim the crèche if we wish, and invite Mithra, or Horus and his mother Isis, to our Yule celebration. All winter solstice celebrations honor the return of the sun. Other representations of this rebirth include the battle between the Holly King, who is reborn at winter solstice, and the Oak King, who is reborn at summer solstice.
Red and green is a familiar color theme for Yule, and we can add other colors for our specific deities. We can decorate a log for a centerpiece of our Yule celebration, or if we are lucky we may have a fireplace available at home. You can decorate a tree with colored balls and a star, symbolizing the planets and the sun. Certainly any Yule celebration must include a feast, with decorations of Holly and lights to symbolize the returning sun abounding. And of course, a gift exchange is perfectly appropriate, with extra gifts for children.
What is the magickal purpose of this time? Celebration is part of the purpose. Most of us today do not face the trials our ancestors did, but moving about over the next few months will be a little more challenging, even in a mild climate like Seattle. It is the time to look inward. A good plan for Yule it to set personal growth goals. Your focus can be as pragmatic as going back to school, getting a new job, improving your health, or writing that book, or as non-material as conducting a daily ritual to grow yourself as a person. You can also make plans to volunteer at a shelter or for your favorite political candidate. To make these plans and goals a part of your Yule/Winter Solstice ritual, you can put your promises or wishes on a piece of paper to be burned or into an amulet to be saved. One idea for this gift giving season is to give your pledge to your patron deity or to yourself, and ask in return for the gifts of the season you would like to receive.
Whatever you do for the Solstice season, do it with joy and love.
- Song: “Wassail! Wassail! All Over the Town”, http://www.links2love.com/christmas-wassailing-song.htm
- “Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas” – History Channel http://www.history.com/shows.do?action=detail&episodeId=203414
- Jesus-Pagan links: The parallels between Horus and Jesus, http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcpa5.htm
- Frazer, James George - Golden Bough