As the light and warmth of Yule shines from within our homes and hearts, we are beacons to a plethora of spirits fleeing the icy purge of winter. Just as we mortals seek shelter and protection from the cold, the desire for love, comfort, nourishment, and the company of others runs through all spiritual beings at Yule.
The magickal energies of Yule are ruled by the forces of the Underworld. Persephone has returned to sit by Hades’ side, and the Earth is in a process of drawing down dead and dying vegetation: detritus which will become fuel for new growth. Yule is both the very end and the very beginning of the solar year. During this Saturnian time, we are given the chance to quietly and deeply contemplate that which we should discard and consider how best to rid ourselves of all that will hamper our growth in the coming year.
Yule is a time for purification, for cleansing, and for setting up protective forces against the destructive elements of winter, such as cold, damp, mold, darkness, hunger, and loneliness.
The powers of Saturn, lord of time, aging, and death, are growing. We feel the energies of Saturn as cold, austere, diminishing, restrictive, severing, and enduring. Saturn’s power overcomes that which is weak and waning and forces life into hibernation, where we must overwinter, sleep, contemplate, and conserve our life force as Saturn devours the old year.
The Magickal Correspondences of Yule
Practice magick with the correspondences of Yule to align your intentions with the sacred energies of winter. When the light of the sun is at its weakest, incorporate materia magicka that will increase your own vitality and strength, and stoke the fires of warmth, comfort, and abundance both within your heart and in your home.
The Colours of Yule
Work with colours that conjure vitality, inspiration, clarity of thought, joviality, warmth, and passion. Rich velvety reds, gold, claret, white, silver, evergreen, deep yellow, purple, and midnight blue can all bring depth and vibrancy to those bleak midwinter days.
Crystal Energies
Incline towards crystals that carry purifying and cleansing energies, and that will aid you in manifesting wisdom, and your dreams of prosperity and personal power.
Recommended crystals
Clear quartz
Golden pyrite
Obsidian
Garnet
Jasper
Malachite
Moldavite
Carnelian
Selenite
Moss agate
Jade
Amethyst
Plants, Herbs, Spices, and Resins
Spices and Prosperity
Burn cloves as incense to enhance prosperity spells. Use cardamom and nutmeg for warmth, passion, and love.
Citrus Vitality
Dried citrus, such as lemons and oranges, brings the Sun’s vitality to decorations, herbal teas, and winter drinks.
Evergreens for Cleansing
Incorporate evergreen foliage like pine, spruce, fir, and cedar for cleansing and healing properties. Blend with juniper berries to create a powerful saining incense for purification and protection.
Holly, Ivy, and Mistletoe
Decorate with holly and ivy but avoid consuming them due to toxicity. Mistletoe, with its rich folklore, symbolizes peace, love, and protection. Hang it to invite harmony and, of course, enjoy the tradition of kissing beneath it!
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
These three ancient gifts, steeped in magickal symbolism, can be incorporated into your Yule rituals.
Gold represents the Sun, royalty, and wealth.
Frankincense connects to the heavens and divine communication.
Myrrh honours the Underworld and is sacred to its gods.
Use these to channel prosperity, manifest greatness, and align with the divine energies of the season.
Kitchen Witch Herbs
Warm and Stimulating
Sage, rosemary, and thyme are excellent for warming the mind and body.
Vitamin-Boosting Herbs
Rosehips, citrus, raspberry leaves, and nettles enhance vitality.
For Rest and Relaxation
Chamomile, lemon balm, mugwort, oat straw, and valerian help soothe the body and promote restful sleep.
The Deities of Yule
Honour the deities whose powers are strongest at the winter solstice:
The Newborn Sun
Saturn/Chronos
The Crone
Persephone and Hades
The Horned God
Odin
Hecate
The Dark Deities
Frigga
Horus
Magickal Symbols of Yule
Incorporate these symbols into your spells and rituals:
Symbols of light
The Wren (luck and prophecy)
The Holly King
Oak logs
Wreaths
Bells
Snowflakes and icicles
Protection, love, fertility, and prosperity sigils
~~~
As the wheel of the year turns to Yule, embrace the transformative power of this sacred season. May your rituals bring warmth, joy, and renewal as you honour the light returning to the world. Wishing you much success in your magickal workings and abundant blessings for the year ahead. Bright Yule to you! 🌟