The Twelve Days Of Yule
As the year winds down, I think of Yule which a growing number of us associate with the rebirth of the Sun or Winter Solstice. Modern society has adapted many of the old pre-Christian traditions into Christmas. As a child, I never knew this nor probably did you. In my mind, back then, I considered the Christmas celebration to be organized by churches and Santa Claus.
Years ago when I was living in New York, I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, a serendipitous decision to attend the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival at the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine, a Twelfth Night celebration with dancing, music, juggling and the Cathedral's own version of the mummer's play ''St. George and the Dragon.'' It combined themes of celebration and joy not seen in my childhood Catholic Church in a small New England town. Today this Festival is no longer at that Cathedral but it is in others in Europe, the UK and America. I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you can, go.
Yule celebrates the longest night, reminding us of the darkness which must exist before dawn breaks through. It is said that as early as the Stone Age, in Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland, people would gather around these structures built to align with the the sunrise to capture the last rays of the sun before the darkest day of the year.
The ancient Greeks celebrated The Feast of Poseidon during the Winter Solstice when the men and women would separate; the men built bonfires and feasted while the women ate cake and drank (how about that!). Later they would gather together and hold a public banquet lasting for days.
Technically Yule is a 12-day feast, beginning on the Solstice which was celebrated in the Germanic countries throughout history. Logs were brought home and lit on one end, typically taking 12 days to burn and there you have it… the Yule Log.
Yule was intended as a pagan celebration. And now there are the 12 Days of Christmas. Both are celebrated around much of the world.
Here is a brief guide to the Wiccan celebration of the 12 Days of Yule which you might consider incorporating. They are from the '“Ultimate Witches Guide”:
Day 1 (Mother’s Night) – December 20th/21st
Mother’s Night kicks off the Yule celebration. This is the night to honor the goddesses, particularly Frigg, the Norse mother goddess, and the Dísir, protective of female ancestors. Light candles and meditate on the divine feminine, your ancestors, and maternal energies.
Day 2 – December 22nd
On this day, the focus is on restoration. After the long night, we welcome the rebirth of the Sun. Reflect on cycles of life, death, and rebirth. You can craft sun symbols or light a yellow candle to represent this rejuvenation.
Day 3 – December 23rd
The third day is all about feasting and family. Come together with loved ones for a celebratory meal. If you're practicing alone, focus on gratitude for the relationships you cherish, both physical and spiritual. Honor the bonds that support and strengthen you.
Day 4 – December 24th
Today is the Day of the Wild Hunt, a day to honor spirits and the ancestors who roam the earth during the longest nights. It’s a good time to reflect on Odin, the Norse god often associated with Yule and the Wild Hunt. Leave offerings like bread or apples for spirits at your doorstep.
Day 5 – December 25th
While much of the world celebrates Christmas, Yule’s fifth day celebrates community and giving. This is a great day to reach out to friends, neighbors, or coven members and share warmth—whether through a small gift, food, or even kind words.
Day 6 – December 26th
Spiritual renewal is the theme today. Light candles in the morning to bring blessings into your home. Cleanse your space, your altar, or your tarot cards, setting your intentions for the remainder of the Yule season.
Day 7 – December 27th
On this day, wisdom is sought. Turn to divination, whether it’s through tarot, runes, or scrying, to seek guidance for the coming year. Take time to reflect on lessons from the past and the direction you wish to head in the future.
Day 8 – December 28th
Today focuses on abundance and the generosity of the universe. Create spells for prosperity or set your intentions for abundance in the coming year. Burn incense, cinnamon or cloves to attract wealth and success.
Day 9 – December 29th
The Day of Strength encourages you to honor your personal power. Reflect on the challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them. You can also call on deities or spirits of strength, like Thor or the warrior spirits of your ancestry, to empower you.
Day 10 – December 30th
As the Yule season nears its end, it's time to honor protection. Craft protective charms or talismans, smudge your home with sage, or cast a circle to shield your space from negativity. Focus on preserving the positive energy you've cultivated throughout Yule.
Day 11 – December 31st
This is a night for celebration and joy. Yule's magic merges with New Year's Eve, making it a perfect time to celebrate the year’s end. Light fireworks or sparklers, dance, or make noise to drive away lingering darkness and welcome in a brighter new year.
Day 12 – January 1st
The final day of Yule is a day of renewal and new beginnings. On this day, reflect on the transformations you've undergone throughout the Yule season. Write down your goals for the new year or create a vision board that represents your intentions. This is the day to embody hope, light, and the magic of a fresh start.
In the quiet beauty of the season may you find peace and joy.
Your words mean the world to me, Cate. Thank you.
xx
Thank you for this history and especially for detailing the daily spiritual practice for each of the Twelve Days. I love it that you've written about the Norse customs, because I'm studying Norse mythology and magic. And this sentence is such a great way to describe the limited culture we grew up in: "I considered the Christmas celebration to be organized by churches and Santa Claus."