It’s time.

The shortest day of the 2025 is here (unless you live Down Under, then you’re in for long, hot days).

At 10:03 today, December 21, the Winter Solstice, aka Yule, arrived.

Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals with its roots in ancient Germanic times. Themes of light, fire, and feasting were common threads within the celebrations. Although its history isn’t linked to catholicism, Yule became a name for Christmas about the 9th century. But those of use who follow the craft, we celebrate Yule without a crèche or baby in a manger. Although I do enjoy John Denver and the Muppets singing Silent Night.

The original Yule log was usually a full tree that was brought into the house and burned from the bottom with the tip of the tree sticking out into the room (a bucket of water must have been kept handy) and burned for 12 days (thus, the 12 Days of Christmas song’s origin).

The tree/log was burned as a tribute to the Sun; a beacon of hope and light when people faced the darkest days of the year. Come spring the ashes were used as fertilizer.

For Wiccans, Yule is the second sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, celebrated with rituals to welcome the return of the light as the length of daylight increases.

Decorating a Yule Log is a popular ritual for many pagans. All one needs are some evergreen sprigs to represent life, winter berries for warmth, and candles for light, and a glue gun, for, well, glue. Oh, and matches. And pinecones if you’d like.

Since I have cats who chew on anything green, my Yule decorations are the spent flower heads in my gardens, providing seeds for the birds during the harsh winter months.

For those of you in the northern hemisphere, how will you celebrate the shortest day of the year? Here are some traditional activities: share a meal with loved ones, burn candles, sing, dance, scatter birdseed, reflect, write intentions for the coming months, or meditate. If there’s snow on the ground, going for a walk in the woods is always fun. Plus the snow keeps ticks at bay.

On my best day I never looked as pretty. Damn, why didn’t I own a pink coat?

Whatever you decide to do today, I hope its wonderful.

May the longest night and the shortest day bring rest to your mind & soul. 

As the cycle of light slowly increases, embrace the magic that the darkness bears.

May you find peace, and live with ease and comfort.

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi profondamente, mio ​​amato immortale.

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