We all know Christmas is coming, but did you know that this time of the year has many other spiritual meanings? Ancient and renewed rituals celebrate our planet's journey around the sun.
Wicca (December 21, Yule celebration)
Yule marks the New Year in the old Anglo-Saxon traditions, and celebrates the birth of the God as the Winter-born king. The longer days are taken as a symbol of rebirth, and it is a time for ritual letting go of the past year's impurities, while contemplating what lies ahead. Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, originating among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago.
"Yule" became synonymous with Christmas around the 9th century, although some vestiges of the original celebration remain such as the tradition of burning a Yule log, or the tradition of the Yule goat in countries like Sweden.
For Wiccans, Yule is the second sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, which is marked by rituals to welcome the return of the Sun and to celebrate rebirth and renewal.
Aboriginal (December 22, 12th moon)
The Manidoo-giizisoons or Little Spirit Moon is the twelfth moon of Creation. It marks a time of healing and good health, and invites us to share this most positive energy with our families and friends for the good of all. (knowledge courtesy of Kanawayhitowin)
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“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.” –Og Mandino
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