I love this time of year for a couple of reasons. I love the decorations, the baking, the movies, and even the quiet that comes with midwinter. This season is one that those of us who base their spirituality in nature see as something more. This is the time of year when the days are at their shortest and darkness predominates. However, something magical happens at Yule. The Earth has reached the point where the sun can be ‘reborn’.
Yule is the turning point where the days finally start to get longer. It’s a great time to slow down and celebrate nature and the beauty of her quiet period. It’s also a great time to turn inwards and get in touch with yourself and the Earth!
Just because nature is taking a break and saving her energy, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t beauty to be found! Use the resources she has given to make some of your own decorations. Things like holly, pine cones, acorns, sticks, and evergreen branches are perfect craft supplies. Craft a Yule log, make ornaments for your tree, design a centerpiece! Get creative and get your imagination run wild. Use this time as an excuse to not only flex your creative muscles and have fun, but as a way to bond with your kids, friends, or family. Have a decoration making get-together and enjoy this season of sharing!
Even though it may be cold and snowy, you don’t have to completely avoid the outdoors. It’s way too easy to spend the whole winter wrapped up inside, but nature is beautiful and should be experienced in all of her frosty glory. The world becomes so quiet and serene during this time. Layering up and getting outside in the cool air can help you connect with nature year round. Sure, maybe earthing (walking barefoot) isn’t an option right now, but you can still hit some trails, a park, or even your own backyard.
Want to experience something extra special? Go outside when it’s dark. On a moonlit night, the light hits the snow and frost just right and makes it a magical experience! For instance, you can cozy up with a blanket and hot drink. Sit by a fire surrounded by the beauty of winter. Give it a shot and find out how serene and calming it can be.
When our ancestors lived a more agricultural life, the cycles of the Earth were something they were very in tune with. The lengthening of the days and the return of the sun and it’s light were really important to them. We can connect with our ancestors by honoring these cycles as well with a candlelight ritual. Lighting a candle in the dark symbolizes the return of the sun and it’s warmth. Pick a candle, go outside, and light it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it totally can be if you want!
Meditate on what this represents for you. Think about how you’ve been yearning for more sunlight, for longer days. Think about how it represents the rebirth of the sun. Everyone’s meditation practice will look different. Maybe it will be a few moments of gratitude. It could be a contemplative meditation on one of the solar deities. Perhaps it’s a prayer to your ancestors to help guide you through the darkest part of the year. Whatever your practice, use this time to turn inwards and connect with your spirituality.
Regardless of religious and spiritual leanings, I think we can all agree that this time of year is a great time to spend with those you love. Gather with your friends and family and host a feast to celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year!
Food is sort of my thing, and I love to celebrate with seasonally available ones. You read that right. There ARE foods that you can find in the winter because of their hardiness and type. Dark, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and even pomegranates are in season this time of year. Kiki Dombrowski has a great article on recipes for a Yule menu that you can use to plan a fun and festive get together.
If you practice yoga, performing 108 sun salutations on the solstices is a common practice. Because the solstices are considered times of change, 108 sun salutations can ‘reset’ us for the next season. Yule is all about welcoming the return of the sun and what better way than to perform sun salutations?
“Why 108” I hear you asking. This number comes from a belief within the Hindu religion that 108 is a sacred number. There are numerous instances where 108 is seen. The Upanishads, or sacred texts number 108. There are 108 sacred sites in India. Similarly, there are 108 sacred points exist on the body. And the sun is 108 times it’s diameter from the Earth.
Celebrating Yule doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. In fact, some of the most fulfilling things you can do cost little more than some time and creativity. Spend this time of year turning inward and focusing on connecting with yourself and nature. Get outside. Welcome the sun. And look forward to the return of the light.
How do you celebrate Yule? Do you have any traditions or want to start? Comment below and let me know!
If you’re interested in incorporating practices like these into your life but don’t know where to start, find out more about what I do and how I can help!