Yule
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The Winter Solstice, Christmas
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The winter solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Being an astronomical event
the actual date will vary from year to year. Many witches celebrate it on the 21 anyway.
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Yule is the festival of the rebirth of the Sun. The Sun decreasing since teh Summer Solstice, now
starts to increase in strength.Even in the wintery depts, we are reminded that life will prevail. Witches
often brig evergreen into their home to signify this return of the growing season. Holly is also popular,
representing the Holly King, who rules until this time.Mistletoe is also a popular decoration with strong
connections to Paganism. It has been long considered Magickal because it grows between the Earth and
the sky, not rooted in the ground.
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Many people will go out just before dawn to watch the Sun rise and welcome the Sun King, not just
witches. This time of the year the Sun rises late and there is usually a fair amount of light aout an
hour before the Sun rises.
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Yule is when the Oak King is reborn, for he is the Lord of Summer. Legend reads that the Oak and Holly
Kings are brothers that share the rule of the year.The Holly King reigning midsummer to midwinter, the
period of incresing darkness, and the Oak King reigning midwinter to midsummer, the period of incresing
light. Thus they represent light and dark. The light and the darkness not representing good and bad,
but the balance of the year.
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Many people prepare a Yule log to mark the Sabbat.It is a real log which a number of candles is placed
upon. They would light the candles one by one or burn the log in their fire place.Many groups will use
a chocolate log, lightinf one candle for each member taking place in the celebration. Once wished are
stasted, the log is eaten.
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