Yule is a pagan festival that celebrates the winter solstice, usually occurring around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Many modern Pagan traditions observe Yule as a
time of reflection, renewal, and the return of the sun. Yule has ancient roots and has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, most notably Norse, Roman, and Germanic influences.
Here's a simple Yule Altar setup that you can adapt to your own beliefs and practices I set mine up twelve days before Christmas, lighting the candles for a bit every night, but I do burn the Yule log on the 21st, not the 25th:
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Decorate your altar with symbols of the season such as evergreen branches, holly, mistletoe, and candles. Use colors like red, green, and white. I am using the Coventry Creations Limited Edition Kringle candle as my central candle as I love the deep holiday green, but this could easily be swapped out for the Limited Edition Krampus candle (I have my Krampus candle on a different Krampus mini altar). with several smaller red and white candles. In my oil diffuser I have Wicked Good Juniper Oil as it has a very "winter" smell to me . I also add a Yule log to the center of my altar but will not burn that inside as I don’t have a fireplace, so that will be burned outside in the firepit.
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Take a moment for reflection. Meditate on the significance of the winter solstice, the returning of the sun, and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Light the central candle representing the sun. As you do so, express your intentions for the coming year and welcome the return of the light.
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On the 21st share a festive meal with friends or family next to the altar. Traditional foods include hearty stews, bread, and spiced cider. If you have a fireplace or firepit you can burn your Yule Log. End the night with words of gratitude and a sense of renewed energy and purpose.
Remember, rituals and Altars can be highly personal, so feel free to adapt this Yule Altar Layout to suit your beliefs and preferences. Always follow your intuition and work within a framework that resonates with you. Have a Blessed Yule season and Happy Holidays!