Yule is a Celtic Festival to celebrate the beginning of the end of darkness of winter and return of Spring. Garnet, a red crystal and colour associated with Yule is a protection stone and Jade, a green crystal, another colour of Yule, promotes relationships and health.
Symbols and Traditions of Yule
The symbols of Yule are Holly, Mistletoe, Ivy and Pine. Holly is to repel unwanted spirits and is the Celtic evergreen twin of the Oak that rules the winter part of the year. Mistletoe, is a healer and protector, the white berries represent the semen of the male and is associated with fertility. Ivy symbolizes immortality and resurrection and Pine represents healing and joy.
The tradition of the Yule log is to bring the energy and protection of the forest inside. The ashes from this log were put on the fields to prepare them for ploughing in Spring. A red ribbon tied around the base of a Birch tree is used to ward off negative energy. Green, red and white are the colors of Yule. Yule charm bread is scored into the eight sections of the Wheel of the Year. Wassail is a traditional hot drink made at this time to be shared with friends and neighbours. Traditional Celtic Music, like the song “Patapan” for the Winter Solstice is available by Damh the Bard
Crystals for Yule
Crystals for calming and promoting love are useful in rituals at this time. Rose quartz and jade, green, a color of Yule promote love for others as well as self-love and nurturing. Moonstone is a white crystal associated with fertility and is a calming stone. Take five moonstones, and lay one above your head, one by each shoulder and one by each hip to help calm and increase fertility and balance. Carnelian helps with fertility as well, when place on the sacral chakra area, just below the abdomen; it helps with blocks to creativity.
Garnet, a red color of Yule, helps with our physical health and safety and with circulation and is a protection stone. Clear quartz is also an important crystal at this time of year as a healing crystal. Take a clear crystal point and pull it away from the foot counter clockwise to help draw negative energy away from body and ease tired feet.
Yule Rituals
Rituals for letting go of the past and guidance for the future are traditionally done at this time. Myrrh is especially good for aiding in releasing burdens and rosemary cleanses the aura and encourages confidence and clarity of purpose. Moon spells were considered more powerful at this time because the moon was at its strongest. Blue Preseli, the stone used at Stonehenge, from the Preseli hills in Wales, is a healing protection stone with a high vibration. It is used in shamanic rituals and geomancy, divination using ley lines and earth energy particularly powerful at this time.
Cara Moore - Cara E. Moore is an author, poet, playwright and writer who has written for internet sites, newspapers, magazines, theatre and ...
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