Eugene The Eclectic Wiccan's blog: "Yule"

Bringing Light into the season of darkness (by Trish Reynolds - December 15, 2006) Let the candle flame light, the dark and longest night. Archeological indications are that the winter solstice in particular was a spiritually significant time. Neolithic observatories such as Stonehenge in England and Ireland’s Newgrange reveal that man has long known how to accurately calculate the solstices and equinoxes. During the early Roman Empire the winter solstice celebrated the birth of the Persian Sun god, Mithras or Sol Deus Invictus (The Invincible Sun) who was widely worshipped in the Mesopotamian provinces of the Empire. In the European regions, including the city of Rome itself, Saturn, the god of agriculture was honored with the Saturnalia Feast from December 17 through the solstice, which fell on December 24 or 25 of the Julian calendar. The designation of December 25 as a Christian holiday was first recorded in texts dating to 325 AD under Constantine, when Christianity was made the state religion of the Roman Empire. While made official under Constantine, it is widely held that Emperor Aurelian first decreed Christmas in 274 AD though early adherents to the new religion didn’t universally accept it. Since the indigenous religions of the time viewed this occasion as the rebirth of the sun, it made political sense for the Church to adopt the obvious symbolism and choose this period for the celebration of the nativity of the Christ Child. The Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar in the late fourteenth century, but the date of Christmas remained the 25. In an agrarian society, the winter solstice marks a crucial point in the natural cycle. The word comes from the combination of Sol, the Latin name given to our sun, and ‘stitium’ a Latin word meaning ‘a pause’. For a few days twice a year the sun appears to do just that, pause in its journey through the sky. In ancient times the winter solstice was considered the mid-point of the winter season. The sun would stop its voyage toward darkness and cold and after a brief pause, begin to move back toward longer days, times of new growth and renewal of life. In a spiritual sense, it represents hope. The pause of the sun reminds us that the darkness will be banished, the light will be renewed, and that all things once dead will find life again. The Christmas tree, Yule log, mistletoe and other icons of the Christmas season have all been adapted from various solstice traditions. While usually viewed as purely decorative today, these items have deep symbolic significance in the elder faiths as well as to modern Neopagans. By lighting a ceremonial fire, our ancestors were encouraging the return of the sun. In Scandinavian lore the Yule log must catch fire on the first try and burn until dawn to illuminate the longest night. The word "Yule" may have roots in the old Germanic word ‘jul’ meaning to turn. The use of candles has always been seen as a symbol of divine light. In some cultures they focused on the spiritual belief that beings of light, warmth and new life, would turn the Great Wheel and the spring would come again. Today with most of us lacking the means to burn a log of that size, a simple decorative log with holes bored for candles to be lit and re-lit to last through the longest night is a fun, modern adaptation. Mistletoe was one of a group of plants including pine, holly, spruce, and yew, which were used to decorate and freshen homes during the cold season. Since these plants appeared to flourish during the winter months, they became symbols that life continued its cycle even in the coldest and shortest of days. Mistletoe grew on the bare branches of sacred oaks, making them appear to bloom even through the dead months, and was considered sacred by the Druids. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe seems to have originated in the late eighteenth century. While the actual bough used might just as easily have been holly, ultimately it was the bright berries and rich green color that made mistletoe the modern favorite. While decorating indoors with evergreens can be traced back to ancient times, and Vikings may have hung fruit in the branches of fir-trees for the wandering Odin, the custom of bringing an evergreen tree indoors is a fairly modern adaptation. It appears first in Germany in the middle of the sixteenth century as Christians brought evergreen trees into their homes and decorated them to honor the Christ Child. When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of the German Royal family, he brought the custom to England. In 1841 Windsor Castle had its first Christmas tree, decorated with candles and a variety of sweets, fruits and gingerbread ornaments. Other fashionable families soon adopted the tree as their own and before long the custom made its way across the Atlantic to the United States. Feasting has long been associated with winter celebrations whether it was the Saturnalia of the Romans, the Solstice of the Gaels, Scandinavian Yule or Christmas dinner. In pre-industrial times, the winter months would have been lean. Survival meant subsisting on the last of the crops and meat harvested at the end of autumn. Taking from the precious provisions to feast in honor of the returning light was an incredibly courageous affirmation of faith in the divine. Whatever the specific symbolism, the birth of the Christ Child, or Sol Deus Invictus, the holiday remains today what it has always been - a season of faith and hope in the midst of darkness. This year’s winter solstice occurs on December 21 at 7:22 p.m. EST Trish Reynolds' e-mail address is reynolds@northjersey.com. Source: www.mtoliveweekly.com/NC/0/359.html

Winter Solstice Wishing Candle Author Unknown There is a tradition of making a wish at the Winter Solstice, of burning pieces of paper with wishes or affirmations written on them. When creating a Winter Solstice candle, you will infuse the molten wax with your wish or intent and release it with the burning of the candle. This is a very basic recipe for creating candles at home using scraps of old wax or wax purchased from a craft store. It is designed for simplicity and to use items found in most kitchens. Items needed: * large metal pot – an old stew pot works well * old glass carafe (such as a coffee pot) or soup/coffee can(s) * candy thermometer * blocks of purchased wax or used candles (your choice of color) * small paper cups (Dixie Brand), or other molds * wicks (available at craft stores) * wooden spoon, oven mitt, towels, and waxed paper or newspaper to cover work area * ground frankincense resin (optional) The Wax The purpose of making recycled candles is to use all those scraps of wax left-over from old candles — and to save money. If you don’t have a lot of old wax lying around, start saving it. Have your friends and relatives save theirs for you and soon you’ll have more wax than you can use! Until then, you can buy blocks of wax from craft stores. This recipe is for basic paraffin wax only — however, beeswax can be included. Using recycled wax from spent candles is a bit of an adventure. Since wax type and quality varies, one good way for beginners to get started is to take one very large candle that has burned down, such as the large three-wick type, and make many smaller votives from it. Certain waxes will be harder or softer than others so to be safe always burn recycled candles in a heat-proof container. For example, wax designed to be burned in a container has a lower melting point and should never be used to create a votive or pillar candle. When mixing waxes, your candles may be harder or softer than you expect. When purchasing wax from a craft store to make votives, buy the type of wax for molded candles. The wax chunks should be small to medium-sized for quicker melting. A good way to break up large blocks of wax is to place the wax in a plastic bag and use a hammer to break it. This is best done outdoors on a safe surface. The Wick There are several types of wicking. You can buy long strips that can be cut to a specific size and these come in braided or wire (metal core). Wire is best for this type of candle. Wick tabs are small metal plates that you can crimp to the bottom of your wick to help it stand up but, for this type of candle and method, they are not necessary. Another easy method if you’re making votive candles is to buy wicks that have tabs already attached to the bottom. These are perfect for paper cup candles. You’ll probably get about a dozen in a package, so it’s cheaper to buy the long length of wicking and cut it. But the choice is yours. There are generally three sizes, small, medium, and large. The packages indicate what candle size each type is used for. Paper cup size is about 1 _ to 2 inches in diameter. Small or medium wicking works best. Ideally, your candle will burn evenly all the way down. If you use wicking that’s too large, you may end up with a runny mess. Wicking that is too small will cause the candle to burn down in the middle but leave an outer shell. This is often a desired effect since there’s less chance of a mess. However, a hole could form in the shell and liquid wax could still spill through. Medium wicking is the best choice for the paper cup style votive. But, you still may not get perfect burning, especially when using recycled wax. When mixing wax you never know what results you’ll get so always burn these types of candles in a safe container. The Mold This recipe simply requires a paper cup to create a basic votive candle. It can be expanded upon by using larger molds, just keep in mind that the appropriate wick size must be used in order for the candle to burn effectively. Just about any container that can withstand heat can be used for a mold – but remember: you have to be able to get the candle out. This can be difficult. That’s why paper cups and cardboard molds (juice cans) work so well – you just peel them off. Of course, you can invest in reusable molds that are sold at craft stores but keep in mind you’ll need several of them to pour many candles at once. The number of candles you can make in a batch depends on your mold size. Generally, a pound of wax will yield 8-12 standard votives. Paper cups are a bit larger than regular votive size. Creating the Candle First, cover the area you'll be using with waxed paper or newspaper to aid in clean-up. Wear old clothes, and use old towels. You can use a cookie sheet to set the candles on to cool, if you wish, and an oven mitt will also be useful. Add a couple inches of warm tap water to the pot and place it on the stove. Put the chunks of wax in the carafe (or can) and place the carafe inside the pot of water. This simulates a double boiler. Bring the water to a gentle boil – the water should remain at a low but steady boil to avoid water splashing up into the wax. Once the water is hot and the wax begins melting, adjust the temperature so the water stays hot, but not boiling. Use the thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. You must use a high-temperature thermometer – the kind used for making hard candy is ideal. If your thermometer has a clip you can attach it to the side of the carafe or can. Add water to the pot as needed – be careful not to let the pot boil dry. If your pot is large enough, you can melt several different colors at the same time by using two or three small soup cans. Use caution when handling these as they will become hot. Use an oven mitt or towel. While you're waiting for the wax to melt, cut your wicks to the appropriate length, a little taller than the rim of the cup. When the wax in the carafe is melted, carefully dip the wicks into it so all but the tip you’re holding is immersed in the wax, and lay them on waxed paper or a cookie sheet to dry. This is called priming the wicks and makes them stiff and easier to work with. Stir the wax occasionally as it is melting. When the wax reaches pouring temperature, about 160 degrees F, remove the carafe from the water and place it on a heat-proof surface. Now is the time to focus your intent and make your wish. Visualize your need being absorbed into the molten wax and make your Solstice wish or affirmation. At this time add the ground frankincense resin and stir the wax a few more times. Then, pour the wax into the mold(s) you have selected. You may cast a circle for this process if you like, but just remember not to let the wax cool down. If you decide to create a longer ritual for creating your candle, leave the pot in the water until you’re ready to pour the wax. If you’ve made a large batch of wax, create one candle for your personal Solstice wish by using special intent for pouring your candle, and then use this simple chant for the rest of the candles, to be given as gifts or saved for later: Molten wax, take shape anew, As I pour energy into you, Await a wish and hold it fast, Fulfill it when the flame is cast. Use caution when pouring to prevent wax from dripping onto the burner and catching flame. Always wipe the lip of the carafe or can after pouring and remember to wear your oven mitt. I have found it helpful when using cans to squeeze one side of the can to a point to make pouring easier. Be sure to reserve some liquid wax and keep it warm, as it will be needed later to "top-off" the candles. Wait about 20 minutes, or until the wax in the molds begins to form a thin "skin" on top, and then stick the wick down into the wax; even without a wick tab it will adhere to the bottom of the cup, where the wax is beginning to thicken. Make sure your wick is centered. The wick should be able to stand up on its own. If it doesn’t, then the wax isn’t thick enough yet. Wait a bit longer before trying to insert the wick. As the candles cool, a well will probably form around the wick causing the candle to appear sunk in the center. This is normal since wax shrinks as it cools. Simply pour a thin layer of wax over the top. Repeat this process as desired until the candles are cool and nearly level on top. The entire process could take several hours to complete. Of course, if you don’t care how the candle looks, don’t worry about topping it off. Although I recommend at least topping it off once since the wick could lean over if you don’t. Each time you pour, try to keep the wax the same temperature. Differences in pouring temperature can change the finished texture of the wax. Clean Up & Finishing the Candle You shouldn't need to wash your carafe and cans. Simply pour out all the wax - any that is left over can be poured into a paper cup to cool and used next time. Wipe the inside of the containers with a paper towel. When candles are cool, carefully peel off the paper cup. It’s best to wait several hours, or overnight. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch and they're ready! Remember: Wax is very forgiving! You can always melt it down and start over if you don't like the results. These solstice candles also make great gifts, and your personal energy will make them extra special. Color suggestions for the winter solstice include yellow (to welcome the sunlight), white, red, or green. Tie a decorative ribbon around the candle and use a gift tag to announce the candle as a symbol to welcome the returning light. Don’t forget to have the gift recipient make a solstice wish when lighting the candle. RIPPED (With Loving Consent) FROM THE BLOG OF VICTORIA