The Winter Solstice (Yule)

The time of darkness is past. The winter solstice brings the victory of light.

After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force... the movement is natural, arising spontaneously. For this reason the transformation of the old becomes easy. The old is discarded and the new is introduced. Both measures accord with the time; therefore no harm results.

The idea of RETURN is based on the course of nature. The movement is cyclic, and the course completes itself. Therefore it is not necessary to hasten anything artificially. Everything comes of itself at the appointed time. This is the meaning of heaven and earth.

24. Fu / Return (The Turning Point)
The I Ching or Book of Changes

Yule is the best of times for quiet reflection, and so we are spending it quietly, or at least as quietly as these frenetic holiday times permit. There will be a trip out to the woods this morning and a walk among the snow capped cedars and spruces. There will be gifts of grain and apples and fresh cut cedar for the deer, suet and seed for the birds, wine and a loaf of the family fruitcake delivered to old friends. Then it is back to the little blue house in the village for candlelight, firelight and tea.

In the days before Yule, I always consider writing a long rambling meditation here on what this day means, but so many others have written about it, and they have done so more thoughtfully and eloquently than I shall ever be able to do.

For a wealth of wonderful Yuletide lore and traditions, visit Theresa Ruano and her friends at Candlegrove. Spend a few hours with Waverly Fitzgerald at the School of the Seasons and Sister Joanna Mermaid at the Gaian Tarot Artist's Journal. Pay a visit to Dr. Kathleen Jenks at Mything Links.

Joy on your journey and brightest blessings at this ancient, liminal, luminous and magical season.