The Wheel of the Year · VIII

Yule

The winter solstice

The darkest moment carries the seed of the return.

The longest night, and the sun reborn.

Yule is the winter solstice, the bottom of the year. The longest night is kept with fire and company, and the return of the light is coaxed and celebrated. Nearly every midwinter custom of warmth and evergreen traces back to it.

Common practices

• Burning a Yule log saved from the year before
• Evergreen boughs, holly, and mistletoe indoors
• A vigil through the longest night until sunrise
• Gift giving and open doors for visitors
• Wassail, spiced cider, and toasts to the returning sun