Yule (from the Anglo-Saxon 'Yula', meaning 'wheel' of the year) is usually celebrated on the actual Winter Solstice, which may vary by a few days, though it usually occurs on or around December 21st.
Winter Solstice is the time to celebrate the Sun bringing brighter days. It signifies a time when the Mother Goddess sets the wheel in motion again for the new year.
Divinatory Yule Stones
A Welcome Bowl to predict the coming year!
I'd like to share with you an annual Yule tradition that I call my "Welcome Bowl".
This can be done throughout the season as visitors come to your home, or at your Christmas or New Year's Eve party. You will need a decorative bowl or basket surrounded by festive holiday candles and holly, ivy or mistletoe (to symbolize fertility and everlasting life), and finally a selection of gemstones or totems wrapped in colorful foil or paper.
1. On small strips of paper, write down the divinatory meaning (see below) for each gemstone or totem.
2. Now wrap the stone or animal with its meaning in the foil or paper.
3. Invite each guest to 'stir' the bowl once, then choose their personal Yule stone.
4. Ask the guest to keep the stone or animal as a reminder to stay on the path towards their goals throughout the coming year. The divinatory meaning will provide the successful path forward.
You can fill your bowl with all gemstones or a mixture of stones and animals. It may be fun to have mostly gemstones and 1 totem animal. Mix and match anyway you want. Oh, don't forget - you will want to pick one too!
