With the Return of the light, hope prevails

We have been steeping in the sacred dark since the last turn of the Wheel of the Year at Samhain. As we near the next seasonal shift with Yule and Winter Solstice, we are reminded that now is a time of nesting and resting versus doing and pushing.

 This time of year is truly magical! If you are fortunate enough to live in the Northern Hemisphere (yes, this a shout out to snow!), the serene and pure energy of a freshly fallen blanket of white ushers in a time of hibernation and reflection. Like the natural world and all it's inhabitants, it is a season of deep sleep and renewal. In the quiet of the snowy stillness, we can dream about what is to come with the return of the light on December 21st with the arrival of Winter Solstice.

Yule, in the Wheel of the Year, is a mid-winter festival commonly observed by the Germanic and Northern European people. At the time of year when it was the most dark, people would bring the gifts of nature like evergreen trees, holly and other greenery inside their homes. The lighting of fires and candles was a reminder that the dark would give way to the returning Sun in the months to come. Many of our common day practices at Christmas can find their roots in Yuletide. 

This time of year invites in celebration, connection, nourishing and nurturing. We gather with loved ones - human and animals - to bathe in the joy of shared experiences and cheer. We exchange gifts, feast and relax as the outside world takes an intentional pause during this latter part of the year. No matter what beliefs or celebration you observe during this time of the year, the 12 days of Yule can enrich your seasonal experience by offering more meaningful ways to embrace this magical energy. 

With the return of the light, hope prevails for new beginnings and fresh starts. As 2025 comes to a close and we approach the next turn in the Wheel of the Year, I wish you a healthy, happy and restful Yuletide season.

 Peace be with you xox