Yule Altar 2019

Yule is definitely one of my favorite holidays of the year. Being the shortest day of the year, it reminds us to look within ourselves and reflect upon our lives. It is also a great time to communicate with spirits and the Wild Hunt often takes place during this time. Furthermore, Yule is characterized by rebirth, new beginnings, and hope. Despite it being the shortest day of the year, it reminds us that light will come again and the Sun will be reborn. This year's altar reflects all of these themes, from the Wild Hunt to rebirth.

1. Candles- This altar is covered in candles symbolizing the rebirth of the Sun. Furthermore, they represent sympathetic magic, the idea that by lighting the candles to symbolize the Sun and returning warmth, that the Sun will arrive quickly the next morning and continue to grow in strength through the Spring and Summer. Being white, the candles represent purity and a clean slate in preparation for the New Year. Yule is a time to reflect and begin anew. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree (2018-2019); Cost: $1 for each candle holder and $1 for all the candles)

2. Rose of Jericho- The Rose of Jericho, also referred to as resurrection fern, is the perfect addition to any Yule altar as Yule is the time the Sun is reborn. In Christianity, this is represented by the birth of Jesus, while other religions also see the birth of a God of Goddess occurring at this time as well. The Rose of Jericho symbolizes this rebirth and renewal symbolic of this sabbat. (Where did I get it: House of Rituals Subscription Box; Cost: $12)

3. Yule Tree- No Yule altar is complete without the Yule tree. This evergreen tree represents life during death, that despite how bleak and terrible things may seem, there is still hope that life will return and Spring will come again. (Where did I get it: Michael's Craft Store 2015; Cost: $4)

4. Pearls, Bloodstone, and Garnet- Pearls, bloodstone, and garnet are all traditional stones of Yule. The pearls represent the Moon, which dominates on the longest night of the year. They also represent purity, love, and protection. Spirits abound on this night, having extra time to roam our plane of existence. Pearls offer up their protection this night in the loving embrace of the Moon. Bloodstone, on the other hand, was known as heliotrope by the Ancients which comes from the Greek helios meaning "sun" and trepein meaning "to attract." As such, bloodstone or heliotrope signifies "sun-turning" and is said to attract the rays of the Sun. Again, this is a form of sympathetic magic to bring forth the rebirth of the Sun and ward off the neverending night. Finally, garnet represents the primordial fire of creation which will bring about the rebirth of the Sun and with it will come Spring and new life. (Where did I get it: Various Subscription Boxes and Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$6)

5. Fox Skull- Once again I have my fox skull on my altar, representing the spirits roaming the Earth during the Winter Solstice. Furthermore, the skull represents the Wild Hunt, a ghostly group of supernatural beings in wild pursuit. Witnesses to the Wild Hunt are said to die or be taken to the Underworld. The skull is a nod to this folklore tradition and a form of protection from the Hunt, lest we be pulled into its pursuit.  (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free or available on Etsy for $30)

TOTAL COST: ~$28-58

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost may be higher. I hope you find this sort of break down helpful, especially those of you looking to create Instagram perfect altars on a budget! There is no reason your altars have to cost a fortune, so why not save some money and use what you may already have? This altar is on the more expensive side, but I didn't have to purchase anything new to create it. I like to use items I already have or find in nature, so while at first it looks expensive, it actually cost me very little in the long run.

How did you celebrate Yule this year? Let me know in the comments below. I took a trip to Asheville and celebrated with a ghost tour, a visit to the Biltmore Estate, a hike to Catawba Falls, and some really good food and cheer. It was just what I needed to recuperate!