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Monday, December 21, 2020

Yule Altar 2020

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

Yuletide blessings, witches! I hope your Yule is filled with merriment and light, despite the pandemic. I started decorating for Yule much earlier this year, wishing to spend more time with the festive lights and decorations. I think we could all use a little more Yule this year. In fact, if I didn't love Samhain as well, I probably would have decorated for Yule at the beginning of October. Haha! It's just been one of those years, am I right? Yule begins on the Winter Solstice (December 22, 2020) and ends on January 1, 2021. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, marking the final day of lasting darkness and the return of the Sun. The Winter Solstice has been celebrated by a variety of cultures for thousands of years as it marked an important transition in the Wheel of the Year. With it being the longest night, folklore sprung up around what happened in the dark, the most prominent of these European myths being the Wild Hunt. Candles were lit to drive away the darkness, keep out the demons, and encourage the Sun's return so that life would flourish once more. And in the darkness, a god was born. Depending on the tradition, this included such deities as Horus, Dionysus, Apollo, and the infamous Oak King. With these themes in mind, I created this year's Yule altar to bright my room and my spirits, in hopes that 2021 offers fairer waters.

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

1. Wooden Acorns- One of my favorite myths is the tale of the Oak and Holly Kings. The Holly King is at his peak during the Winter Solstice, but his power begins to weaken as the Oak King, who is reborn on the Winter Solstice, regains power. The two wooden acorns flanking either side of my altar are an ode to the Oak King. They also represent strength, new life, and rebirth, a promise of what is to come once the darkness passes. Oaks are well known for the protective nature, which is needed on the longest night of the year. The acorns not only represent the Oak King and the strength He provides, but also provide my home with protection from wayward spirits and the Wild Hunt. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

2. White Candles & Lights- The ward off the darkness, candles were lit to protect those within on the Winter Solstice from dangerous spirits and the Wild Hunt while simultaneously ushering in the return of the Sun. For this reason, I have placed a number of white candles, which represent the Sun, purity, and renewal, on my altar. The white votive candles also smell of vanilla, an uplifting scent to keep spirits high despite the darkness. Furthermore, the Sun is reborn on the Winter Solstice, the candles being an offering to His return. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $6, $1 each)

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

3. Garnet and Bloodstone- Bloodstone 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. Like the candles, this is a form of sympathetic magic to bring forth the rebirth of the Sun and ward off the neverending night. The garnet, on the other hand, 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: ~$5)

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

4. King of Earth Tarot Card- The King of Earth tarot card from the Dreams of Gaia deck is a combination of the Oak and Holly Kings, representing their endless cycle of birth and death as they battle for power each year. Despite the Earth being dormant during these cold months, it is not dead. Nature and life still abound, sleeping quietly, awaiting the return of the Sun. This card represents the slumbering life, a promise that the Wheel will continue to turn and the Earth will be plentiful once more. (Where did I get it: Amazon Dreams of Gaia Tarot Deck; Cost: $0.25; full deck $29)

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

5. Antler- The antler circling the King of Earth represents regrowth and rebirth, as deer routinely shed their antlers each year to replace them with new ones. It is also an ode to the Wild Hunt, which occurs during the solstice. Furthermore, deer are spirit messengers who are able to walk between worlds the world freely, thus the antler represents the spirits of the season and communication with them. After the solstice, the days begin to lengthen and the Earth is reborn, just as the deer regrow their antlers each year. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

6. Evergreen Garland and Berries- The evergreen branches, which came from a garland I had from years ago, represents the Holly King, everlasting life, and protection. Boughs of evergreen were commonly hung above doorways and placed on altars to prevent evil from entering the home, especially on the longest night of the year. The red holly berries also are a tribute to the Holly King, but also to represent blood, as the Holly King begins to die after the solstice and the Oak King is reborn. The ever-present cycle of birth and death is represented by the evergreen branches being intertwined together. (Where did I get it: Target 2016; Cost: $5)

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

TOTAL COST: ~$16.25


Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will 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!

Apart from my altar, I wanted to share some decorations around my house with you as well in hopes of livening your feeds and your life. 

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

altar, sabbat, Yule, Winter Solstice, witchcraft, witchy, hedgewitch, pagan, neopagan, wiccan, wicca

To each and every one of you, I hope you have a wonderful Winter Solstice and a festive Yule. Celebrate with care so that we may share many more in the future. Stay safe, my friends.


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4 comments :

  1. All the best to you (and anyone else reading this!) this Yuletide season! May all our nights be peaceful, our families safe, and our beverages warm and festive. <3

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  2. Coziness, serenity, veneration, and festive cheer abound in your Yule altar and festive decor. I truly enjoyed seeing each of these special holiday season settings at your home and really appreciate you sharing them with us, dear Willow.

    Many hugs & the very merriest of Yuletide wishes coming your way!
    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    Replies
    1. If I am honest, my altar is still decked out in Yule. I love the lights so much. Haha! I don't want to take them down.

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