Yule/Winter Solstice Altar 2022

Yuletide blessings, witches! I hope your Yule is filled with merriment and light. I started decorating for Yule much earlier this year than I ever have before, wishing to spend more time with the festive lights and decorations. In fact, I started purchasing more decorations at the beginning of October. Blasphemy as a witch, I know, but I needed it. In fact, I didn't even celebrate Samhain this year. Things just felt...off. The Yule begins on the Winter Solstice (December 212, 2022) 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 brighten my spirits and bring prosperity and light into the new year.

1. Evergreen Tree- Nestled behind the goat skill is an evergreen tree, which is a traditional symbol of Yule. It represents everlasting life and light in the darkness. Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves during the winter months, evergreen trees keep their leaves, remaining perpetually green and full of life, even during the darkest, coldest time of the year. These lovely trees were often brought into the home, whether whole or just clippings, and decorated with candles and shiny decorations to keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness while shepherding in warmer weather. (Where did I get it: Michael's 2012; Cost: $5)

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)

3. Evergreen Garland- The evergreen branches, which came from a garland I had years ago, represent 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.  (Where did I get it: Target 2016; Cost: $5)

4. Garnet and Pyrite- 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 pyrite, like the bloodstone, also represents the Sun, reflecting the rays of the candles out into the Universe to lend Him strength. Pyrite is also a symbol of wealth and prosperity, ensuring that we have everything we need to make it through the next couple of months until Spring. (Where did I get it: Various Subscription Boxes and Metaphysical Stores; Cost: ~$5)

5. Jera, Sowilo, and Wunjo Runes- Each of these runes has unique symbolism that adds to the magic of the altar as a whole. Jera means "year" and represents the turning of the Wheel. It is cyclical in nature and encourages us to reflect upon what we send out into the Universe as what goes around comes around. It lets us know that despite the darkness, the light will return. Sowilo is the rune of the Sun, light, and success. It helps light the way into a bright future. Finally, Wunjo is the rune of joy and good company, a celebration of love and community. The Winter Solstice is best spent with family and friends and reminds us that joy overcomes even the darkest of times. (Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free; originally- $30 for the set)

6. 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 each 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 their 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)

7. Goat Skull- I have to give a huge thanks to my friend, Abby, who so graciously gifted me with this lovely goat skull earlier this year. It is certainly one of the best gifts I have ever received and I was so excited to place it on my altar. Goats are associated with fertility, virility, and lust (all themes associated with Yule), as well as independence, ambition, and persistence. Even against all odds, goats will give everything they have, reminding us to persevere even in the face of darkness. Goats also represent the Horned God who is reborn on the solstice. In Sweden, large straw goats, known as Yule goats or Julbock, are built on the first day of Advent. This may be a nod to Thor, whose chariot was pulled by two goats, or possibly the remnants of an old harvest tradition. Either way, the Yule goat has become a symbol of Yule in many Scandinavian countries and is said to watch over holiday preparations and even bring gifts, much like Santa. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$16

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. For this particular altar, many of the items were gifts, thus reducing my cost significantly. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

To each and every one of you, I hope you have a wonderful Winter Solstice and a festive Yule. 

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