Yule Altar 2025

Depending on your tradition, Yule either begins on the winter solstice or later in January. I chose to celebrate during the winter solstice, which is more in line with the celebrations of my most recent ancestors. 

Like other blóts, Yule traditionally included a sacrifice, along with feasting, toasts, and general celebration. Historically, these feasts lasted three days and often included gift exchanges and oath-making, which helped forge deep community bonds. Unlike other cultures' festivals that centered mostly on the returning sun, Yule generally focused more on community building and celebration. Surviving the harsh winter months required everyone to lend a helping hand, and those in need heavily relied on their communities to get through. This does not mean, however, that the end of winter and the return of summer were not cause for celebration. The lighting of bonfires, hearths, and candles, traditions that carried over into today, is a testimony to the importance of the sun.

In the darkness, myths arose as to what was happening just beyond human sight, leading to such tales of the Wild Hunt, the Yule witch and her lads, the Yule cat, and even Krampus. On the longest night of the year, people could be found indoors around large fires, keeping the cold and the darkness at bay. And while these myths and legends strike fear into one's heart, Yule is also a time of hope. After the solstice, the days begin to lengthen, reminding us that it's always darkest before the dawn.

With these symbols and historical traditions in mind, I created this year's Yule altar. You may notice it is in a different location this year. I am currently renovating several rooms in my home, and right now my altar is in my bedroom. It made for some lovely pictures, albeit different. 

1. Goat Skull- 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. 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)

2. White Candles- Candles, bonfires, and hearth fires were traditionally lit to protect those within on the Winter Solstice from dangerous spirits and the Wild Hunt. Sympathetically, the lighting of a fire was thought to promote the return of the Sun, as like attracts like. For this reason, I have placed two white candles, which represent the sun, purity, and renewal, on my altar.  (Where did I get it: Candles- Dollar Tree; Cost: $1, Candle Holders- Goodwill; Cost: $3)

3. Bottle Brush Tree Lights- I am absolutely obsessed with bottle brush trees, with almost 200 in my collection. In 2023, I managed to score these beautiful bottlebrush tree lights in the checkout line from Home Goods. I knew immediately that I wanted to use them to adorn my altar each Yule. They combine two traditional Yule themes: the evergreen tree and lights. Evergreens represent immortality, fertility, and protection, and were often brought into the home and decorated with candles, lights, and shiny objects to bring joy to those within while also warding away ghosts, witches, and other evil spirits during the Winter Solstice. The snowy scene within is also associated with purity and new beginnings, while the light represents the Sun, which is reborn during Yule. (Where did I get it: Home Goods 2023; Cost: $10)

4. Dagaz, Wunjo, and Mannaz Runes- Since this is a Nordic holiday, no altar would be complete without some runes. Dagaz means "day" or "dawn." It is a symbol of awaking, clarity, and new beginnings. It represents the transition from darkness into light and the ending of one cycle, so a new one may begin. This is exactly what Yule is: a transition from darkness into light. Wunjo, like Dagaz, is a symbol of hope. It is representative of harmony and happiness, as well as companionship and fulfillment, central themes of Yule. Finally, you can't have a Yule altar without Mannaz, which represents community and kinship. (Where did I get it: Won; Cost: Free)

5. Red Agate, Bloodstone, and Tree Agate- 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 never-ending night. Like bloodstone, red agate is a symbol of fire and light. It is traditionally associated with strength, courage, and vitality, characteristics needed to survive long, cold winter nights. Tree agate, on the other hand, represents harmony, peace, strength, and stability. While it is traditionally considered a gardening stone, the dark, earthy green against milkwhite reminds me of evergreen trees in a snowy landscape, making them perfect for Yule. (Where did I get it: Various Subscription Boxes and Gifted; Cost: ~$3)

6. Evergreen Greenery and Wooden Acorns- Nestled around the goat skill is evergreen greenery, which is a traditional symbol of Yule, everlasting life, regeneration, vitality, and protection. 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 and coldest time of the year. 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. It was also believed that such greenery would promote health and wellness by warding away sickness. This may have something to do with the natural scent of pine and other evergreen plants, or the antiseptic nature of the tree's sap. Among this greenery are wooden acorns, representative of strength, protection, and resilience. This juxtaposition of evergreen with deciduous trees symbolizes that, despite the darkness, the sun will return and with it life. (Where did I get it: Target 2016 and Gifted; Cost: $5/Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$21

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. This altar is more expensive than some of my previous altars because I wanted to include some new items I purchased this year. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

I hope everyone has a blessed winter solstice full of good food, good cheer, and community. May your home experience nothing but light in the darkness.

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