Yule/ Winter Solstice

The day is short – And life is long

Sit vigil this night, Singing sun-songs.

Each night since Midsummer,

He has aged and rested

At last solstice the Oak King

Was bested-

But now at last, the Sun slowly returns

Minute by minute, he also yearns

To come to his people, to spread his light

On this darkest day he conquers

the night.

At this time of year, you need all the light you can get. String lights in our home, fill the house with baked goods and happy scents, and have friends over. Prepare hot drinks of teas, chocolates, and coffees, the better to warm the feet and trigger endorphins in your light-starved brain. The winter is always dark and long, but having friends makes it all bearable – especially since holiday stress can induse family angst. Have a tree or poinsettia to focus and filter all the energy that comes from living in a closed space. Sing songs whenever you can. The carol “Joy to the World” has a verse that starts “Joy to the Earth,” and can just as easily be about Pagan stories of winter survival. Be simple, be fancy, But be sure it all comes from the heart.

-Diana Rajchel, from the Witches’ Datebook 2011