Wassailing is an old custom that goes back to the 1300s. They can be inscribed with runes / sigils before setting them on fire, and some practitioners burn petitions in the flames.This season, you might hear (or sing yourself) the Christmas carol that begins, 'Here we come a-wassailing / among the leaves so green.' As is holiday tradition, you will wonder: what in the world is 'a-wassailing' and why is it happening among green leaves in the dead of winter? And what about that refrain? Part of it is saved for the next year, and the ashes have magickal properties. Yule: There are all sorts of traditions, but overall it is seen as protection, representing the return of the sun. It can also be represented by lighting a single log on Christmas Eve and allowing it to burn all night long. Yule: Healing, Isle of Avalon, Rebirth Yule LogĪdvent/Christmas: Represents the fire the shepherds made to keep the child warm on Christmas night, usually a bundle of twigs, rather than a single log. Saturnalia: Used as food offerings and added to spiced wine or decorated in gold Often tied with a red ribbon and dressed with oils ApplesĪdvent/Christmas: Humanity, Adam’s Fall, Creation It was especially popular during the Victorian period. Nicolas originally filled stockings with gold, and it morphed into oranges (another rare treat). Yule: Return of the Sun (lit on fire or with candles), Cycle of the Year, Protection, ProsperityĪdvent/Christmas: St. Saturnalia: Victory, Celebration, Return of the Sun (with candles) Yule: Protection, Love, Cleansing, Loyalty, basically this can be used as a substitute for any herb WreathĪdvent/Christmas: Eternity of God, Everlasting Life in Christ Yule: Joy, Protection, Love, Rebirth, Healing RosemaryĪdvent/Christmas: Protection, Theotokos, Faithfulness, can be used as a substitute for Frankincense Saturnalia: Joy, Celebration, Healing (do not let it touch the ground) Yule: Eternity, Divine Feminine, Luck Evergreens (Cedar, Fir, Pine)Īdvent/Christmas: Strength, Resilience, EternityĪdvent/Christmas: Protection, Healing, Love, Peace

Yule: Protection, Healing, Crossing the Hedge HollyĪdvent/Christmas: Eternity, Passion of Christ (keep a piece to burn later on Shrove Tuesday)Īdvent/Christmas: Unity with God, Protection Yule: Divine Feminine, Underworld, WardingĪdvent/Christmas: Protection (especially with red cord), Holy Family, Blessing Yule: Purity, Cleansing, Unity, Snow/Ice, or as always, a neutral color that can be substituted for any other Yule: Passion, Divine Feminine, Rebirth, Courage Yule: Kindness, Love, Empathy, Friendship Yule: Sunlight, Growth, Prosperity, HealingĪdvent/Christmas: Sacrifice, Penance, Royalty Saturnalia: Celestial Light, Return of the SunĪdvent/Christmas: Starlight, Celestial Light Yule: Peace, Serenity, Forgiveness, Kindness Candle ColorsĪdvent/Christmas: Theotokos, Hope, Heaven Below are some traditional elements to include during the winter months, if you are looking for new additions to your altar space.

I tend to pick an emphasis each year to avoid overload. There is a complex tapestry of holidays in December, and so many different ways to celebrate.

Yule saturnalia