Yule

A very merry Yule, everybody! Yesterday was technically Yule, but I'm celebrating today because I'm way less busy. I also had early X-mas with my family today, because we're going out of town to visit relatives tomorrow. Therefore, this will likely be my last post before the New Year. Among other things, I got a new Amaryllis flower from Ben, and some Harry Potter merchandise, books, and other art supply-type stuff. I'll be doing my Yule ritual after lunch, and making chocolate covered pretzels, plus all the packing I have to do for our trip. Whew, better get started!

Blessed Yule, and happy New Year!

Countdown to Yule: 2 Days

Today's Yule Carol is Winter Solstice Song, by Lisa Thiel.

December 20th, 2011

So much excitement! :D Today I got to see my best Pagan buddies Hazelnut and Raincloud, and we had a little Yule get-together. First, we exchanged gifts. Here's all the presents...


Hazelnut and Raincloud...


Raincloud and her gift from me (a CD of tons of Pagan music):


Hazelnut and the winter gloves and hat from me (I also gave her a CD):


Hazelnut gave Raincloud a fairy door necklace, as her parents aren't cool with the whole Pagan thing, so she can wear it and be subtle.


And since my parents don't care all that much, she gave me two pentacle necklaces.


After presents, we had some cookies, crackers, dip, and hot cocoa for a snack.


HOT COCOA!


Then we listened to the aforementioned music and danced, sang some Yule carols, and generally chilled the rest of the afternoon. Now they're gone, and I miss them already.

Countdown to Yule: 3 Days

So, given that we were at church and the zoo all of yesterday, I couldn't post my "Day 4" song, but here it is anyway: Wiccan Wonderland.



And this is today's song: Moon of Silver

December 19th, 2011

So, after going to my mom's church yesterday as per the usual, we stuck around for the church's gingerbread house decorating, and watched The Polar Express. Then mom and dad took the boys and I to Brookfield Zoo as a surprise, to see all their holiday lights. They were really quite impressive, and we got to see some of the animals too. I'll be posting pictures of course, but mom has to upload them first. Anyway, today then I went to school to help build set for our spring musical, and went Christmas/Yule shopping with mom. I got some gifts for the boys - animal figurines for Nick and a toy car for Ben - and another little thing for Hazelnut. ^_^ Tomorrow she and Raincloud are coming over and I'm really excited!

Sabbat Haikus

A collection of Sabbat haikus I wrote in 8th grade.

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Sun at its highest
This day is the longest yet
The feast of the Fey

Glorious harvest
Now winter food shall be reaped
The crops are ready

Night and day are one
Second harvest is prepared
Earth begins to sleep

Now the veil is thin
We honor those who have passed
It's the spirit-night

Our Lady does sleep
The Winter King awakens
Yule Log burns in hearth

Festival of Lights
From slumber the Maiden stirs
Life begins anew

The Sun God lays down
Inviting in the Goddess
Maiden turns Mother

Fires of Bel burn bright
God and Goddess share their love
The whole world blossoms

Countdown to Yule: 5 Days

In the last not-quite-week before Yule, I'd like to share some more Yule carols to set the moon for the season. This is a new one I found recently - The 13 Days of Solstice.

December 17th, 2011

Today, I want to summarize all the little things I've been meaning to post all week, but haven't gotten around to. I finished my painting of the moon, inspired by a beautiful sunset the night before Esbat:


I made some of my teachers Yule/Christmas/Hanukkah/whatever clipboards:





I finished my Yule gifts for Hazelnut and Raincloud:


And finally, I woke up this morning to see this outside: SNOW!


In other news this week, my English class adopted a family from the Giving Tree: a single mom with six kids. We were able to raise over $1000 in cash alone, and got them everything on their wishlist: clothes, bikes, food, toys, electronics; it was really amazing what people donated. Later this afternoon, my mom and I are going with our Community Choir to carol for the people in a nearby nursing home, and might bake some cookies or fudge when we get back! :)

Goddess Statue

This was the front and back of an EPIC statue that Hazelnut found on Ebay. It was only $11, and I really wanted to get it, but unfortunately, I thought it would be a bit awkward if random boxes from Ebay showed up on my doorstep, so I had to pass it up. Still, one day I'd love to find such a statue, and purchase it.

December 16th, 2011

Today was the last day of school before the beginning of winter break - HUZZAH! I got to school this morning, only to be surprised with gifts from several friends, and to give a few of my own. :) Tonight, I am going to finish getting my Yule gifts wrapped for Hazelnut and Raincloud, and I think I'll just finish the evening with some music. For now, I'll leave you with a Yule poem...

Yuletide Cheer

The chill breath of winter touches us,
As blankets of snow cover the ground.
With the glow of moonlight upon them,
Its like diamond sparkles all around.

Inside the room is cozy and warm,
The scent of evergreen wafts from the fire.
Surrounded with love and family,
I've got all that I could desire.

Sleigh bells jingle from the front porch,
As my coveners decorate outside.
They've no need of blankets,
They have the warmth of love inside.

In my home we all gather round,
And with Pagan carols our voices ring.
Then we settle down to enjoy the tale,
Of the Oaken Lord and the Holly King.

For our holiday is quite different,
Than the cowan Christmas night.
We cast our Circle, join together,
And welcome the return of Light.

Then we sit and share the feast,
As we pass bread and wine around.
As blessings from mingled voices...
"Never hunger," "Never thirst" abound.

All too soon the rite is ended,
And we greet the newborn day.
As we clasp hands together,
This wish we send your way....

It's no matter your tradition,
Be you family, friend, or guest.
We wish you joy and peace,
And may your Yule be Blessed!!!

For this and more Yule poetry, visit: http://www.angelfire.com/moon/yule/