"Winter Solstice marks a point of dramatic natural change on the Earth. This is simultaneously a time of balance and change. Winter Solstice marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year. From this point on, the Sun rises earlier and earlier, each time adding a little more of His light and warmth to the cold and silent days of Winter. On Yule we honor the Goddess, Mother Earth, for giving birth to the Sun once more."...."At Yule the two God themes of death and rebirth coincide. The Holly King, retainer of light, who has symbolized death and darkness since Samhain, is vanquished by the rebirth of the Oak King, who symbolizes life." -- "Celebrate the Earth: A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition, Laurie Cabot, Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc., 1994."

Our tradition attempts to hold our sabbats outdoors, weather permitting, but even in the southern part of the U.S. Yule and Imbolc are too cold to venture out long enough to celebrate and so we retreat indoors for these observances.

The night was clear and cold, with a heavy frost of ice crystals covering everything. The frost on the porch looked like fairy dust had been scattered about and sparkled in the twinkling lights greeting us as we arrived for Yule.

The altar was dressed splendidly for the ritual with silk holly, frosted fruits and roses. Hand-dipped, bayberry-scented candles served as the God and Goddess candles. Garlands of silk holly and pinecones outlined the Sacred Space we created this night.

Spicy incense of cinnamon and cloves wafted in the background, adding to the seasonal mood. The ritual was celebrated in rhyme, telling the ancient story of the death of the Holly King and the birth of the Oak King. A crown of silk holly leaves worn by the Priest was exchanged for a crown of silk oak leaves and acorns to commemorate the birth of the Oak King.

Afterwards, our coven always enjoys gathering around the table for a cheerful feast. Everyone brings a dish to share and the time passes way too quickly as we share stories and events in our lives. This night we even had several Tarot readings graciously given by Lady Cerridwen to give guidance and answer questions by members.

It was hard to close the evening's activities and journey home, but we were all richly blessed to have shared this observance of ‘the turning of the Wheel’ together.