Yule (Winter Solstice)

We are fast approaching the time of year that is a cause for celebration amongst many faiths. The pagan focus is that of Yule, otherwise known as the Winter Solstice (this is for those living in the Northern Hemisphere - those in the Southern will be celebrating the Summer Solstice at this time). This marks the point at which \"your hemisphere is leaning the farthest away from the Sun\" (i.e. the shortest day and the longest night) and is marked by many traditions. Yule falls on the 21st December this year.

Master Anora wrote in a separate thread and advised the following link if you wish more information:
http://files.meetup.com/166611/Yule%20Traditions%20and%20History.pdf

Plus you can always find out more with the Wikipedia entry here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule

I personally like the practice of kicking the Yule log for luck but if you're thinking of doing it with a lit one, please be careful! Whatever you decide to do during the festive season, and whatever beliefs you practice at this time, I wish you all the brightest of blessings. If you would like to join with us in sending out some positive energies to the world, there are guidelines at the following post:
http://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Pagan-studies/30272-Taking-part-in-celebrations

It's also worth pointing out that we will do our best to be online as much as possible during the festive season in case anyone needs to offload or to connect with others. No matter how dark the night, there is always a light shining somewhere.

MTFBWY

This year during the solstice [url]there is going to be a lunar eclipse. The last time this occured was in 1554, 456 years ago. For further reading please follow the links provided below.

[/url][url][/url]www.montrealgazette.com/life/Lunar+eclipse+solstice+overlap/3986033/story.html

[url][/url]onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/holidays/articles/winterholidays.html?24655

Ooops technical difficulty concerning my last post...need a delete button, hahaha! I am going to try this again...

This year during the solstice there is going to be a lunar eclipse. The last time this occured was in 1554, 456 years ago. For further reading please follow the links provided below.

[url]http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Lunar+eclipse+solstice+overlap/3986033/story.html

http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/holidays/articles/winterholidays.html?24655[/url]

Wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Yule and festive season. May the brightest of blessings shine throughout your life at this midwinter time and always!

MTFBWY

Did you get up to watch the Lunar Eclipse last night?

not quite 100% in the UK but i believe it was a full eclipse in america

Karn just told me about it so I missed it - was out catching up with friends. Great energies all night though!

MTFBWY

Actually not as spectacular as id hoped - not like the red moon we had last year but still wporth seeing

Ive seen most the various eclipses weve had over the last 35years and i always try to see them - dunno why - just like to see them

One day i WILL get a good telescope

anyway - what i really wanna do is be at stonehenge for a solstice, summer or winter - i dont care - its just so atmospheric (even tho there are dozens of stone circles on my doorstep in Devon )

MTFBWY - A

oh an happy humbug

You should try Avebury - generally it's nicer than Stonehenge for Mabon (Summer Solstice) - there used to be trouble with people just there for a rave but that's all been dealt with mostly. The circles are nice there.

Mind you, as you've said, you have a fair few where you are!

MTFBWY

It's time to revisit this thread as we look to celebrating the Winter Solstice (Yule). This year is extra special as it has been tied to the "Mayan end date". Misinformed apocalyptic doom-mongering aside, this is a chance for us all to connect with people all over the world in expressing our wishes for a brighter future, to focus on our highest potential, and to implore the Force to make these things manifest.

Our thoughts are powerful and can affect every aspect of our existence so if you get a chance, please spend some time this Friday (21st December) in focusing on these things and on reflecting on the future that you would like to see.

For suggestions on how to celebrate Yule, there's a thread here:
http://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Pagan-studies/30272-Taking-part-in-celebrations

You can also read the information in the first post in this thread.
Or here's just one of many useful guides from around the web:
http://brighterblessings.co.uk/articles/yule.htm

Brightest of Yuletide blessings to you all!

What a good idea :laugh: Definitely going to make some "happy" thoughts on the 21st...and hopefully every other day too.