A guide to the Sabbat's symbolism
by Arwynn MacFeylynnd
Date: December 21-23 (usually, the date of the calendar winter solstice).
Alternative names: Winter Solstice, Alban Arthan, Meán Geimhridh, Midwinter, Christmas.
Primary meanings: Renewal and rebirth. The dark force, which the sun battles all winter, gives way. People celebrate the shortest night and anticipate the return of the light and warmth. Yule or Winter Solstice celebrates the rebirth of the Sun Child.
Symbols: Mistletoe, holly, ivy, Yule logs, strings of lights, wreaths, candles and gingerbread men.
Colors: Red, green, white, gold and silver.
Gemstones: Cat's-eye and ruby.
Herbs: Bay, cedar, holly, ivy, juniper, mistletoe, rosemary and pine.
Gods and goddesses: All newborn gods and sun gods, and all mother goddesses and triple goddesses. Gods include the Greek Apollo; Egyptian Ra, Osiris and Horus; Irish-Celtic Lugh; Norse Odin; Native American Father Sun; and Christian-Gnostic Jesus. Goddesses include the Irish-Celtic Morrigan and Brigit; Egyptian Isis; Greek Demeter, Gaea, Pandora, Selene and Artemis; Roman Juno and Diana; Middle-Eastern Astarte; Native American Spinning Woman; and Christian-Gnostic Virgin Mary.
Customs and myths: Light a Yule log or candles; bring light into the dark! The Yule log is burned ceremonially in the main hearth, kindled with a piece from last year's fire and allowed to smolder for 12 days before being put out ceremonially. The log must come from your own land or be given to you as a gift. Decorate it with greenery and douse it with cider or ale. Sing and be merry! The seasonal Santa Claus, or Kris Kringle, comes from the Norse traditions. During the Yule season's stormy nights, Odin rode his eight-footed horse throughout the world bestowing gifts on worthy people and dispensing justice to wrongdoers. Kris Kringle ("Christ of the Wheel") is the title of the Norse god born at Winter Solstice. Our ancestors believed that by decorating with evergreen plants such as holly, mistletoe and ivy, they were helping to bring the Sun through a dangerous time of diminished light.
Widdershins
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