Yule 2015

I prepare my pork roast with rosemary, honey, and leeks. I'll also prepare a side with apples and walnuts. With a few other dishes, I prepare to celebrate Yule. These old-styled foods are a great way to celebrate That Which Has Passed and looking forward to That Which Will Come to Be. It is Yule.

The actual Yule celebration lasts multiple nights. Depending on your group, it is usually twelve or nine nights. It typically starts on Mother Night, which is the night of the Winter Solstice. Please note that northern peoples used to consider sunset as the end of one day and the start of the next, so some people use that when determining which day to start.

Typically, the solstice happens on December twenty-first. In my local time, in eastern Iowa of the United States, it happens at 10:49 p.m. and so it still falls on the twenty-first. However, because the solstice is an astronomical event, it happens simultaneously for everyone around the world regardless of time zone. For example, in the United Kingdom, the solstice hits on December twenty-second at 4:49 in the morning.

From a religious point of view, none of that matters. What does matter is that we take time to celebrate that we made it another year and are looking to the next one. We have survived being the allies of the Gods. We will do things next year to not only survive but to do even more to make the world a better place. Why? Because that is what we do.

I would like you to take a moment and consider that at this time, Asatru people all over the world are celebrating this night. Just as you are thanking the Gods for what you have been given, all the other Asatruar are doing the same. You are part of this larger community that serves the Gods. Tonight, throughout all Nine Worlds, humans, Gods, elves, and others are celebrating in one, interconnected community. At this moment, you can feel the connection. Shout, "Hailsa, kindred folks!"

How you celebrate is up to you and your conditions. Most will have a blot and a feast. If you cannot have those things, do your best. Remember that the Gods understand your circumstances (there may even be a strategic reason for it) and appreciate your efforts.

It is also a good time to reflect on the good things that happened in the past year. If you are reading this, you have survived and that is a great first step for being grateful, especially if you consider all those who cannot say the same. For some of you, you have stood tall with the Gods throughout the year, despite those who would tear you down or steal your Gods from you. For others, this may have been your first year to serve the Gods, and you can be thankful that you have been led to the truth. These are just the basics; you will probably have your own personal victories.

It is also a good time to start thinking about the coming year. Knowing that when you bring peace, health, knowledge, and growth into the world, you are doing the work of the Gods, you can plan for the kinds of growth you wish to see in the coming year. You may need to think about what you can do to put yourself into a better position. You may also be able to help others. It may be a simple as planting and nurturing a plant. Whatever the case, any peace, health and prosperity in this world helps strength the position of the Gods in all Nine Worlds. What do you think you can do? Be realistic, though; you want to really accomplish things.

So, this Yule, I wish you all the blessings of the Gods. May they guide you and help you as you wend your way through this Middle World. May you come through to the next Yule a happier, healthier Heathen. Thank you all for making the World better and for making this web site worthwhile.