Exploring the symbolism of the winter solstice in Wiccan traditions

By admin

The winter solstice is an important time for Wiccans, as it marks the longest night of the year and the rebirth of the sun. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal. Wiccan customs for the winter solstice focus on honoring the cycles of nature and celebrating the return of light. One common custom is the lighting of candles to symbolize the return of the sun. Wiccans may light a candle for each of the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - as well as a fifth candle to represent spirit. The candles are arranged in a circle, with the spirit candle in the center, and are lit in a specific order to create a symbolic journey from darkness to light.



Top Twenty Songs to Sing at Yule

As a Wiccan and a music teacher, one of my favorite things about the holiday season are singing holiday songs. While some people enjoy them, there’s nothing that bothers me more than Christmas songs that have had their lyrics changed to Pagan words. I think we have many other options of both traditional and original music that there really is no need for it. Here is a list of songs you can sing during Yule. I have also created a playlist for them all on YouTube so you can play through them to set a holiday atmosphere this Yule!

Traditional “Christmas” carols that are really Pagan

1.Deck the Halls – Most people think of it as a Christmas song, but there is no mention of Christ or Christmas. The lyrics of the first verse portray decorating the house with Holly, wearing festive clothes, and singing carols. The second verse refers to the Yule log and “Yuletide treasure”. This is definitely a Pagan song.

2. Here We Come A-Wassailing – This “Christmas” song is about the tradition of wassailing in Great Britain. It stems from the idea that fuedal lords shared their exceeds with the peasents. Most people think of the holiday tradition of wassailing where people go caroling from house to house and are given wassail to drink. There are also traditions in cider producing regions of England that are more in line with Mabon where they crown a king and queen who bless the fruit to ensure a good apple harvest.

3. Boar’s Head Carol – This lesser-known carol gives the details of a feast featuring a boar. There are a few Latin phrases, but none of them really translate to anything related to Christmas.

4. O Tannenbaum – Most people think tannenbaum translates to “Christmas Tree”, but it really means fir tree or pine tree. The rest of the carol talks about how the tree stays green all year round and how beautiful the tree is. How Pagan can you get?

5. The Holly and the Ivy – It is very clear that this song was originally Pagan. The entire first verse is full of nature references . It mentions the rising of the sun, a popular Solstice theme. It also references the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King, though he is referred to as the ivy in this song. For example, “of all the trees that are in the woods, the Holly wears the crown.” Only the subsequent verses are Christian in nature, leading us to believe they were added to the song after the fact. The comparisons of the holly to Mary and the Christ child in the following verses are really a pretty far stretch. We don’t have any historical evidence that I am aware of with other lyrics for the other verses, but I think that the first verse does well on its own.

Honorable mentions: Patapan – Who can resist a carol with Pan in the title? It’s mostly about celebrating with music. There is a mention of Noel in the original language, which could translate to either Christmas or Yule, though all of the modern English versions opt to use Christmas. Another honorable mention: In The Bleak Midwinter – the first verse is full of beautiful winter imagery, but the rest is all about Christ. All of the lyrics were written at the same time, so it was definitely intended to be a Christmas song. Even so, the first verse might make a beautiful addition to your carols.

Traditional “Christmas” carols that are really just winter songs

6. Jingle Bells – A lot of people think of this song as a Christmas song, but there is no mention of the holiday at all. The lyrics merely detail a sleigh ride.

7. Let it Snow – This song describes a common feeling many of us have if you live anywhere that it snows. It is the feeling of being warm and comfortable and watching it snow.

8. Winter Wonderland – The idea that the season of winter changes the landscape into a wonderland is definitely a Pagan one.

9. Jingle Bell Rock – This is a nice upbeat song about nothing in particular. It certainly doesn’t mention any holidays, Christian or Pagan.

10. Frosty the Snowman – What Pagan doesn’t love the idea of personified snow? It’s a great song for kids, though the lyrics don’t exactly make it easy for kids to remember.

Honorable mention: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – I think the title of this one describes this song nicely. There are references to holiday traditions, but there is one mention of “Christmases long long ago”. Other honorable mention: Baby It’s Cold Outside – I don’t particularly like this song because to the modern ear it sounds a lot like date rape. However, in the context of the time it was written, it was more likely meant as a woman who was reluctant to leave and felt the need to say she had to go because of societal expectations of the time.

Modern original songs about Yule

11. The Christians and the Pagans by Dar Williams – This song is a favorite of mine. It tells the story of Amber and Jane who were visiting a town for Solstice and decide to visit Amber’s “Christ-loving uncle”. It is an upbeat feel-good song with some amusing moments about the meeting of cultures like when Amber’s cousin asked if she was a witch.

12. Santa Claus is Pagan Too by Emerald Rose – I almost didn’t include this one in the list because it mentions Santa Claus. However, it’s clever and catchy and explains the Pagan origins of Santa.

13. Solstice Carol by Wyrd Sisters – This simple song is easy to sing along with and is written in Dorian mode, which seems to be a standard for Pagan music.

14. Solstice Evergreen by Spiral Dance – There is some nice imagery in addition to a singable tune.

15. On Midwinter’s Day by Damh the Bard – This upbeat song mentions other Pagan holidays and ideas, while celebrating Midwinter’s day.

Modern popular music that could be used to celebrate Yule

16. White is In The Winter Night by Enya – This song evokes thoughts of celebration and the winter holidays without directly mentioning any of them. Mistletoe, holly, candles, and colors of the season are all mentioned in this song by Enya.

17. Song for A Winter’s Night by Sarah McLaughlin – Her haunting voice really evokes the sense of winter, even though the vocals often dwell on other things.

18. Winter by Tori Amos – I chose this song because it mentions some of the symbolism of winter. Winter is a time for introspection (“Mirror mirror, where’s the crystal palace? But I can only see myself.”). Winter is also considered a time symbolizing old age (“Hair is grey and the fires are burning. So many dreams on the shelf.”). Tori Amos isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, mostly because it’s abstract and full of symbolism, but that’s why it makes this list.

19. Solstice Bells by Jethro Tull – It’s tough to believe that popular bands were playing music about the Solstice for this long, but Jethro Tull was ahead of it’s time. It is sad that in the mix the instruments overwhelm the vocals.

20. Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles – While not really a song one tends to associate with the holiday, it’s lyrics very much describe the coming of the sun.

Honorable mentions: A Long December by Counting Crows, December Child by Cyndi Lauper, A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon and Garfunkel, To Try For The Sun by Donovan, Wintertime Love by The Doors, Winter Sun by Led Zeppelin

Bonus: other instrumental music to get you in the holiday mood

  1. Wizards In Winter by Trans Siberian Orchestra
  2. Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
  3. Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky
  4. March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland
  5. Yule Log and Holly Berries by Rathkeltair

Honorable mentions: A Raven in the Snow by Jeff Johnson, The Druids Winter by Will Millar, Winter Bourne by Paul Candless

Here is the playlist containing my top choices for each category including instrumentals, for your holiday celebrations. I tried to choose videos that didn’t have to ensure songs played consecutively.

Do you know of a song that should make this list? If so, leave it in the comments below!

Pagan christmas songs

Hark the Neo Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and Goddess reconciled,
Hear us now as we proclaim,
We have risen from the flames,
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the Neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!

Herne by highest love adored,
Herne the ever-reborn Lord,
At all times behold Him come,
Offspring of the Holy One,
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,
Hail incarnate Deity!
Our ancient Craft we now reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!

Glory to The Newborn King
(Tune: Hark the Herald Angels Sing)

Brothers, sisters, come and sing
Glory to the new-born king!
Gardens peaceful, forests wild
Celebrate the Winter Child!
Now the time of glowing starts!
Joyful hands and joyful hearts!
Cheer the Yule log as it burns!
For once again, the Sun returns!
Brothers, sisters, come and sing!
Glory to the new-born King!

Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the new-born Sun
Through the wind and dark of night
Celebrate the coming light. Suns glad rays through fear's cold burns
Life through death the Wheels now turns
Gather round Yule log and tree
Celebrate Life's mystery
Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the new-born Sun.

Silent Night
by Ellen Reed

Silent night, Solstice Night
All is calm, all is bright
Nature slumbers in forest and glen
Till the Springtime She wakens again
Sleeping spirits grow strong!
Sleeping spirits grow strong!

Silent Night, Solstice Night
Silver moon shine bright
Snowflakes blanket the slumbering earth
Yule fires welcome the Sun's rebirth
Hark, the Light is reborn!
Hark, the Light is reborn!

Silent Night, Solstice Night
Quiet rest till the Light
Turning every the rolling wheel
Brings the Winter to comfort and heal
Rest your spirit in peace!
Rest your spirit in peace!

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland!
by Alexander and Aarcher

Pagans sing, are you listenin'
Alters set, candles glisten,
Its a magical night, we're having tonight
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

Blades held high, censor smoking,
God and Goddess, we're invoking,
Through Elements Five, we celebrate life,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland,

Queen of Heaven, is in her place,
Triple Goddess, now the Crone face
Above and below, She's the Goddess we know,
Dancing in a Wiccan wonderland.

Now the God, is the provider
Supplying game for our fire,
Above and below, He's the Horned one we know,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

In a circle we can burn a Yule fire,
And await the rising of the Sun,
It's the great wheel turning for the new year,
Loaded with abundance and great fun

Later on, by the fire,
Cone of Power, gettin' higher
Its a Magickal Night, we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland!

Moon of Silver
(Tune: We three Kings)

Chorus: Oh, Moon of Silver, Sun of Gold,
Gentle Lady, Lord so bold!
Guide us ever, failing never,
Lead us in the ways of old.

Maiden, Mother, Ancient Crone,
Queen of Heaven on your throne,
Praise we sing thee, love we bring thee,
For all that you have shown.

Lord of Darkness, Lord of Light,
Gentle brother, King of Might,
Praise we sing thee,Love we bring thee
On this Solstice Night.

Gloria
(Angels we have heard on high)

Snow lies deep upon the Earth
Still our voices warmly sing
Heralding the glorious birth
Of the Child, the Winter King

Glo---ria! In excelsis Deo!
Glo---ria! In excelsis Dea!

Our triumphant voices claim
Joy and hope and love renewed
And our Lady's glad refrain
Answer Winter's solitude

Glo---ria! In excelsis Deo!
Glo---ria! In excelsis Dea!

In Her arms a holy Child
Promises a glowing Light
Through the winter wind so wild
He proclaims the growing Light.

Glo---ria! In excelsis Deo!
Glo---ria! In excelsis Dea!

Now the turning of the year
Of the greater Turning sings
Passing age of cold and fear
Soon our golden summer brings.

Glo---ria! In excelsis Deo!
Glo---ria! In excelsis Dea!

CHRISTMAS TIME IS PAGAN!
(Gloria in Excelsius Deo)

CHORUS:
Glorious!
Christmas time is pagan!
Glorious!
Christmas time is pagan!

Christmas time is here again,
Decorations everywhere.
Christmas carols ringing out,
Gentle pagans, we don't care.

Modern folks all celebrate
What they learned in Sunday School.
In December, they don't know
They are celebrating Yule!

Let them have their Christmas trees,
Decked in red and green and blue.
We rejoice at every one!
Christmas trees are pagan, too.

Bowls of bubbly Christmas cheer,
Fill your cup and quench your thirst.
They think the tradition's theirs.
Wassail bowls were pagan, first.

Every door and window bears
Wreaths of holly, wreaths of pine.
Circles represent the Sun.
Every wreath is yours and mine.

Christmas lights on Christmas trees,
Candle flames burn higher and higher,
Let us cheer along, my friends,
As they light their Yuletide fire.

There's a possibility
That this song is yours and mine
'Cause the tune was known to all
Back in A.D. one-two-nine.

Gods Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk

Gods rest ye merry Pagan folk,
Let nothing you dismay
Remember that the Sun returns
Upon this Solstice Day!
The growing dark is ended now
And Spring is on its way
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
Comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

The Winter's worst still lies ahead
Fierce tempest, snow and rain!
Beneath the blanket on the ground
The spark of life remains!
The Sun's warm rays caress the seeds
To raise Life's songs again!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
Comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

Within the blessed apple lies
The promise of the Queen!
For from this pentacle shall rise
The orchards fresh and green.
The Earth shall blossom once again
The air be sweet and clean!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
Comfort and joy!
O, tidings of comfort and joy!

Joy to the World

Joy to the World, the Light has come
Let Earth receiver her Lord
Let every heart, prepare Him room
And Heaven and Nature sing
And Heaven and Nature sing
And He-av'n and Nature sing!

Welcome our Lord, who brings us Light
Our Lady gives him birth!
His Living Light, to warm our hearts,
And wake the sleeping Earth
And wake the sleeping Earth
And wa-a-ke the sleeping Earth!

Light we the fires to greet our Lord
Our Light, our Life, our Lord!
Let every voice, sing holy praise
And Heaven and Nature sing
And Heaven and Nature sing
And He-av'n and Nature sing!

Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful!

Oh, come, all ye faithful
Gather round the Yule fire
Oh, come ye, oh come ye. To call the Sun!
Fires within us Call the Fire above us
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
Our Lord, the Sun!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee!
Born again at Yuletide;
Yule fires and candles flames
Are lighted for You!
Come to thy children
Calling for thy blessing
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
Our Lord, the Sun!

Mother Berta's Coming To Town
(This lighthearted carol honors the Stregan Tradition of Mother Berta and Master Skeggi)

You better watch out when winter comes nigh
You better not doubt, I'm telling you why,
Mother Berta's coming to town.

She carries a sack made out of a skin
She dumps the toys out and stuffs the kids in.
Mother Berta's coming to town.

She rides on Master Skeggi
A goat whose back is strong
Her beard is grey and scraggly
And her tail is ten feet long!

With six or eight horns, a moustache or two
Make a mistake, she's coming for YOU!
Mother Berta's coming to town.

She know with whom you're sleeping
She knows with whom you wake
She knows each thought you're thinking
So don't THINK for Goddess' sake!

So when the winds howl way up in the sky
Listen as she and Skeggi pass by
Mother Berta's coming,
Mother Berta's coming,
Mother Berta's coming to town!

Ye Children All of Mother Earth
(Tune: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear)

Ye children all of Mother Earth
Join hands and circle around
To celebrate the Soltice night
When our lost Lord is found.
Rejoice, the year has begun again
The Sun blesses skies up above
So share the season together now
In everlasting love!

White Solstice
(Tune: White Christmas)
by Lady Bridget

I used to dream of a white Solstice
Just like the ones I knew up North.
But in sunny south Florida
It ain't gonna happen
Unless dreaming brings it forth.

Now I dream about a green Solstice
Ripe fruit is on my citrus trees.
May your Holidays be healthy and wealthy,
And may all your Solstices be green.

SHARE THE LIGHT
(The First Noel)

CHORUS:
Share the light, share the light!
Share the light, share the Light!
All paths are one on this holy night!

On this Winter holiday, let us stop and recall
That this season is holy to one and to all.
Unto some a Son is born, unto us comes a Sun,
And we know, if they don't, that all paths are one.

Be it Chanukah or Yule,
Christmas time or Solstice night,
All celebrate the eternal light.
Lighted tree or burning log,
Or eight candle flames.
All gods are one god, whatever their names.

OH HOLY NIGHT
filked by Lady Bridget

Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the Sun King's rebirth.
Long lay the world in winter's darkness pining
'Till he appeared to bring warmth to the earth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Day-O
lyrics by Tina Galfo
Music by Harry Belafonte

Day-o, Day-o,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Day, misa day, misa day, misa day-o.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Tonght we dance till the morning come.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Tomorrow we greet the newborn Sun.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Now is the darkest season of the year but,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Now is the darkest season of the year but,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

The darkness flies before his face.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Light is returning to this place.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Day, misa day-o,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Day, misa day-o,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

The Lady has given birth to her son.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
When he grow up they gonna have some fun.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

The season wheel it will forever turn.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
As the fire within, it will ever burn.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Now is the darkest season of the year but,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Now is the darkest season of the year but,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Day, misa day-o,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Day, misa day-o,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Now is the darkest season of the year but.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Now is the darkest season of the year but.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

Day-o, Day-o,
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.
Day, misa day, misa day, misa day-o.
Daylight come and the Sun is reborn.

THE 13 DAYS OF SOLSTICE
- words by Pashta MaryMoon

ON THE 1RST DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 2ND DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 3RD DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 4TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 5TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 6TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
6 REALMS OF BEING (Tibetan B of D)
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 7TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 8TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 9TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 10TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
10 SPHERES OF KABBALA
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM 4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 11TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
11 KIN OF THE CIRCLE (+P&Ps=13)
10 SPHERES OF KABBALA
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 12TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
12 SIGNS OF THE HEAVENS (zodiac)
11 KIN OF THE CIRCLE
10 SPHERES OF KABBALA
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 13TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
13 FULL MOONS SHINING
12 SIGNS OF THE HEAVENS
etc.

What Songs Should I Sing at Yule?

Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal.

Updated on November 13, 2019

So, you're looking for songs to sing to the gods and goddesses of your tradition at the winter holidays. Sure, there are Christmas carols where people have substituted "goddess" for the words "God" or "Jesus," but that's not quite the same. Are those good Pagan songs to sing at your ceremony?

Did You Know?

  • There are plenty of artists out there who have created music which is seasonally appropriate to sing during the Pagan celebration of Yule.
  • You can write your own songs and prayers, and incorporate them into your rituals.
  • Look for songs that celebrate themes and values that resonate with you spiritually, on topics like rebirth, the shorter nights, the return of the sun, or the gods and goddesses of your tradition.

The candles are arranged in a circle, with the spirit candle in the center, and are lit in a specific order to create a symbolic journey from darkness to light. During this time, Wiccans may also perform rituals or ceremonies to honor the sun and the changing seasons. These rituals often involve the use of herbs, crystals, and other natural elements to create a sacred space and invoke positive energy.

What to Sing?

Solstock / E+ / Getty

You can sing anything you like. It's your celebration, right? However, changing words from Christian to Pagan gods isn't a "Pagan song." It's a Christian song with Pagan substitutions. If you look at the lyrics of most Christmas carols — at least the spiritual ones — they're spiritual all the way through, not just because a word refers to God or Jesus. The entire content of the song is Christian in nature — which is fine, because it's designed to celebrate a Christian holiday. On the flip side, if someone has rewritten the lyrics completely to reflect a Pagan theme with the same music, then that's a slightly different situation.

There are a couple of things you can do instead. The most obvious would be to write your own song. If there's a particular deity you wish to honor, write a song. It doesn't have to be fancy or complex — it doesn't even have to rhyme. It just has to be from the heart. Instead of plugging Mars or Apollo or Cernunnos into Silent Night, write a song that honors the gods of your tradition in their own cultural and religious context. You could sing about themes such as rebirth, the nights growing shorter, the return of the sun, the coldness of the earth, or any of the your own deities.

Another option would be to look for specifically Pagan music. There are a number of Pagan and Wiccan musicians who do have songs available honoring different deities and celebrating the Yule season. The band Emerald Rose has an absolutely hilarious (and instantly sing-along-able) tune called Santa Claus is Pagan Too. A quick Internet search ought to help you find some good Pagan music resources.

Finally, you may wish to look for songs that are secular but that still reflect values and themes that represent your Pagan beliefs. Traditional English folksongs such as The Wassail Song might be more your speed, or even Greensleeves, which was originally written as a love song.

Wiccan customs for the winter solstice

Wiccans may also engage in meditation or divination practices to gain insight and guidance for the coming months. Another important custom for Wiccans during the winter solstice is the exchange of gifts. This tradition represents the sharing of abundance and the spirit of giving. Gifts are often handmade or symbolic, representing the personal connection between the giver and the recipient. Wiccans may also engage in feasting and communal celebrations during the winter solstice. This is a time to gather with loved ones, share a meal together, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. Traditional foods such as fruits, nuts, and root vegetables are often incorporated into these celebrations, symbolizing the sustenance provided by the earth. Overall, Wiccan customs for the winter solstice revolve around honoring the natural cycles of the earth, celebrating the return of light, and expressing gratitude for the blessings of the year. Through rituals, ceremonies, gift-giving, and communal celebrations, Wiccans embrace the spirit of renewal and embrace the season of winter as a time of introspection and growth..

Reviews for "Discovering the magic of the winter solstice through Wiccan rituals"

1. John - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wiccan Customs for the Winter Solstice." The book claimed to provide insightful and meaningful rituals for the winter solstice, but it fell short on delivering any valuable content. The author seemed to ramble on about personal experiences without providing any concrete guidance or practical advice. I was left feeling confused and misled. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan customs for the winter solstice.
2. Mary - 2/5 stars - I found "Wiccan Customs for the Winter Solstice" to be lacking in substance. While the book briefly touched on the history and significance of the winter solstice, it failed to provide any in-depth rituals or practices. The author seemed more focused on personal anecdotes and opinions rather than offering practical guidance. I was hoping for a more informative and instructive read, but instead, I was left wanting more. I would only recommend this book to those looking for a light read with minimal valuable content.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - "Wiccan Customs for the Winter Solstice" had some interesting aspects, but overall, I found it to be lacking in depth. The author briefly explained a few rituals and traditions associated with the winter solstice, but I was left wanting more detailed instructions and explanations. The book felt more like an introduction rather than a comprehensive guide. While it provided a general overview of Wiccan customs, it failed to go into the necessary depth required for readers to fully grasp and implement these practices. It may be suitable for beginners, but not for those seeking a more in-depth exploration of Wiccan customs for the winter solstice.

Connecting with nature through Wiccan rituals during the winter solstice

Embracing gratitude and reflection during the winter solstice in Wicca