Pronounced: yool

Northern Hemisphere Date: circa December 21

Southern Hemisphere Date: circa June 21

Astrological Sign: 1 degree Capricorn

Primary Focus:
Rebirth and renewal, blessings, burning of the Yule log

Origins:
Yule is from Old Norse, which means "wheel" as it is a symbol that the year has turned. Falling on a Soltice, it marks the start of the New Year in Norse and Roman Times.

Meaning:
Yule is the time of greatest darkness and is the shortest day of the year. Earlier people noticed such phenomena and supplicated the forces of nature to lengthen the days and shorten the nights. Witches sometimes celebrate Yule just before dawn, then watch the Sunrise as a fitting finale to their efforts.

Myth:
At Yule, the God is traditionally born by the Goddess, a divine birth. Candles are lit to welcome back the returning light of the sun ahead. The Sun, a symbol of the God, renews itself from the dark, symbol of death. In Pagan lore, this is the time when the Oak King (a symbol of divine rebirth) overpowers the Holly King (a symbol of death).