Yule is a pagan holiday that celebrates the winter solstice and marks the return of longer days. This ancient tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is still honored by many today. One way in which Yule is often celebrated is through the recitation of poems or chants that honor the changing of the seasons and the winter solstice. These poems are a way for pagans to connect with and celebrate the natural world around them. In these poems, the changing of the seasons is often compared to the turning of a wheel, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The poems often honor the power of the sun, which is seen as a symbol of light and life, as well as the goddess and god of the sun.
A little to the east of Amlwch Port, Anglesey there is a similarly named village, called Llaneilian, dedicated to a saint called Eilian (almost an identical name to the saint at Llanelian-yn-Rhos). This church also had a well half a mile away which started off as a healing well, but developed a reputation as a powerful cursing well.
The ritual at this well resembled that at the well near Old Colwyn, Conwy, and involved writing a person s name on a piece of slate before casting the slate into the well. The well is reputed to have first appeared in the 6th century as the answer to the prayers of a thirsty St Elian, and in response the saint prayed that whoever came to the well should have their prayers granted.
The poems often honor the power of the sun, which is seen as a symbol of light and life, as well as the goddess and god of the sun. The celebration of Yule is also a time for pagans to gather with friends and family to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to look forward to the coming year. The poems that are recited at Yule often reflect this sense of gratitude and hope for the future.
curse
Also referred to as a hex, a curse is used in black magic to bring misfortune or even death to the victim. It is a spell that is usually spoken; it may take the form of a simple statement wishing ill on the person, or it may be in the form of an intricate chant or ritual. Since it is negative, it would be done only by a Black Magician and never by a Witch, whose creed does not permit the harming of any person or thing.
As with all magic, the intent is most important. To simply say "I curse you" is seldom effective. There must be absolute hatred to generate sufficient power to make the curse effective. A deathbed curse is supposed to be especially effective since the perpetrator literally puts every last ounce of energy into it.
Many of the witchcraft trials of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries contained evidence that someone believed themselves cursed after the accused was seen to "mutter to herself." At her trial in 1493, Elena Dalok was accused of bringing rain at her command, and it was said, "she has cursed very many who never lived in this world thereafter." Kittredge reports that in 1596, Goody Jones, of Barking, was approached by a neighbor to give her some medicine for the colic. Instead, Goody Jones "fell down upon her knees, and after many curses and evil speeches, prayed that (her neighbor) might never be cured. . . since which time (she) . . . doth lay in great misery, and can find no ease." Francis Moore of Huntingdonshire, England, said in 1646, "if she cursed any cattle, and set her dog upon them, they should presently die." At the same trial Elizabeth Weed of Great Catworth confessed, "whomsoever she cursed and sent her cat unto, they should die shortly after." Historically, there have been "family curses" in which a family has been cursed, perhaps "to the seventh generation."
Old wishing wells are found throughout Britain. Less well known, there are also cursing wells. Such a one is to be found at Llanelian-yn-Rhos, in North Wales,
near Colwyn Bay. At this well, ill-wishers could toss down the well a lead box containing the name of the one they wished harm upon. For a fee, the well keeper would retrieve the box. In similar vein, in Haiti a curse may be placed on a person, for a fee, by a Boko, or black magician. The Boko will then play perpetrator and victim against one another, removing or replacing the curse for the highest bidder.
Although the word hex is most often applied in a negative sense, like "curse,"
positive hexes can be found in the Pennsylvania Dutch form of witchcraft.
(see also Blasting and Poppets)
DAG H DA see GODS
The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-paganism © 2002 Visible Ink Press®. All rights reserved.
They may include images of warmth, light, and renewal, as well as references to nature and the changing seasons. In addition to reciting poems, pagans also often participate in other Yule rituals and customs, such as lighting candles or bonfires, decorating trees, and exchanging gifts. These traditions all have deep roots in pagan culture and are meant to honor and celebrate the turning of the seasons and the return of light and life after the darkness of winter. Overall, poems celebrating Yule in pagan practices are an important part of this ancient holiday and serve as a way for pagans to connect with nature, honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the cycle of life..
Reviews for "Connecting with Nature: Poetic Expressions of Pagan Yule"
1. John Smith - 2/5 stars - I was excited to dive into "Poems celebrating yule in pagan practices" as a lover of both poetry and pagan traditions. Unfortunately, I found the collection to be lacking depth and substance. The poems felt shallow and almost stereotypical, failing to capture the true essence and beauty of pagan practices during the Yule season. It felt more like a surface-level exploration rather than a meaningful celebration of this spiritual time. Overall, I was disappointed and left wanting more from this collection.
2. Emily Johnson - 1/5 stars - As a pagan practitioner, I was extremely disappointed with "Poems celebrating yule in pagan practices." The poems in this collection felt disconnected from the spiritual significance of the Yule season. They lacked the depth, emotion, and authenticity that I was hoping for. The language and imagery used in the poems felt forced and unnatural, failing to capture the essence of pagan celebrations and traditions. I was left feeling unsatisfied and regretful for purchasing this collection.
3. Michael Thompson - 2/5 stars - I was eager to explore the beauty and mystery of pagan practices during Yule through poetry in "Poems celebrating yule in pagan practices." However, I found the collection to be underwhelming. The poems lacked originality and creativity, often repeating similar themes and ideas. I was hoping for a more diverse and unique representation of pagan practices, but instead, I felt like I was reading recycled tropes. While there were a few standout poems, overall, I was left feeling uninspired and disappointed by this collection.