A Yule log pagan, also known as a Yule log witch, is someone who incorporates the tradition of the Yule log into their pagan or Wiccan practices. The Yule log is a custom and symbol associated with the celebration of Yule, which is one of the eight Sabbats on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. In pagan and Wiccan practices, Yule is typically celebrated around the winter solstice, which falls on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time to honor the return of the sun and the beginning of the lengthening days. The Yule log is seen as a representation of the sun and is burned to symbolize the kindling of the light within oneself. A yule log pagan may choose to gather their own Yule log or purchase one.
But the similarities end there. Witches use Intelligence while warlocks use Charisma. Witch spellcasting is basically the same as a wizard’s, just with the familiar storing spells instead of a book, and of course a somewhat different spell list. That means preparing spells—more onerous in Pathfinder than 5e—and recovering them on a “long rest,” which is the only rest Pathfinder has. It means you have more spell slots to worry about, and they come at different levels.
As mentioned, Pathfinder doesn t have short rests, or much in the way of equivalent mechanics that one could leverage to produce anything similar to 5e Pact Magic. As mentioned, Pathfinder doesn t have short rests, or much in the way of equivalent mechanics that one could leverage to produce anything similar to 5e Pact Magic.
A yule log pagan may choose to gather their own Yule log or purchase one. Traditionally, the log is made out of oak or another hardwood, as these woods are associated with strength, endurance, and protection. The log is decorated with various symbols, such as evergreen branches, holly, mistletoe, and ribbons.
D&D 5E Witches, Familiars, and Invocation of Spirits
So, I’m working on a Witch class that is a bit different from what I normally see from such classes. It’s more an alt wizard (kiiind of), with spellbook (grimoire). with a little less direct casting power due to no Arcane recovery, fewer spell slots possibly, uses primal spells, has a familiar that is central to the class, chooses a Vocation based on expertise in a tool and special use of said tool, and Malisons which are curses, bindings, and invocations (calling power into yourself or into a space).
There is also an alt Warlock that stands a bit as a foil to the witch, called the Anathemir, who has pact casting, specializes in ritual tools called implements, and is like a ritualist Witcher. Currently the Anathemir also has a spellbook and a familiar, but I might ditch the familiar focus so the witch can lean harder into it.
There is a lot of Int based ritual magic in the project they are part of.
Anyway, the Malisons are meant to be things the witch can do via sympathetic magic that can be a curse, a binding (physical, mental, or spiritual), or an invocation (the more powerful, because it calls power, often a being, into a place under the witches will).
And that’s kind of all I have at the moment, so I’m curious if anyone has any thoughts? Does this inspire anything for anyone?
Basically the witch is a bridge between spirits and mortals that is steeped in mundane crafts, ritual magic, and spirit calling, and can use those skills to lay doom upon someone, maybe for good or ill, all assisted by the familiar. They will also be tied into the cosmology and especially the links between the celestial houses and the types of magic.
So, I’m working on a Witch class that is a bit different from what I normally see from such classes. It’s more an alt wizard (kiiind of), with spellbook (grimoire). with a little less direct casting power due to no Arcane recovery, fewer spell slots possibly, uses primal spells, has a familiar that is central to the class, chooses a Vocation based on expertise in a tool and special use of said tool, and Malisons which are curses, bindings, and invocations (calling power into yourself or into a space).
The Yule log is typically burned in a hearth or bonfire during the Yule ritual. As it burns, the log is believed to release the energy of the sun and bring light into the darkness. Some yule log pagans may write wishes or intentions on a piece of paper and place it in the fire, symbolizing the release of their desires into the universe. In addition to the burning of the Yule log, yule log pagans may engage in other rituals and practices to honor the winter solstice and the turning of the Wheel of the Year. This may include meditation, divination, spells, feasting, and spending time in nature. Overall, a yule log pagan is someone who embraces the symbolism and ritual associated with the Yule log in their pagan or Wiccan practices. They use the Yule log as a tool for reflection, transformation, and connection with the cycles of nature and the divine..
Reviews for "Exploring the Multicultural Influence on Yule Log Traditions in Paganism"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - This book was not at all what I was expecting. I thought it would offer a comprehensive insight into the pagan tradition of yulelogs, but it was disappointingly brief and lacking in depth. The author spent more time rambling about unrelated topics than actually explaining the significance of yulelogs in paganism. I was also disappointed by the lack of historical context and research in the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a thorough exploration of the subject.
2. John - 1/5 - I found "What is a yulelog pagan" to be a complete waste of time and money. The author's writing style was incredibly disorganized and scattered, making it difficult to follow the main points of the book. The information provided about yulelogs and pagan traditions was superficial and lacked any real depth or substance. It felt more like reading a random collection of poorly written blog posts than an informative book on the subject. I was highly disappointed and regretted purchasing this book.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I was excited to learn more about yulelogs and their significance in pagan practices, but this book fell short of my expectations. The author seemed more interested in pushing their own personal beliefs and experiences rather than providing an objective exploration of the topic. As someone new to paganism, I was hoping for a more educational and informative read, but instead, I felt like I was being preached to. The lack of clear organization and structure in the book also made it difficult to follow. Overall, I found "What is a yulelog pagan" to be a letdown.
4. Michael - 1/5 - I cannot recommend "What is a yulelog pagan" to anyone interested in learning about yulelogs and paganism. The book was filled with grammatical errors and typos, making it difficult to comfortably read. Additionally, the information provided was vague and lacked depth, leaving me with more questions than answers. It felt like the author was simply regurgitating information they found online without providing any personal insights or unique perspectives. Overall, I found this book to be a huge disappointment and a waste of my time.