Winter Solstice and Yule: Pagan Rituals in Modern Eclectic Witchcraft

Yule, also known as Yuletide or the Winter Solstice, is a pagan holiday celebrated by many cultures and traditions around the world. The term "yule" is derived from the Old Norse word "jól" or "jul," which referred to the midwinter celebration. Yule marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, the winter solstice, which usually falls on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 20th or 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. In ancient times, yule was celebrated to honor the rebirth of the sun, as this is the time when the days begin to lengthen again. It symbolizes the turning point of the year when darkness gives way to light. Yule traditions vary across different cultures, but common elements include feasting, gift-giving, lighting fires or candles, and decorating evergreen trees or wreaths.

Ohhh. I want to try this out too! Thanks OP!

Ingredients Oil of lemon and or other essential oil, other natural extractives, esthers, kentones and aldehyde, such as amyl acetate and methyl vanillin, propylene glygol, polysorbate, gum tragacanth, water, preserved with benzoate of soda. Ingredients Oil of lemon and or other essential oil, other natural extractives, esthers, kentones and aldehyde, such as amyl acetate and methyl vanillin, propylene glygol, polysorbate, gum tragacanth, water, preserved with benzoate of soda.

Yule traditions vary across different cultures, but common elements include feasting, gift-giving, lighting fires or candles, and decorating evergreen trees or wreaths. The yule log is a significant symbol during this holiday. It is a large log, traditionally from an oak tree, which is burned in the hearth to symbolize the returning warmth of the sun and to bring good luck for the coming year.

Nagic line creme bouqet

I tried it for the first time in my mmf--oh my--the stuff is great!!
I bought it and it is more like gel vs liquid, so do you add less?
I added 1/2 T and 1.5T for the 2T flavoring in the mmf recipe.

It is a bit sweet but the mmf will go on nfsc and for 4-5y olds. They probably won't even notice the taste before they have devoured the cookies--lol

So, do I use less?

I'm not sure if you should use less or not. Have you tried other brands or is this your first time using it? I love the stuff too although I have not tried that brand.

I was happy when I read this, because I just bought a bottle of Creme Bouquet today (KC Products). I have never use this and read somewhere that it adds so much flavor to your bake goods. I was going to add it to sugar cookies today, has anyone tried creme bouquet in sugar cookies? Do I substitute creme bouquet for vanilla or is it in addition to the vanilla?

I'm going to have to try it.

I went to the cake decor store I go to for color and the cb caught my eye. Did not intend on buying anything else, but heard so much about this flavor. they also had the princess flavoring,but opted to just try the CB. I only saw the Magic Line brand. I just think it may be concentrated. My vanilla I buy at Sam's(I know, not the best stuff, but for what I do. ) and add a bit more flavoring than things call for.

Ohhh. I want to try this out too! Thanks OP!

This flavoring is just wonderful! I love using it in all my cake mixes

what does creme bouquet taste like?

You really should use a little less. It is powerful stuff and little will go a long way.
I like it to be in the background so that people wonder what is that flavor.

i've never tried it, but i can't wait now! i just got my first bottle of princess cake & cookie and buttery sweet dough and used them for the first time yesterday. i used only about a teaspoon in the cookie dough (and it's a huge batch) and you can really taste it! (my picky BF loved it!) and used the buttery sweet dough in my RI. mmmm. just the smell of it. what kind of flavors is the creme bouquet? i better start shopping.

Creme Bouquet is a rich creamy flavor with citrus overtones.

Usually it's used as a flavor enhancer, in addition to vanilla and other flavorings.

Princess cake flavoring is similar to CB, but has a nut compoment.

Here's a thread comparing Magic Line CB to National Flavors CB:

Originally Posted by JanH

Usually it's used as a flavor enhancer, in addition to vanilla and other flavorings.

Thanks Jan. I was just wondering that exact thought.

Thanks! it's added to the list!

Creme bouquet is the secret ingredient in most of my white cakes now. I love to sit/stand back and watch people moll it over in their mouths trying to figure out what that flavor is. It can be soo funny. I know I do it whenever I taste something really good and try to figure it out. My sister does the same thing with apricot flavoring. She adds just about two drops to a batch of white batter and it makes the most tell tale difference but people are always asking her what it is. She just tells them it's her secret ingredient. Once she had a woman come up to her about 6 times at a reception trying to get her to tell.

I use cb with both vanilla and butter flavorings. It's absolutely wonderful in mmf on butter cookies. I put it on as soon as the cookies come out of the oven and it just melds it's self to the cookies. Those cookies taste just like a piece of wonderful white wedding cake to me. Yum!!

Oh and I have the CK brand.

Usually it's used as a flavor enhancer, in addition to vanilla and other flavorings.

The fire from the yule log is believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous and fertile year ahead. Another important aspect of yule is the presence of the divine figures associated with the winter season, such as the Norse god Odin, who is often depicted as a white-bearded man riding a magical flying horse. In some traditions, the figure of Father Christmas or Santa Claus is also associated with yule, bringing gifts to children during this time. Yule is a time of reflection and renewal, where people gather with their loved ones to celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year and to set intentions for the year ahead. In modern times, yule is still celebrated by many pagans, Wiccans, and people following various earth-based spiritual traditions. It is seen as a time to reconnect with nature and the cycles of the seasons, as well as to embrace the darkness and find hope in the return of the light. Overall, yule is a holiday that celebrates the power of nature, the cycles of life, and the belief in the renewal of the sun. It is a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness, and a reminder of the eternal cycle of life and death that encompasses us all..

Reviews for "Yule and the Return of the Sun: Pagan Beliefs and Practices"

1. John - 1 star - I really didn't enjoy "Pagan Holiday Yule". I found it to be a confusing and disorganized mess. The storyline was hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth. It felt like the creators were trying too hard to be edgy and provocative, but it just came across as pretentious. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

2. Sarah - 2 stars - "Pagan Holiday Yule" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The pacing was off, with long stretches of uneventful scenes and then sudden bursts of action. The dialogue was also clunky and unnatural, making it difficult to become invested in the characters. Additionally, the special effects were lackluster, making the fantasy elements of the film feel cheap. I had high hopes for this movie, but sadly, it fell short.

3. Robert - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Pagan Holiday Yule". The acting was atrocious, with wooden performances and lack of chemistry between the cast members. The plot was cliché and predictable, offering nothing new or original. The film also dragged on for far too long, with unnecessary scenes that didn't contribute to the overall story. I was incredibly bored throughout and couldn't wait for it to be over. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

4. Jessica - 2 stars - Although "Pagan Holiday Yule" had some visually stunning moments, the overall execution was lacking. The narrative was convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. Additionally, the character development was minimal, making it difficult to feel any emotional investment in their fates. While there were some intriguing elements, they were overshadowed by the film's flaws. Unfortunately, I found it to be a forgettable experience.

Yule Divination: Pagan Practices for Seeking Guidance and Insight