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Pagan Yule observances are a key component of the winter solstice celebrations practiced by many pagan and Wiccan communities. Yule, which is typically celebrated from December 20th to December 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun's light. One of the main focuses of Pagan Yule observances is honoring the cycles of nature and the turning of the wheel of the year. This is symbolized by the burning of the Yule log, a large piece of wood that is traditionally placed in the hearth and ceremonially lit. The Yule log represents the light and warmth of the returning sun and is believed to bring good luck and blessings for the coming year. In addition to the Yule log, Pagan Yule observances often involve rituals and ceremonies centered around the themes of rebirth and renewal.

ELDER ONE
How do you plead? Guilty or not guilty?

Much of my desperation branched out, I suppose, from a typical Depression-era trauma the blow struck on the mind by the rise of European Fascism and the brutal anti-Semitism it had brought to power. But by 1950, when I began to think of writing about the hunt for Reds in America, I was motivated in some great part by the paralysis that had set in among many liberals who, despite their discomfort with the inquisitors violations of civil rights, were fearful, and with good reason, of being identified as covert Communists if they should protest too strongly.

In addition to the Yule log, Pagan Yule observances often involve rituals and ceremonies centered around the themes of rebirth and renewal. This may include lighting candles to represent the growing light, exchanging gifts to symbolize the generosity of nature, and sharing communal feasts to celebrate the abundance of the season. Another important aspect of Pagan Yule observances is the acknowledgement of the darkest time of the year and the embracing of the lessons and values that can be learned from this darkness.

The Trial

In this scene that mimics the Salem witch trials, a woman is accused of witchcraft, but she gets the better of her accusers. She deftly illustrates that there are many things in the world that defy logic, yet are still part of our human experience.

This is a great scene to have students read when studying the Salem witch trials, as it further points out the absurdity of the events that transpired.

About the Playwright

Jeff Dunne is a playwright living near Baltimore, but his plays have been produced across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Both his full-length plays and shorter one-act scripts have won numerous festivals and competitions with professional and amateur theaters, and several works have been either written for or adapted to film. Jeff’s focus in writing is to encourage people to see life from new perspectives, to open their minds to alternate interpretations and possibilities with respect to things that they might otherwise take for granted. When not writing, Jeff enjoys acting (not nearly enough) and chocolate (far too much), and runs a Not-For-Profit organization that works to improve our world through a better understanding of the nature of self and consciousness. He is also a researcher in physics, engineering, and data science at the Johns Hopkins University.

Excerpt from the scene

CHARACTERS

ELDER ONE
Charles is the lead Elder. He is a patient, thoughtful, and purposeful man.

ELDER TWO
Colin Farnsworth is an Elder from another city who has come to represent an “unbiased” perspective. He is judgmental, and strongly opposed to the practice of witchcraft.

ELDER THREE
Michael Downing has a fiery, intolerant personality, and enjoys serving as an Elder far too much. He is power hungry, blood-thirsty, and confidence-starved.

WOMAN
Mary is a smart and insightful woman who has a profound understanding of the nature of the universe, and through it found abilities that others consider to be magic.

(Three men in cowled robes sit behind a table, or perhaps in a semi-circle, facing a woman who has been brought before them for trial.)

ELDER ONE
You have been charged in the presence of this council with the practice of witchcraft. How plead you?

ELDER ONE
How do you plead? Guilty or not guilty?

WOMAN
I will not plead to this court. I will not plead before you.

ELDER THREE
You will plead guilty or not guilty, and if you say nothing, we will levy summary judgment.

WOMAN
You’ve already passed judgment, long before this trial commenced.

ELDER TWO
She obstructs justice. She’s deliberately making a mockery of the tribunal.

WOMAN
A mockery? There is nothing I could say that would make this more of a mockery than it already is.

ELDER TWO
If you won’t answer the que-

WOMAN
(Directed at Elder Two…)
You, Colin Farnsworth. You, sitting there in that robe, a hood over your face like I cannot see you for who you are. For what you are.

ELDER THREE
You see? Witchcraft!

WOMAN
What do you know of witchcraft, Michael Downing?

ELDER THREE
(Pushing back his hood…)
I know it when I see it. When a devil-spawn wo-

WOMAN
Devil-spawn? You know my parents. We were practically raised in the same house, you sanctimonious hypocrite.

ELDER TWO
We will have civility from you, witch.

WOMAN
See. You passed judgment long before-

ELDER ONE
This trial is for your benefit. If you’d-

WOMAN
My benefit? My benefit?! This trial is nothing more than an excuse. An excuse for you to kill a woman who frightens you.

ELDER THREE
You don’t frighten me!

WOMAN
I scare the very bones out of your heartless chest!

This may involve introspective rituals and meditations, as well as the setting of intentions and goals for personal growth and transformation as the days begin to lengthen. Overall, Pagan Yule observances are a time of joy, connection, and reverence for the natural cycles of the Earth. They provide an opportunity to come together as a community and honor the beauty and magic of the winter season. Through the rituals and traditions of Yule, pagans and Wiccans celebrate the return of the light and look forward to the coming months of growth and abundance..

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