Winter solstice, also known as Yule, is a sacred time in Wicca and other pagan traditions. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the official start of winter. This ancient festival is a celebration of light and the return of longer days. Winter solstice rituals in Wicca focus on the themes of rebirth, renewal, and the power of the sun. Wiccans recognize this pivotal moment in the annual cycle of nature and honor the turning of the wheel of the year. One popular ritual during winter solstice is the lighting of the yule log.
I’d grown up on fairy-stories, which I read alongside the lives of saints. What I loved about Tarot, about the lighting of incense and candles, about the various spells I’d found on mid-aughts websites, was not solely the sense that my life could be predicted, but the wider, and more dizzying sense, that I could make connections between my own life and the world at large. What captivated me was the idea that some things (white candles, basil, the Queen of Swords) inherently meant other things (purity, love, a mysterious older woman with an intellectual bent), and that if I paid enough attention, I could understand what these things meant: the lattice of correspondence between my life and some grander story being played out in the heavens. If I paid enough attention, it seemed, I could work out the whole world.
I became progressively immersed in the New Age, engaging in practices like divination, meditation, affirmations, visualization, crystal and energy healing, and chakra clearing. Its practitioners are correct in supposing that the position of a star, of a tree, of the entrails of a certain bird, have something significant to say about the nature of reality that exceeds the way that we can describe it through science alone.
One popular ritual during winter solstice is the lighting of the yule log. The yule log represents the rebirth of the sun and is a symbol of hope and warmth during the dark winter months. It is traditionally burned throughout the night to bring light and blessings to the coming year.
Why is divination considered a sin to Christians?
I don't believe in fairies or leprechauns or mermaids either, but you are certainly welcome to your tarot cards, Ouija boards and crystal balls.
Do you believe in God?Jos
Well-Known Member
I have no idea, what it is? That's what I was asking the guy, I don't know myself. Last edited: Apr 26, 2019nPeace
Veteran Member
ok, well you don't know the forty different writers were stating a fact you can only go by what they wrote,and of course it's all the same harmonious theme,to those who live by the bible,it's doing what is suppose to do;be convincing just like yall described evil spirits do!!and to control the people so it tells you not to do this and don't do that, if you do you are outside of God! I can't never be outside of God we are as one.)but that's another thread.anyway I'm just not buying it, the christian world can quote me scriptures till they tuen blue in the face;I refuse to believe something that has not been proven for a fact.
Not sure I get your point.
You asked.
and how do you know that the bible you read was not written by a pretender acting as they care, so it can control all humans so that they and not know there are other ways to access your higher power and the spiritual world for real spiritual guidance and really live abundantly.
I gave you one piece of evidence that would clearly rule out that possibility.
If you have evidence that the Bible is the product of one man, or that all the writers were given a script by one man, or organization under one entity, then you have a case. Otherwise, you have no reason to object.
It is impossible for ten men in different locations, with different backgrounds and fields of interest to sit and write pages of information, and when these are collected and binded, they make one complete harmonious book.
The only way that is possible, is if those writers all had wifi connection, and we know the Bible writers did not have this.
The only other possibility, is what is stated here.
(2 Peter 1:21) . . .men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit. . .
On the other hand, a person can claim to be communicating with God, and not have a single clue with whom they are communicating. They have no evidence at all that they are not deceived.
The Bible says they are, and there is more evidence to show that we can trust the Bible.
To me, that means it's one or the other. Either what we know about the Bible is wrong, or your feelings are, and we both know our feelings are never evidence for anything, other than a feeling.
It is like geologist who see clear evidence that an eruption is immanent versus inhabitants living under the volcano saying that they feel safe.
We know that those who choose to rely on their feelings instead of evidence, are not being reasonable, nor wise.
What evidence do you have that your practice of divination is approved by God?
There must, I think, be something in what draws us to the numinous, our sense of enchantment, of the world as a magical place: something that is imperfect and incomplete rather than dangerous or demonic. Divination is not the wrongful ascription of magic and meaning to the world, but rather a profound misreading of what, exactly, the world means.
Well-Known Member
I have no idea, what it is? That's what I was asking the guy, I don't know myself. Last edited: Apr 26, 2019Veteran Member
ok, well you don't know the forty different writers were stating a fact you can only go by what they wrote,and of course it's all the same harmonious theme,to those who live by the bible,it's doing what is suppose to do;be convincing just like yall described evil spirits do!!and to control the people so it tells you not to do this and don't do that, if you do you are outside of God! I can't never be outside of God we are as one.)but that's another thread.anyway I'm just not buying it, the christian world can quote me scriptures till they tuen blue in the face;I refuse to believe something that has not been proven for a fact.
Not sure I get your point.
You asked.
and how do you know that the bible you read was not written by a pretender acting as they care, so it can control all humans so that they and not know there are other ways to access your higher power and the spiritual world for real spiritual guidance and really live abundantly.
I gave you one piece of evidence that would clearly rule out that possibility.
If you have evidence that the Bible is the product of one man, or that all the writers were given a script by one man, or organization under one entity, then you have a case. Otherwise, you have no reason to object.
It is impossible for ten men in different locations, with different backgrounds and fields of interest to sit and write pages of information, and when these are collected and binded, they make one complete harmonious book.
The only way that is possible, is if those writers all had wifi connection, and we know the Bible writers did not have this.
The only other possibility, is what is stated here.
(2 Peter 1:21) . . .men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit. . .
On the other hand, a person can claim to be communicating with God, and not have a single clue with whom they are communicating. They have no evidence at all that they are not deceived.
The Bible says they are, and there is more evidence to show that we can trust the Bible.
To me, that means it's one or the other. Either what we know about the Bible is wrong, or your feelings are, and we both know our feelings are never evidence for anything, other than a feeling.
It is like geologist who see clear evidence that an eruption is immanent versus inhabitants living under the volcano saying that they feel safe.
We know that those who choose to rely on their feelings instead of evidence, are not being reasonable, nor wise.
What evidence do you have that your practice of divination is approved by God?
Another important aspect of winter solstice rituals is the use of evergreen decorations. Wicca recognizes the power and resilience of nature, even in the depths of winter. Evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands are placed in sacred spaces to honor the cycles of life and the eternal nature of the soul. Candle magic is also commonly practiced during winter solstice rituals. Candles symbolize light and warmth, and are used to manifest intentions and goals for the coming year. Wiccans may light different colored candles representing different aspects of their lives, such as love, prosperity, and health. In addition to these specific rituals, Wiccans also take time to reflect and connect with nature during the winter solstice. They may go for walks in the woods, meditate, or perform other activities that help them stay grounded and connected to the earth. Overall, winter solstice rituals in Wicca are a time of honoring the cycles of nature, seeking spiritual renewal, and setting intentions for the coming year. It is a time to celebrate the return of light and welcome the energy of growth and transformation..
Reviews for "Connecting with Ancestors: Wiccan Traditions for the Winter Solstice"
1. John D. - 2/5 stars
I attended a winter solstice ritual in the wicca tradition, and I must say, I was highly disappointed. The entire experience felt forced and insincere. The participants seemed more focused on performing the rituals correctly than truly connecting with the natural energies of the solstice. It all felt very scripted and rehearsed, lacking any sense of spontaneity or genuine emotion. I was hoping for a meaningful and transformative experience, but all I got was a shallow imitation of ancient traditions.
2. Sarah W. - 1/5 stars
I have always been open to exploring different spiritual practices, so I decided to give winter solstice rituals in wicca a try. Unfortunately, it was a complete letdown. The ceremony was poorly organized and lacked any coherence or purpose. The rituals performed seemed random and disconnected from the solstice itself. In addition, the energy in the room felt cold and unwelcoming. It was definitely not the warm and uplifting experience I had hoped for. I left feeling more confused and disheartened than ever before.
3. Alex K. - 2/5 stars
As someone with a deep interest in spirituality, I was excited to attend a winter solstice ritual in the wicca tradition. However, I found the whole event to be quite underwhelming. The rituals performed were overly complex and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully engage and immerse myself in the experience. Moreover, the lack of guidance from the leaders made it challenging for newcomers like myself to understand the significance of the rituals and their connection to the solstice. Overall, I left feeling disconnected and dissatisfied with the whole event.