What's not to love about Yule? It's a time for cozying up to the fire, spiked hot chocolate in one hand and your sweetie in the other! ;)  "Solstice" is Latin for "sun stands still" because at this time the sun seems to stay in one place for several days as it rises and sets on the horizon.

The wheel of the year has turned to its darkest point, and from now on the light will begin to grow stronger as the Oak King begins his long, slow climb from symbolic death back to the throne beside the Goddess.  The Holly King won't give up easily, though, hence the extra-nasty weather associated with January and February.

Here's a nice ritual you can perform to welcome the return of the sun and welcome changes you'd like to see take place within yourself.

Yule Fire Spell

1. On Yule night, gather three dried-up holly leaves and pulverize them into a powder.

2. On a piece of paper, write in red ink (or crayon) a single word or phrase that represents a change you like to bring about in yourself over the coming year.

3. Place the powdered holly in the center of the paper.

4. Fold or gather the edges of the paper to enclose the powder inside.

5. Light a red candle and light the holly-filled paper on fire. Place in a fire-proof container or in your fireplace.

6. As the paper and holly burn, visualize your wish fulfilled.

For The Birds!

Attach a pine cone to a piece of wire or string for hanging. Use a knife or spoon to pack the crevices with smooth peanut butter. Roll pine cone in bird seed. Hang outside on a tree branch for the birds to feast on.

Or, melt equal parts peanut butter and suet together. Add birdseed until it hangs together. Roll into balls and hang from a tree in an old onion bag.

Cinnamon Ornaments

I've made these and they smell good for a long time! (Warning: Not for eating.)

3/4 c. applesauce

2 Tb. white glue

1 oz. ground cinnamon

1 oz. ground cloves

1 oz. ground nutmeg

1 oz. ground ginger

Extra cinnamon for rolling out dough

Cookie cutters

In a bowl, stir together spices. Add applesauce and glue. Work with your hands until it forms a ball. If it's too wet, add cinnamon; if too try, add applesauce.

(cont'd next column)

Lightly dust a clean surface with cinnamon. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and use a toothpick to fashion a hole for hanging.

Dry in a slow oven or air dry for 4 or 5 days. Hang with a bit of ribbon.