Decorating your Alter for Yule

Decorating your Alter for Yule:

Every now and then you just get stuck, our lack of activity on the blog as of late will tell you it happens to us all. If that’s where you find yourself right now, not to worry, here are some quick suggestions on decorating your home and alter that will invite love, light and spirituality into your home this Yule season.

I want to start with a quick preamble, its always best if you are able to collect from nature; a pagan vendor or at least a local. But when this is not possible, DON’T WORRY YOURSELF! Life has enough problems with people feeling they cannot celebrate or practice their faith if they don’t have exactly the right item. Your intent is during spiritual practice is the foundation of all magic.

With that aside, here are some suggestions as to things you can use to spruce up your space:

Photo credit: The Rowan Blackwood: Image (tumblr.com)

Lets start off strong with the Yule Tree, bringing the tree into your home as a sign of renewal and life is always fun. Though traditionally they were decorated with pinecones and berries, you can decorate anyway you like. Consider the magical associations of colours when choosing your ornaments and contemplate what you want to bring in to your home over the holidays.  As a quicky on colours: Red, green, white, silver, and gold are often associated with the season. Red for prosperity and love. Green for abundance and the promise of the spring time. White for cleansing and light. Silver to symbolize the moon. And gold of course to represent the sun and the radiant energy that comes along with it.

Image credit: 0b82b0e737b0a2160a66e03dd9fbc302.jpg (5123×4000) (pinimg.com)

A Yule Log: this could be a blog all its own but broad strokes are that you select a special log to burn for yule or in some traditions the 12  days leading to and your house is protected and blessed by this practice. Lots of folks choose to decorate their logs and enjoy them as a centre piece leading up to the big day. You can do so with foliage (all collected for free if you are lucky) and then adorn it with candles to add flare.

Photo credit: 16 Pagan Christmas Traditions that People Mistakenly Credit to Christianity (historycollection.com)

Holly: can be used for garland, in a pot or as a hanging to represent the God. It is also a protective plant and who couldn’t use a little more of that with all the social activities around this loving season?

Photo credit: o-CHRISTMAS-CANDLES-facebook.jpg (2000×1000) (huffpost.com)

Candles: again here we can consider the magical associations of colours when we choose but candles bring light and warmth into our homes, this represents the sun without which we wouldn’t have all that we have.

Photo credit: Traditional Witch Bells golden - Etsy Canada

Bells: I am sure we have all heard the song Jing Bells at some point but did you know bells would traditionally be rung in the morning to drive away the demons that arise in the darker part of the year. The bells were meant to chase away the dark and bring forth the return of the light following the winter solstice. So dust off those witch bells and give them centre stage over the winter solstice.

Photo credit: pine-cone.jpg (2048×1360) (walterreeves.com)

Pine cones: A symbol of the pine tree, an evergreen tree, these represent healing, protection, prosperity/fertility and cleansing and they look great on the tree, in a bowl, on the alter, fashioned into Poruri, you name it!

If you can’t get to these items, consider the colours and recall their meanings but as always, do what feels good for you and your family.

Have a Blessed Yule friends.

Mari Lwyd

With at least one of our member following Welsh Traditions I thought it might be a good time to share the history of the Mari Lwyd.

Photo credit: MariArianrhod.jpg (637×960) (atlanticculturescape.eu)

The tradition dates back to the 1800 around the Yule High Day, one (traditionally male) would collect themselves a horse skull, usually decorated with coloured ribbons and rosettes and with glass bottle eyes and affix it to a pole. Once assembled you would drape a sack cloth or sheet over the head like a veil and hide beneath. The leader of the group would take the reins of the horse and lead it though the streets. From there, you and your friends would go wassailing and joking though your town.

As with many things the origins of the Mari Lwyd are a topic of some debate but early folklorists like Ellen Ettinger and Peate believe the practice to be of pre-Christian origins. The tradition has largely died out over time some says due to a lack of Welsh speakers and other to the increased rowdiness when going door to door particularly with the rise of Chapel and Methodism in Whales.

Happy Wassailing friends!

Happy Yuletide!

Yule- the Winter Solstice. The Darkest time of the year. The season when traffic is the most crazy and the stress of trying to get everything done just makes everyone a little bit bonkers. However even though the darkness may outweigh daylight, this is also the time of year that the little lights shine the best and brightest in their contrast to that dark. The time of year that candles warm the heart and remind us that we have the power to create the light as our ancestors once did. The time of year when it’s most important to make time to visit with our kin and clan. To create space to share our light with one another, because together our candles burn just a little brighter. 

Our Druid Grove managed to come out of the woodwork, tired as we all were… and rallied for cookie decorating, ritual and feasting day. Hugs and smiles were exchanged, excited to be in each other's presence once again. The little acorns all tried their hands at smearing the frosting and sprinkling the sprinkles on festive shaped shortbreads. Cookies were munched, drinks were imbibed, and fun was had by one and all. 

We gathered around the Yule log and my husband Marc led the ritual. It was so nice to be together again, cosy by the altar, grounding out the stresses of life and sharing the hearth fire… the smell of burning herbs and beeswax filling the air. The oghams pulled were fortuitous. The first ogham pulled being Vine… fitting for the festive season and occasion, reaping the harvest of seeds sown long ago. The second being Birch… Rebirth of the sun anew, ready for the year ahead, reminding us of the natural cycles on which our traditions have been built. Fortuitous indeed. 

The ritual wrapped up, and the feasting commenced. The traditional foods brought from our various hearths and homes mingled upon the festive table. Stories of heritage and history shared and recipes exchanged. 

With our bellies full, and our souls a little lighter and brighter, we say our goodbyes, taking the light of the ritual candles to our respective hearths… blessed to have gathered again with our chosen tribe!

Larter House broccoli cheddar soup

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, we thought it might be a fun time to share some family recipes. Here is the Larter House broccoli cheddar soup:

Ingredients :

• 1½ cups (360 ml) milk of choice

• ¾ cup (180 ml) of vegetable stock

• 4½ cups (405 g) broccoli florets, steamed or roasted

• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 - 2 cups (180 g) grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Combine all wet ingredients into a pot while steaming or roasting your broccoli. Once that is done begin greeting your cheddar to add to the mix. Combine all ingredients together and heat on medium well using your immersion blender to purée all. if you do not have an immersion blender once you have heated all of the ingredients together combine in a blender and mix on high while vented for 3 to 5 minutes.

Enjoy this healthy vitamin-packed cup that’s goodness!

Marc’s Savory Fall Squash Soup.

Ingredients:

3 slices of thick-cut maple bacon – Diced

2 medium onions - Diced

1 Acorn Squash – peeled and large cut chunks

2 cups Chicken stock (homemade is best)

2 large sweet potatoes – peeled and large cut chunks

2 cups Beef stock (homemade is best)

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup heavy cream

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 TBSP Thyme

1 TBSP Oregan

1 TBSP Garlic Powder

3 TBSP olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large stock pot put olive oil and bring heat to Medium. When oil is hot add diced bacon. Cook until bacon fats are rendered (4 minutes)

2. Add in the diced onions and cook until translucent

3. Add all seasonings to the onions and mix. Let cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add all stock to the pot, and stir.

5. Add Squash and Sweet potato. Ensure liquid covers vegetables.

6. Cook on medium for 2 hours with cover on. Stir occasionally.

7. Allow to cool, and using a wand blender emulsify to desired smoothness. Should be creamy

8. Stir in Sour Cream and heavy cream.

Statement on Sovereignty

As a group that understands the importance of sovereignty for the well-being of a people, we stand behind each person’s right to be the ruler of their own body. That our bodies are sacred, and there is a limit to the power a government, or anyone else, has over our bodies. Our traditions are full of strong and independent deities that demonstrate this to us. 

Many of the choices we make with our own bodies are complicated, some are painful, but all are personal. We understand how easy it would be, once we hand over a part of our body autonomy, for more to be taken from us. 

No matter where we may stand on each individual choice that can be made for someone’s body, we will stand for the freedom of that person to make the choice themselves. No part of someone’s body should be ruled by someone else.

We call to the deities of Sovereignty,

You who stand for one’s choice,

Grant us the Courage, 

To hold Sovereignty over our own bodies.

Give us the Strength to choose,

To stand up for those who cannot,

And grant those in power,

The Wisdom to understand.

In Service,

The Mother Grove of ADF

A Prayer for Ukraine

As we look back upon the prior week in horror at the aggression unleashed on Ukraine, we look to find ways to express our support for the people of Ukraine and also for ways we can help.

As people of faith, we pray to our Gods and Goddesses for Ukrainian and its people. We pray for peace, for strength, for courage, and for sovereignty.

As people of compassion, we look for ways to help those in danger and those displaced. The following organizations can help those in harm’s way:

UNICEF

Médecins sans frontiers/Doctors without borders

Voices of Children

Sunflower of Peace

International Committee of the Red Cross

Save the Children

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Care

International Medical Corps

Please keep the people of Ukraine in your thoughts as we continue to work our altars and shrines. Please make offerings and pray for peace and safety.

In a global community, we are all neighbors.

The ADF Mother Grove

Now Available: Midsommar Sól

The Midsommar Sol children's book from Pagan Kids Publishing is now available for pre-order! Order it from Kickstarter between February 15 to March 16, 2022 and receive your copy by the summer solstice!

Midsommar (in the Norse context) is a modern summer tradition that originates in Northern European countries. It happens in the middle of summer, around June 21-24 (the summer solstice). Activities include light-hearted entertainment from dressing up with flower crowns to dancing to catchy folk songs around a midsommarstång (a leafy maypole).

Små Grodorna (Little Frogs) is a popular Swedish folk song that encourages children to participate in a competitive dance around a leafy pole. The music replays faster on repeat until one person is left dancing. Another variation is removing the competition and having everyone fall when the musician cues the song’s end.

This song has been translated and added to this book. In it, the last person dancing gets crowned Midsummer queen or king!

Wanting to tie in elements of ancient sun-worship and traditional summer games, the Norse goddess Sol stars as the main character whose entire focus is giving everyone a well-deserved break!

It really is a feel-good story for the whole family.

As far as its history, Midsommar evolved from pre-Christian traditions. Some scholars call the celebration barbaric because of the singing, dancing and frivolity they witnessed. By 1000 AD, the Old Kingdom of Norway learned to embrace these customs by giving them a name, date and milder songs and dance.

Although the pagan festival activities don’t have a date before Norse-Christian convergence, it has left a trail of evidence of sun-worship and sun-game traditions. Sun-worship traces back to the Iron Age (58-79 BC) with carvings of sun-worship, expressing joy and thanks to the sun for its life-giving power. Read more about the history of Midsommar here.

The Book

Over two years have gone into the making of this new book! 2020 was spent drowning in research papers trying to decipher and organize timelines; 2021, I published a research article that simplified these efforts for easy understanding; and finally 2022, my newest children's book is available in English AND German!

Why the fuss?
The Northern European Midsommar Festival is a debate among Norse pagan circles. The demographic is separated by an argument of whether it is originally pagan or Christian.
My goal with the Pagan Kids books is to take the Swedish customs I grew up with, restore them to their pre-Christian form and include a little ancient lore. This takes research, care and understanding.

Pre-Order

The books are available on Kickstarter from February 15 to March 16, 2021, starting at $12 (CAD). Kickstarter sales are the most affordable way to get your hands on any of the Pagan Kids books, so make sure you look at all the other books available to add on.

Order from the Kickstarter page today:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pagankids/midsommar-sol

Note: The Who Is That in the Sky? board book ships from a different facility based in the USA. Shipping to continents isn't as feasible as I would like. I am working on a solution, but it won't be available for a few months (at least).

Imbolc for the Family

Imbolc is a day to reconnect with nature, celebrate the spring to come and start planning your garden for the upcoming growing season. It is celebrated with a festival, feast, crafting and bonfires. This Wheel of the Year celebration is held from February 1 until sundown on February 2, although some celebrate it on the first full moon of February instead. It is observed by Celtic pagans, Wiccans and new age Norse pagans. It does not have any attestation in historic Norse manuscripts.

The pre-Christian origins of Imbolc is found in 10th-century Irish literature that relates ewe's milk to purification, spring and rebirth. The Celts celebrate by honouring the Celtic goddess Brigid. One of the ways they honour her is by crafting corn husk or straw dolls of her, placing them in a dress and laying it in a basket overnight with offerings. The next day people continue celebrating by burning lamps and lighting bonfires as a tribute to their goddess. Eventually, the church recognized Brigid's purity and kindness. To honour her they recognized her as patron Saint Brigid (Bridget). Aligned with Imbolc Swedish pagans celebrate Disting/Disablot festivals which translates to 'Thing of the Goddess' (Remember: Thing means 'community assembly place'); In Denmark, pagans celebrate with a 'Feast of New Beginnings' where ploughs and churns are charmed for a blessed growing season. Note: Disting/Disablot dates get a little complicated. Originally Disting/Disablot was likely celebrated on the full moon in March/April - which is also the spring equinox. It was then moved to February to avoid getting absorbed with Easter.

What I personally enjoy about Imbolc is the inner work that is hidden from sight. There is a lot of change happening within the Earth we can't see but the energy it's pulling is what makes the plants bloom in the spring.

IMBOLC ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY:

(I save the best for last)

1. Get your garden ready (physically & spiritually)

Although it is too early to plant seeds in most of the northern hemisphere, this is a great opportunity to plan your garden and begin seeding indoor plant nurseries. A fun family activity to do for this is paint clay pots and channel your intention to your seedling's first home.

2. Charm the plough

Most of us do not have ploughs anymore but we do have gardens and gardening tools. Set your intention for the year ahead on your garden and your tools. If you don't have what you need then now is a good time to start acquiring them.

3. Chase away lingering Yule spirits

Pack up your Yule decorations. If you haven't done it already this is your sign. Packing up your holiday decorations chases lingering spirits away. Do it now before they get bored and start playing tricks on you and your home!

4. Enjoy a special feast

Symbolically this meal will include offerings to your gods/goddesses. The traditional food of the Celts is made of cow dairy. Other traditional foods for this time include lamb or cow/bull. This offering requires true effort and intention. Once offered to your deity the other members of your table can begin enjoying the food.

5. Hold an offering

Create your own straw or corn husk dolls of the goddess Brigid. Place it in a basket overnight with meaningful items as offerings.

6. Light a bonfire and/or candles

Fires are lit to symbolize the coming of the light, help chase away the darkness and show gratitude for the warmth your deity is soon to bring.

7. Meditate and reflect

Mediation and reflection can be held anywhere. You can do this outside with nature, inside where you can find peace, and even in a herbal milk bath where you can soak in the essence of nature.

8. Do some spring cleaning and cleansing (literally and spiritual)

Out with the old and in with the new. It is time to purify and renew!

9. Make plans

Just like the Earth is preparing to grow you should too. This preparation stage is important if you want to see your plans come to fruition. What is something you want/need to start doing in the spring? What steps do you need to take to accomplish it?

10. Craft Imbolc herbal ice lanterns

This brilliant craft idea came from another pagan mom, and it is a beautiful idea the whole family can enjoy.

What you need: A plastic container, water, a rock, a freezer, a candle and herbs or flowers.

Here are the directions: Step 1) Get a flexible plastic container

Step 2) Put a candle-sized rock in the middle of it Step 3) Fill the container with water (but don't cover the rock!) and freeze for a day Step 4) The next day, take the ice out of the freezer and remove the rock Step 5) Place herbs and flowers along the top icy rim Step 6) Place in a safe location outside and light a candle in the middle of it When the ice lantern melts it leaves a ring of nature in its wake. A symbol of the spring to come 🌷🌸

I hope you all enjoyed 'Imbolc for the Family'. If you found inspiration from this post and you follow through with the crafts, please tag @PaganKids in your pictures. I would love to see your masterpieces!

Sincerely, Jennifer Hartman Pagan Kids

pagankids.org

Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/imbolc

https://www.academia.edu/1366945/Jul_disting_och_f%C3%B6rkyrklig_tider%C3%A4kning https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/pagans-celebrate-coming-of-spring-with-imbolc-festival https://www.theasatrucommunity.org/holidays https://www.learnreligions.com/guide-to-celebrating-imbolc-2562102

Mabon

Many of us are lucky to be slowing loosening restrictions but in case you are not or you’re just not ready here are some things you can do alone, with a group or with your family to help celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

As we all know Mabon is rapidly approaching, for us in the northern hemisphere it will be September 23rd. Mabon indicates the second harvest, it is a time of balance and contemplation as the days start to wane.

·         It is a great time to do some house cleaning and work on some home protection spell work. You can also use this to restore balance and release any negative feelings, you can literally sweep them out the door.

·         Bake with some season’s harvests, apples, pumpkin, corns squash, grains. You name it, I will eat it! Baking with intent can help to release a lot of tension and heal spread prosperity and love. Who couldn’t use a little more of that right now? You can also use your baking for safe socially distanced gifts.

·         If you have little ones or you just love crafts, you can do some leaf rubbings. Crafting can be a way to express yourself creatively and can easily be worked into a ritual. For example, you could make this lovely paper and then use it later in ritual by writing down things that no longer serve you to burn and let go.

·         Here I go again encouraging exercise… take a walk in the woods, the air is getting crisper, and you will get to experience the changing leaves.  Nothing beats the smell of fall air. Take this time alone to walk and meditate or walk with friends to spread joy.

·         Finally, decorate, take the joy we are given, there is so much to be miserable about right now, make your home a safe and happy place by putting your own style on things and just do it for fun, sometimes a little spruce up can change your whole mood.

Happy Mabon All, blessed be