Wicca

BY KELLY BINGHAM The Signpost correspondent

Instead of having a merry little Christmas, pagans, Wiccans and witches will celebrate the original yule holiday.

One of the diverse traditions of paganism is the celebration of a god and goddess of nature. At least a few local pagans will observe the ancient yule celebration of Winter Solstice, which falls on Dec. 21.

Cat Guibord, a Weber State University anthropology major and practicing witch, explains yule's purpose.

"Yule is a time to honor the gods and goddesses," Guibord said. "Yule is a celebration of the old or winter aspect of the god dying, and the new aspect being born and bringing the spring."

The word "yule" and the December holiday aren't the only things Christmas borrows from the pagan tradition. Wreaths represent the seasonal wheel of the year. Pinecones on the wreath are symbols of the god. Decorated evergreen trees show thankfulness for past blessings and holly and mistletoe are hung to invite the gods back and to bring springtime with them. The Holly King, who is often thought to be the pagan inspiration for Santa Claus, helps the new gods raise springtime.

The yule celebration begins with a festival on the evening of Winter Solstice. Participants bring food grown from their gardens to celebrate the ending of harvest. Handmade gifts are exchanged that represent a giving of one's self.

"Two years ago, I received a handmade broom from my husband," Guibord said. "I keep it in the altar room."

After the feast, the witches will hold circle, a religious observance. Two people will officiate as an invocation is given, inviting the god and goddess to attend and participate.

They will then recite the "Charge of the Goddess," which reads: "- Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you," and the "Charge of the God," which reads: "- For this is my path, and I love not the weak or the fearful. Hear my call on long winter nights and we shall stand together guarding her Earth as she sleeps."

Then the yule log is burned along with ashes of previous years to symbolize perpetuity in life. The members of the circle will finish by sharing what they're thankful for and cast spells for the future.

"Yule-time magic tends to be preparatory magic," Guibord said. "We're getting ready for spring, so we light candles to bring us good fortune in the coming year."

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