In anticipation of the Winter Solstice, we invite you to gather to embrace the spirit of Yule a tad early. Master Gardener Kathleen Lowe will lead a workshop on creating a natural Yule Log using wood logs, seasonal greens, and decorative accents, which can be used to decorate a hearth or as a centerpiece. We will then join together for a beautiful bonfire celebration.
Yule is an ancient midwinter celebration that goes back to (as early as) the 4th century. The Germanic-Saxons called it Jólaboði (Jól), and the Scandinavians called it Jul. Both translate to the English word 'Yule.'
What to Expect
We will start our time together with an opening meditation and a seasonal hot tea as we get to know one another.
You will have your choice of fresh logs we foraged from the grounds of the 60-acre forest, and with intent, we will decorate our logs with seasonal greens, mistletoe, holly, cinnamon sticks, dried fruit, bells, and other items collected from nature (dried and fresh). Please feel free to bring any natural decorations or items that hold importance to you that you wish to incorporate. We will provide you with a choice of three candles for your log:
green, red, and silver or white to represent the Oak King, the Holly King, and the Goddess; or
white, red, and black to represent the Triple Goddess
We will craft our individual Yule logs together quietly as we contemplate the change in the solar year. We will bless the finished logs with a Yule Prayer.
We will then head outside and light the bonfire for a Yule Fire Celebration. As the fire begins to blaze, you can offer a dried holly sprig as we say farewell to the old calendar year. Farewells can take the form of thanksgiving and appreciation and/or the releasing of old habits or personal pains.
Once the bonfire starts blazing, you will be invited to contemplate the year ahead and the power of possibilities. Each participant then throws an oak twig or acorn into the fire to represent the year ahead and calls out a personal resolution and/or a hope for the upcoming year. You may also write something you want to release and/or a wish for the upcoming year on a slip of paper and burn it in the flame.
We will then close our time together by singing the traditional carol, "Deck the Halls," as it mentions the Solstice, the change in the solar year, and the Yule Log.
Details
Saturday, December 9th from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Private Residence in East Haddam, address will be provided at time of purchase
$45 investment
This workshop is limited to 10 women and is non-refundable.