(A Very Serious Guide to Ancient Rituals I Absolutely Perform in Pajamas)
I told myself I was going to “keep Yule simple this year.”
Then I lit one candle…
Which led to herbs…
Which led to intentions…
Which led to me talking to my house like it’s a sentient being with opinions.
Congratulations.
It’s Yule.
First—What Is Yule, Really? (And Why Our Ancestors Were Way More Practical Than Us)
Yule is ancient. Like older-than-Christmas ancient.
Long before shopping carts and Mariah Carey, Germanic and Norse cultures celebrated the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. The goal was simple:
👉 Survive winter
👉 Welcome the sun back
👉 Don’t die
👉 Be grateful if you didn’t die
Fire, evergreen plants, food preservation, and light rituals weren’t aesthetic—they were life insurance.
So yes… lighting a candle for “manifestation” today is spiritual.
But originally, it was also: “Please come back, Sun. We need crops.”
Yule Candle Ritual (a.k.a. Mood Lighting With Purpose)
History
Fire symbolized the sun itself—hope returning after darkness. Ever notice how every winter holiday has candles, lights, or flames? That’s Yule showing up uninvited and being right.
How to Do It (Modern, No Goat Sacrifice Version)
You’ll need:
- One candle (white, gold, red, or green)
- A quiet space (or at least kids temporarily distracted)
Steps:
- Light the candle.
- Stare at it like you’re waiting for answers.
- Think about:
- What you want more of next year
- What you are DONE carrying
- Say (out loud or in your head):
“I welcome light, warmth, clarity, and good decisions.”
Extinguish safely. Do not blow on it like a birthday candle unless you want chaotic energy.
Evergreen Cleansing & Protection (AKA: Sage’s Winter Cousins)
History
Evergreens—pine, cedar, juniper—were sacred because they stayed alive in winter. Ancient people saw this as resilience magic, not décor.
How to Do It
You’ll need:
- Pine, cedar, or juniper (fresh or dried)
- A fire-safe bowl or incense burner
Steps:
- Light the herbs until they smolder.
- Walk through your home slowly.
- Say (firmly, lovingly):
“This space is safe, warm, and blessed.”
If your house feels lighter afterward, that’s not placebo—it’s you setting boundaries.
Gratitude Offering (Low-Effort, High Impact)
History
Offerings were how ancient people said thank you to nature spirits, ancestors, and the forces that didn’t freeze them to death.
How to Do It
You’ll need:
- Bread, herbs, pinecones, seeds, or fruit
Steps:
- Step outside at sunrise or sunset.
- Place the offering on the ground.
- Say thank you—for warmth, food, shelter, and surviving another year.
That’s it. No chanting required. Gratitude is universal.
The Manifestation Jar (Because Witches Were Just Organized Planners)
History
Spell jars date back centuries and were basically intentions you could hold. Our ancestors didn’t journal—they bottled goals.
How to Make One
You’ll need:
- A small jar
- Cinnamon (prosperity)
- Pine needles (protection)
- Orange peel (joy)
- A piece of paper
Steps:
- Write ONE intention. Be specific.
- Place it in the jar.
- Add the ingredients.
- Seal with wax (or a lid—this is a judgment-free altar).
Keep it until Imbolc (early February), then release or refresh it.
Decorating the Yule Tree (The Pagan Roots of Christmas)
Yes. The tree was pagan first. Sorry, history.
Evergreens symbolized eternal life. Ornaments represented the sun, harvest, and protection. Lights? Again—sun worship, but festive.
So if you’re decorating a tree while setting intentions, congratulations. You’re accidentally honoring your ancestors.
Gentle (But Necessary) Disclaimer
This blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only.
It is not medical, religious, or legal advice.
Please do not burn your house down or blame me if your manifestation includes emotional growth.
About the Author
A.L. Childers is a writer, humorist, and spiritual storyteller who blends ancient wisdom with modern sarcasm. Her books explore healing, history, resilience, and the uncomfortable truth that our ancestors were smarter than we give them credit for.
📚 Follow me for more writing like this—and check out my books, where food, folklore, healing, humor, and history collide beautifully. If you like learning while laughing, you’re in the right place.
