Yule / Winter Solstice 2: Surfing for Sabbats Activities (Sorry these are kinda long)

Easy Candle Ideas
Source: Crystal Forest


Since it is often a messy task rather than try candle making why not use store bought candles for these ideas? Press flowers and herbs until they are dry or use ones purchased from a craft store. Dip your candle into hot water just barely long enough to soften the wax. Place the dry plant material on the candle in a pleasing pattern, and gently press into the wax. Then do a quick dip into liquid wax to seal it all together.

Explore fragrances by using incense herbs and resins sealed into the wax; you could use the above process or make the candles with the herbs and resins included in the hot liquid (experiment before you commit yourself to a big project... if the herb pieces are too large, they'll act like wicks and create a bonfire, and resins sometimes spit when hot). You could also add pure essential oils to the outside of the finished candle, or to the liquid wax as the candle burns. I like to do the last one-especially if you get the unscented candles-try it in a bunch of little tea lights too! :-)

If you don't mind a bit of experimenting... Timing candles. In medieval times, special candles were marked for the hours (as moon-dials did not work as well as sun-dials...) so that the religious would not miss their middle-of-the-night prayers. You can mark candles for special time periods, like the length of your meditation sessions. Make or get a batch of candles at the same time, keep them together, and treat them the same (such as putting them in the freezer to make them drip less-this is my personal favorite taper trick!). Burn one, and at each time period (hour, fifteen to twenty minutes, etc.), measure the amount of candle that has burned and mark the remaining candles at this increment. Add a little color to the marks with cotton thread (you could try paint, but it does strange things) or wax dye.

For magickal work, bind spells with cotton thread wrapped and knotted around a candle. The usual way is to knot the intention so that with each one burned, the energy is freed to do its work; this is especially useful for healing and protection work. Choose appropriate colors for both candle and thread. This is another project where a final dip into liquid wax would be beneficial, though here it is not absolutely needed.

No matter what you create with your candles, remember that they are living beings, apt to seize upon flammable objects and creatures within their reach. They should never be left unattended unless in a totally secure environment (like an empty bathtub for overnight)! Safety comes first.

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/easy_candles.html
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Scented Pinecones
Source: Crystal Forest

Needed items:

Cinnamon*
Ginger*
Nutmeg*
Craft glue mixed with equal amounts of Water
Foam brush
Pinecones
*Add any other spices that you like the smell of. Mix in the proportions that you desire
Rinse pinecones under running water. Lay the pinecones on an old cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees until the pinecones open up (this not only kills any little beasties that may be residing within the pinecones but also melts the sap resulting in a pretty glaze).

Spread pinecones out on layers of newspapers and set aside to dry completely

Use the foam brush to apply the glue to the pinecones.

Mix the spices in a bowl using a wire wisk. Roll the pinecone in the spice or add the spices to a baggie; add the pinecones one at a time and shake to coat (like shake-n-bake)

When coated, allow to dry thoroughly.

Use these wonderfully-scented pinecones in gift baskets, as christmas tree ornaments, on christmas wreaths, or placed in bowls to add a wonderful scent to a room.

If, after storing, you need to refresh the scent of the pinecones just stick them in a microwave until the smell if revived.

Tie up in a small square of green, red or a Yule print cloth and give as gifts or save them to scent your drawers.

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/scented_pinecones.html
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Solstice Dream Pillow
Source: Copyright © Catherine Osborne

Materials needed:

1-4 oz (30-120 gms) each of the following five herbs: dried chamomile, mugwort, catnip, hops, lavender
whole oranges & lemons
cinnamon sticks
allspice berries
(optional) myrrh or frankincense resin lumps.
Scraps of lightweight cloth (4-7 inches/100-175 mm, two for each bag)
optional bits of ribbon, embroidery floss, scraps of lace or a few small beads
For those who are sitting up all night on the Solstice, this is a special dream pillow you can make for prophetic dreams when you go to sleep the next night or throughout the year. (If you are not sitting up a vigil, go ahead and make them anyway - I get some interesting quirks to the dreams when I use the spices in the dream pillows.)

Take the first five dried herbs and mix them in whatever proportions you desire/have on hand. More Mugwort will lead some folks to more psychic dreaming, more hops will lead to a sounder sleep for some others, more catnip may encourage feline pillow sharing.

As the night passes, eat the oranges, and use the lemons (minus their peels) in teas/punches/hot drinks. As you use them try to remove the peels in large chunks or in easy to work with sections. Using a spoon, carefully scrape out as much of the white inner rind as you can without damaging the zesty outer peel. Scatter the remaining outer peels on a cookie sheet and dry them on low heat in the oven (200F or less). Watch them to make sure they are drying but not scorching. Remove them from the oven, and let them cool.

If you have a fire or incense burner, burn some of the incense resins, saving most to use in the pillows.

Crumble the dried peels up into smaller bits, break up the cinnamon sticks up into smaller pieces, and add the spices, resins and peels to the herb mixture. Mix well. Gather up the scraps of material, and sew up small bags: 3-6 inches/75-150mm should be fine. Leave one side open: small openings will make it more difficult to fill the bags later.

If you want to use the ribbons and floss to embroider protective or other magical symbols or representative designs, it will be easier to do before you stitch the sides together. Work on this to keep you awake, thinking of the season and what it means to you as you do it. If these are intended as gifts, think kindly and lovingly of the folks you will be giving these to.

Fill each of the bags with the herb/spice mixture, but not so full that it is hard: people will want to smell them, but they need to be soft enough to sleep on. Fold the last side inward, and stitch closed. If you want, a small loop of ribbon may be added at this point at the top.

After the sun rises, and you have finished your celebrations, set these aside, and finish them when you have/make time during the day if they aren't done. When you go to bed, slip one or more of these into you pillow case, and inhale deeply as you relax before sleeping. Watch for special dreams as you sleep.

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/dream_pillow.html
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Sun Welcoming Center Pieces
Source: Excerpted From "Yule Celebration, Children Activities"


Yule is a Sabbat to welcome back the Sun King. The sun is vital to all that exists on Earth. It is the giver of light and warmth, and causes the rebirth of this past years crops by warming and gently coaxing the seeds that have been sleeping underground during the winter. Traditional methods of celebrating this Sabbat are mostly inside activities.

Materials:

Flat or bowled wicker basket
Evergreen Boughs
Oranges
Apples
Whole Cloves
Walnuts
Hazelnuts
Wheat Stalks
Flour
Red, Green,and Gold Bows or String.
Children of all ages will delight in both making and giving these delightful center pieces. Place the basket in the center of the table. Lay a couple of evergreen boughs (can be found at most Christmas tree lots) in bottom of basket so that the tips flow out from all sides. Spike the oranges all the way around with several whole cloves. Arrange the oranges and apples on top of the boughs. Arrange in a couple of the walnuts and hazel nuts. Place a couple of the wheat stalks standing up amidst the fruit. Lightly dust with flour. Tie bows to the handle and outside the basket.

Tell children about each special part of the centerpiece. Explain that the baskets were used during the harvests during the season before. The evergreen boughs are symbols of immortality, reminding us that the Sun King is not dead, but reappears at Yule each year to lengthen, brighten and warm the days ahead. The oranges and apples are symbols of the Sun King. The nuts symbolize the seeds as they lay sleeping and awaiting the Sun King's return. The wheat stalks symbolize the yearly harvests and the flour represents the triumph of the forces of light and life.)

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/sun_welcoming.html
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Wishing Stars
Source: GrannyMoon's Morning Feast


Whether the kids are getting a bit antsy as the big day approaches or you're just looking for a very simple, yet wonderful accent that can be used as a tree ornament, a napkin ring, or party favor - your imagination is the limit with this totally simple craft:

wide black marker pen
star cookie cutter
shirt cardboard
wax paper
craft glue
assorted glitter
transparent fishing line or thin ribbon
staples
scissors
With a marker pen, mark around the cookie cutter star to make a template on the cardboard. Cover each board with wax paper, stapling it into place. Using the bottle of glue trace the star shapes onto the wax paper with thick, wide lines of glue.

Using one color glitter immediately sprinkle a lavish amount of glitter onto each star so it is completely covered. Allow to dry for one day or overnight. Shake off the excess glitter. Cut away the excess wax paper, then carefully peel the glitter star away from the backing. Use as ornaments, package decorations, etc. Use fishing line or thin ribbon to hang the stars.

Don't forget to wish on a star this Solstice Eve and let the glow from these heavenly ornaments light up your Yule Tide.

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/wishing_stars.html
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Witch's Ball
Source: James Kambos from Llewellyn

Years ago Witch balls hung in the windows of many homes. These were glass balls similar to the gazing balls you see today in many gardens. The purpose of these balls was to repel the evil eye. Here's how you can make your own.

Purchase clear glass or plastic Christmas ornaments from a craft store, along with bottles of liquid gold and silver metallic craft paints. You can also purchase other colors of paint-it's up to you. Next, remove the wire loop at the top of the ornament. Squeeze small amounts of the paint on to the ornament, in pleasing combinations of colors. Swirl the ornament around, so the paints blend and coat the interior of the ornament. Leave it to dry overnight.

On the next day, replace the wire loops at the top of the ornament and charge it with your magical intent. Hang it with a pretty cord in your window or on a holiday tree. The pattern made by the paints will trap and hold any negative energy.

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/witches_ball.html
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Yule Log Magick
Source: Crystal Forest


The Yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that the European pagans would set ablaze at the time of winter solstice. These bonfires symbolized the return of the Sun. The Yule log can be made of any wood. Each releases its own kind of magic.

Aspen: invokes understanding of the grand design.

Birch: signifies new beginnings.

Holly: inspires visions and reveals past lives.

Oak: brings healing, strength, and wisdom.

Pine: signifies prosperity and growth.

Willow: invokes the Goddess to achieve desires.

On the night of Yule, carve a symbol of your hopes for the coming year into the log. Burn the log to release its power. Save a piece of this year's Yule log for kindling in next year's fire. You may also wish to decorate the log with greenery, flowers, ribbons and herbs for magickal intent. Some choices might be:

Carnations-protection, courage, strength, healing, increases magickal power, vitality

Cedar-wealth, protection, purification, healing, promotes spirituality

Holly-dreams, protection

Juniper- Exorcism, protection, healing, love

Mistletoe-a catalyst, fertility, health, success, protection, banishing evil

Pine-healing, wealth, protection, purification, exorcism, exorcism, fertility, wealth

Rosemary-health, love, protection, exorcism, purification, increase intellectual powers, peace, blessing, consecration, very powerful cleansing and purifying

Roses-love, courage, luck, health, protection, beauty

Ribbons can be used according to their color magick correspondences. Be creative and have fun!

http://daughtersofearthwisdom.org/sabbats/yule/crafts/yule_log_magick.html
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Yule Tree Decorations to Make



Elsie has a special little pine tree that she brings in and decorates each Yule. She likes to use all homemade and mostly natural ornaments. Here are some of her favorites. You might like to try them:



Cinnamon Stick Bundles - Bundle a few short cinnamon sticks together using a bit of slender ribbon and tie a bow and a loop at the top. Then glue on little sprigs of holly, pine or dried flowers like rose buds, marigolds or baby’s breath, tucking the stems under the bow.

Bay Balls - Take some Bay leaves. Fresh is best but if all you have is dried, then soak them overnight in warm water to make them pliable (that means you can bend them more easily without breaking them). The next morning, pat them dry. Next, take a Styrofoam ball and use Tacky Glue to cover it with bay leaves. Start at the bottom of the ball and work your way toward the top so they overlap a bit. Some of the leaves you may have to hold in place while the glue dries so they don’t pop up. Cloves or rosebuds stuck through the leaves into the ball will help hold the leaves in place and look pretty besides. A very pretty effect is to “dust” your finished ball with a light spray of gold paint. Pin a pretty loop of ribbon or gold cording to the top to hang it by.

Pinecone Ornaments - If you have pine trees in your area, collect the fallen cones. If not, you can buy the cones in a craft store. Cover the very edges of the pinecone with glue and sprinkle glitter over the glue. It will look like the cones are tipped with frost – very pretty! You can also simply spray paint the cones gold or silver and then immediately sprinkle them all over with iridescent glitter.
Pinecones are light enough to just tuck into the tree’s branches or you can glue on a ribbon loop to hang it with or twist a loop of wire around the base.
Cinnamon Stick Pentagrams – (this project uses hot glue, so parents might wish to help younger children) Soak 5 cinnamon sticks (each about the same length) overnight in warm water. In the morning, pat them dry and form them into a pentagram. The soaking will make them pliable so that as you overlap them, they will bend more easily. Hot glue the ends together and then wrap the ends also with twine or raffia and tie it off. Use extra raffia to create a loop at the top for hanging.

Yule Sachets - Take about a 4 inch square of lace or fabric (if you’re going for a very “organic”, natural look for your tree, then burlap works well) In the center, put a tablespoon of Yule sachet mixture, bring the ends of the fabric up and tie ribbon or twine around the top making a little pouch with the herbal mixture inside. Tuck a sprig of holly, mistletoe or little birch pinecones into the ribbon. If you can find a rubber stamp at the craft store with a sun, star or moon on it, you can stamp the outside of the fabric with a picture before adding your herbs.

Yule Sachet Mixture - 2 parts fragrant pine leaves, 1 part rosemary, 1 part cinnamon, 1 part cloves, 1 part dried orange peel broken into little pieces. Add a bit of cinnamon oil; stir it up good and let it sit for a few days in a closed jar.

Pomanders - Tie a loop in a length of ribbon leaving the ends long enough to wrap around a small orange, lime or lemon. Wrap it around the fruit and then tie it at the bottom. If you want you can cut the ends off, let them dangle or even add a tassel.
Then, poke large cloves all over into the fruit. You can use a nail, wooden skewer or even an old crochet hook to get the holes started if you want. Completely cover the fruit with the cloves or create a pattern with some of the fruit showing through.

Gilded Acorns - Often, when you find acorns on the ground, their little caps have come off. If that’s the case, then collect both caps and bases. If not, then remove the caps yourself when you get home. Paint both halves with spray paint or craft paint using either gold or silver. Then cut a slender ribbon about 3 inches long and glue each end to the inside of the cap so that it forms a loop. Then glue the cap back on to the base of the acorn. When it’s done, you can paint the cap with watered down white glue and dust it with glitter.

http://www.pookapages.com/yule_crafts.htm
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