SECTION I - HOLIDAY LORE

Yule 2001 Astrology and Ritual - Jeri Noble
Yule Word Search - Isha ArrowHawk

Yule Astrology
By Jeri Noble
A Joyous and Blessed Yule to Each of You
Our planetary lineup for this year's winter solstice seems oriented towards healing. Specifically, we're being encouraged to get back to the love, to remember the heart source of the returning light of the season. This holiday encourages the use of the fire element, so this ritual is centered on the use of the yule log. The planetary energies we're acknowledging are:
* Sun
* Venus
* Chiron
* Mercury
The solstice occurs this year on December 21, at 12:22 pm MST. The Sun of course is the primary representation of the Solstice, as we have reached the shortest day and longest night, and can now welcome the rebirth of Solar energy into our lives. Venus is often known as the Earth Mother, representing our sensual nature, and the clear expression of love and affection. Chiron is the healer, oftentimes representing those wounds that we bring on ourselves. It gives us the opportunity to learn to heal ourselves from these, and potentially to teach others how to heal themselves as well. Mercury is the messenger of the gods, delivering thoughts, ideas and communications. He represents our mental and communication skills.

Preparations
To create your yule log here are some suggested materials:
* Dried log, at a length as long your cauldron or fireplace will hold.
* Evergreen foliage such as pine, holly or mistletoe.
* Pine cones
* Red berries
* Colorful ribbons and/or candle drippings. Solar colors would be yellow, orange or red.
* Fragrant herbs such as cinnamon, rosemary, bay leaves or cloves.
Using glue, staples and/or wire, arrange the decorative materials on your log. Honor your Venus and Mercurial energies by giving voice through song while you're creating your masterpiece. Allow your creativity full expression by including your own original touches. One old tradition is to write your wishes for the coming year on a bay leaf and add it to your arrangement. Goal-setting is an important part of the solstice, offering a powerful opportunity for manifestation. Write your major goals for the coming year either on bay leaves as given above, or on colorful paper or with colored inks, and tuck them into your arrangement. Traditionally, the log is doused with either cider or ale just before lighting.

Ritual
Cast your circle in the usual way, making certain to ground and center yourself within it. A yellow or orange candle is appropriate for the altar surrounded by lots of evergreens. Invoke your Solar Deity. Light your log in your cauldron, firepit or fireplace. Offer your thanks for the gifts of the past year, and let that year be put to rest now. As your log burns, visualize your desires being given the strength and passion of fire, and know that each item is already fully manifested in your life. Close your circle, and enjoy your yule feast.

Get your personal astrology reading from Jeri or explore her offerings of online metaphysical classes. You may email Jeri at jerinoble@circlesoflight.com

YULE 2001 Word Search By Isha ArrowHawk

Warning! This is a special Word Search! It involves a bit of work. You see...all the words are entered...*backwards*! So, first you find them, then figure out what they are! Have fun! And Marry Yule to all!

Isha

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S E W Z A Y X B A S I N G I N G E S T Y
N S P S O C S N O W F L A K E S H V U S
O F A M I L Y D I N N E R S K C X L E R
I L M I S T L E T O E K U H Z Y E B V G
T J M O T H E R B R E C H T A C D O G T
A O E E C Z W C J X E I R D A E E I M Y
R Y W A G M K I S S H G J R S V F E L J
O T D K X M Y Y H K O C O S O T R I X C
C O X C W L M C A D O L E L E R M C E A
E T C J I Z N S R L S L F X Y A H H R N
D H W P M W L E D Z B O C P F P R O P D
R E X I T U T S P I S H A F B I M L E L
A W N I G U T G S T A G O R L H I L G E
T O M W R N P T F N A H U I P S X Y G L
L R I N I A F I G N T A A G H D O A N I
A L S C E X G E F M C U J L R N Y N O G
W D K V Z K Z O R Z P Y B F M E C D G H
X Y W C S Y L A O F K R P W G I R I J T
K P J W C K W G D H N N Q Q B R K V M B
N N R E T U R I N G L I G H T F P Y B P

ATHCERBREHTOM
DLROWEHTOTYOJ
EBDESSELB
EGNAHCXETFIG
EOTELTSIM
EVOLFOSTFIG
GNIGNIS
GONGGE
KCINTSDLO
KLOFNAGAPYRREM
PIHSDNEIRF
SEKALFWONS
SLORACELUY
SNOITAROCEDRATLA
SNRUTERDOG
SRENNIDYLIMAF
THGILELDNAC
THGILGNIRUTER
YLIMAFFOHTMRAW
YVIDNAYLLOH