Day of Family
The long night has ended and the light is returning - who better to share the joy with than those we love most? The solstice and the immediate moment after are good times for personal reflection, and now we are emerging from solitude. The first people we share light with are those closest to our hearts: family. This may be blood relatives, our dearest friends, spirit guides, ancestors, or whoever family is to you.
Consider spending time with your innermost circle today. You might spend time by the hearth, make and enjoy a meal together, or brave the cold for some winter fun. Other ideas include family and home blessing spells, sending love to distant family from afar, or making small gifts (such as a spell jars or protective charms) to give to loved ones.
Honoring Fathers & The Divine Masculine
To mirror Mother’s Night on the first day of Yule, some practices include a night to honor the Divine Masculine energy. This is a time to acknowledge the beloved masculine figures and forces in our lives. Consider doing something nice for a father, brother, relative, teacher, or friend who means a lot to you.
You might also honor any gods you work with, masculine spirits, or consider embracing the Divine Masculine energy that exists in every living being.
All-Father Odin
The God Odin is deeply intertwined with traditional Yule celebrations. In parts of Europe, some refer to Odin as the Father of Yule.
During Yule, all the gods are honored, especially Odin – who is also referred to as Jólfaðr (Yule Father). ~Sons of Vikings
While traditions vary in how they portray the annual Wild Hunt, Odin is one popular candidate to lead the pack.
Odin is a primary figure associated with Yule in later Norse and Germanic folklore. During midwinter, Odin often rode at the head of the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession of the dead and otherworldly beings who swept across the winter skies. In later Scandinavian traditions, children left hay, straw, or carrots in their boots as offerings for Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse. (and, yes, this is one reason Santa has eight reindeer.) He was also the Wanderer, when he moved through the world cloaked and unrecognizable, testing hospitality and rewarding those who practiced it. ~ The Pagan Grimoire
From the flying reindeer to the wise old man wielding magic, there are enough similarities that some believe that Odin may have inspired modern portrayals of Santa Claus.
Most 12 Days of Yule calendars that focus on deities reserve at least one day/night to honor Odin. Consider reading His mythology, making offerings, or honoring Him in other ways tonight.
Want to celebrate? Here are a few spells and other ways to honor the energies of the day.
Runes for Family: Protection, Prosperity & More
Spell Bag for Family Unity
How to Honor Odin the All-Father
How to Embrace Your Divine Masculine Energy
The God’s Temple: Divine Masculine Myths & Symbols
TWELVE NIGHTS OF YULE COUNTDOWN:
0. Intro and History of the Twelve Nights
1. Mother’s Night and The Longest Night (Dec 20)
2. The Winter Solstice and The Wild Hunt (Dec 21)
3. Day of Light & Reflections, Sacred to Ancestors (Dec 22)
4. Day of Family, Sacred to All-Father Odin (Dec 23)
5. Day of Gifts & Miracles, Jolabokaflod, Night of Animals Talking (Dec 24)
6. Day of Hearth & Home, Sol Invictus, Rauhnächte Begins, Sacred to Frigg (Dec 25)
7. Day of Cleansing (Dec 26)
8. Day of Snow, Sacred to Deities of Winter, Skadi & Ullr (Dec 27)
9. Day of Preparation (Dec 28)
10. Day of Community (Dec 29)
11. Day of Mischief, Sacred to Tricksters (Dec 30)
12. Oath Night, Twelfth Night, Day of Wassailing, Gregorian New Year’s Eve (Dec 31)
