Mother’s Night
The first night of the 12 Nights of Yule is given to the matrons and motherly powers that nurture our lives. Tonight honors all types of matronly energy, from people we love to deities that watch over us to the powerful energy of the Divine Feminine that lives within us all.
Mother’s Night is on the first day of the Yule celebration. This is the night to honor all of the females you know; female deities, particularly Frigg, and Dísir, and protective female ancestors. You can light candles, bring out food offerings, write poetry, and meditate. ~ NorseNotes
Modraniht, Mutternacht (Mother’s Night or Night of the Mother’s) was part of Germanic/Norse Winter solstice tradition. During this feast day, the ancestral founding women, grandmothers, mothers and caretaking women of the clan were honored, along with Frigg and local/geographical female deities.
Known as Disir (ancestral mothers), these spirits were protectors of the land, guardians of the home and family, and guiding the prosperity/fertility of the clan(s). They aided women in childbirth and protected men in battle. ~3 Pagan and a Cat, on Patheos
The Longest Night
The Longest Night is the name given to the night before the winter solstice. It is the longest and darkest moment of the year, right before the solstice arrives to change the Sun’s course and bring the slow but sure return of the light.
The Longest Night is a good time to huddle indoors, embracing light and warmth through candles. Some may choose to spend the Longest Night amongst friends or family while others embrace it with the deep peace of solitude. Some pagans hold vigil by staying awake through the night to greet the solstice sun.
However you choose to celebrate, know that there is no need to fear the Longest Night. Things are always darkest right before dawn - and the Longest Night means the solstice is on the horizon!
Want to celebrate? Here are a few spells and other ways to honor the energies of the day.
Mother’s Night Prayer by Wyrd Dottir, from Wyrd Designs
Mother’s Night Ideas from Pagan Grimoire
How to Work with Your Divine Feminine Energy
Resting in the Arms of the Earth Mother Meditation
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)
I hope you enjoyed the spread if you decided to give it a go, and that your Yule celebrations were off to a lovely start! 
