Yule Herb Correspondences

Herbs, plants and spices are all integral to witchcraft, during each sabbat there are certain natural elements that are important. Yule starts on the 21st of December marking the shortest day of the year and lasts for 12 days. It marks the longest night and celebrates the return of longer days, as well as preparing us for the cold Winter months ahead. Although this sabbat occurs, in this hemisphere, in the midst of winter mother earth still provides us with so much magick in the natural world. 

The history of Yule

Yule is believed to have originated as an ancient Norse celebration thousands of years ago, originally named Jol. This time would be marked with a great celebration including large feasts, fires and dancing. However, at the turn of the 9th century this time of year became better known as Christmas although some still carry on the traditional yule celebrations. 

A key aspect of witchcraft is being connected to nature and having a strong awareness of your environment. Using herbs and spices connected to the season or Sabbat are one of the ways you may choose to practice this. These herbs have special meaning at this time of year and are perfect to incorporate into your Yule traditions. 

Mistletoe 

Mistletoe often grows in abundance in the winter month, after the trees have lost their leaves. It is believed that the white berries on this plant are a symbol of fertility. This may be one of reasons it is tradition to kiss under mistletoe in the modern day.  In addition mistletoe is thought to be a protective plant, therefore you may want to incorporate it into the wreath on your door or hang it above any entrance ways in your home. 

This magickal plant is not only for Yule but is seen to be an important part of New Year celebrations. Due to its often sporadic unreliable growing patterns some see it a symbol of freedom and a moving away from what is deemed ‘traditional’ behaviour. Bring it into your home to bless the new year. 

Holly 

Holly is probably one of the most common plants you will be able to get your hands on during the festive period. Even before the traditional large fir or pine trees were brought into homes holly sprigs or bushes were known as the Christmas tree. Holly has strong symbolism of life. Its strong green leaves and red berries that grow throughout the darkest coldest months of winter lead to a belief holly was a symbol of eternal life. 

We can not talk about the symbolism of holly without mentioning of its most famous depiction as the Holly King. The Holly King is portrayed as a large face or figure created from holly leaves and branches. The king ruled from summer to the winter solstice (the first day of yule) and it is thought by some he is the ancestor of father Christmas. 

Clove 

This fragrant spice can be found in many yuletide recipes such as Wassail, mince pies, mulled wine and warming stews. 

Cloves are believed to ward off evil energy chasing away this negativity when burnt as an incense or in a cauldron. They are also used to clear the mind and help us focus, perfect for when there is so much to organise around the festive period. Cloves can be added to cleansing baths, along with rose, sea salt and orange, as part of purification rituals.

Cinnamon : 

Cinnamon is associated with prosperity, abundance,  love and passion. One of the easiest ways to use cinnamon is to add the sticks or powder to any spell to encourage it to manifest faster. 

It is also a common practice to blow cinnamon in through your front door on the 1st day of the month. This ritual is believed to bring wealth and prosperity, make sure to do this on the 1st of January to help manifest this for the whole year. 

Cardamon 

Cardamom has a long and vast spiritual history and has been associated with love, wealth, clarity and positivity. It is believed in some Scandinavian cultures cardamon is a symbol of comfort and family. Fill a bottle or bag with cardamom and keep it at the centre of your home to bring comfort to all. 

Cardamom is also known for its powers of influence due to its association with the planet mercury. Therefore this spice can be used in spells to help improve your communication skills, intellectual ability and decision making skills. Keep Cardamon close by when thinking up your new year's resolutions. 

Frankincense 

Frankincense is one of the scents most closely associated with this time of year, having been used in religious ceremonies for many centuries. Its strong link with purity make its the perfect cleansing scent. Pass any tools through the smoke from this incense. 

Juniper

When burnt as an incense the scent and smoke from juniper can aid in divination and clairvoyance abilities due to its believed powers to connect with other worlds.  Therefore it is also thought to aid in spiritual healing, nourishing the souls of spirits. 

Remember to always gather these ingredients mindfully and leave nature as you found it. 

However you are choosing to celebrate this time of year we hope this gave you some ideas of how to connect with the power you have within.