Winter is always hard on city pagans as chilly weather forces them out of the parks and squares into tiny studios rented per hour around the city. Last and first Sabbaths of the year are the toughest ones, as they are, well, in winter. Although, here is the photo I took last year on my way to the Ostara ritual (end of March)– remember that unusually cold NYC Spring 2015 we had?

But back to Yule: Winter Solstice, the celebration of the rebirth of the Sun, Saulė, Sól as she brings back the light and warmth to the world by shining longer a couple minutes each day. Or in the Wiccan tradition: honoring the Shining God’s birth and recounting his tale on this eve of the re-birth of light and anticipation the coming warmth. Light, love, laughter…and of course gifts – would not be the celebration without them!

This Yule I went to as many rituals as I could. All 4 of them! Three of them were held in small midtown studio spaces as bigger must have been all rented out for holiday performances. And as we know, midtown is always buzzing with tourists and locals looking for last minute gifts during this time.

First one was Greenwood Coven’s Yule at Producer’s Club where Lord of Misrule was invoked by making fun or so called “Deity Roasting” of Thor and Skadi or any other god you have good standing with (enough to make fun). Oh poor Thor! He probably got roasted the most! Even “moving meditation” was more like being silly and making fun out your own body or the norms of how your body should perform. The ritual was full of laughter, humor and marry-making and it truly felt like a little ray of sunlight during midst of winter in your heart. This was my first visit to this coven so I was a little shy of pulling out my camera and taking photos as nobody else wasn’t, although, I am sure those joyful folks wouldn’t have minded. Next time…

The second ritual was hosted by Wiccan Family Temple where I took my daughter to give her some Yule celebration experience as well. Michael and Mandy brought their own gang so it has been much fun for her. The space they rented, from what appears to be immigration help office by day, was also located in midtown.

The altar also had a huge wreath for everyone to pass through during the ritual, as a gateway from the old cycle to the new. Here you can see kids made a use of it as well.

Also who doesn’t like to hold a burning candle and make a wish for the new year!

And of course photo session with the Yule log!

And when gift were given and unwrapped the real party started!

Next day I went to Yulebløt by Kenaz Wicca at Champion Dance studios. I always enjoy their rituals, because there is a lot of singing, although, I can’t sing as well as the most, it is still very uplifting.

Follow me in merry measure
Falala lalala lalala
While I tell of Yuletide treasure
Falala lalala lalala

The room was really small but got very cozy as soon as lights went out and candles were lit from the Yule log. The bløt part followed shortly with Amanda’s orange glazed ham as a centerpiece. Also here is the Yule log close-up.

The best thing that happened that night was that I met an amazing person/witch/occult bookstore Elemental Books owner Dominique – she came form Winnipeg, Canada to explore covens, rituals and witchcraft stores in NYC. And because of her got to go to the next and fourth Winter Solstice ritual hosted by Temple of Thelema.

Thelemic ritual was something entirely different! It is initiatory order so they don’t do too much public rituals, but hopefully I will have a chance to attend another one someday and take some photos. Risking to seem not very educated on the matter will try to summarize what I experienced.

Thelemic tradition is based on Aleister Crowley high magic teachings. So it was more invoking of the five elements to bring back the Sun rather than a typical Wiccan ritual. Five performers representing 5 elements led the crowd of spectators through it. In the end everyone could approach each element one by one and light the candle for their own intentions. The performance appeared ideally rehearsed with music, steps and speeches. Afterwards, speaking to Dominique about it, I realized how much symbolism and other meanings I did not catch, because performance alone was mesmerizing. But vibrations were raised, Sun was greeted and I learned something new!

Stay warm, folks! Blessed be!