Countdown to Yule
A Witch’s Advent Calendar
December is here, and the days grow ever shorter as we approach Yule, the Winter Solstice. This year, the Solstice falls on Saturday, December 21, marking the longest night and the return of the sun’s light. As witches, we honor this season as a time of reflection, renewal, and celebrating the cycles of life.
To help you embrace the magic of the season, I’ve created a Witch’s Advent Calendar. Each day leading up to Yule offers a small spell, ritual, or mindful practice to help you focus on the themes of this sacred time: rest, reflection, and the promise of light’s return.
The Countdown to Yule
December 1: Cleanse Your Space
Begin the season with a fresh start by energetically cleansing your home. Use rosemary or cedar smoke, a sound cleansing with bells, or a simmer pot of oranges, cinnamon, and cloves. Set the intention to clear out stagnant energy and welcome the peace of winter.
December 2: Light a Candle for Intentions
Light a candle and focus on what you’d like to release or renew as the year draws to a close. Let the flame symbolize the returning light of the sun and your personal growth.
December 3: Draw a Card for Guidance
Pull an oracle or tarot card and ask: “What wisdom do I need as I prepare for Yule?” Reflect on the message and how it aligns with your journey.
December 4: Create a Yule Charm Bag
Gather seasonal items like cinnamon sticks, evergreen sprigs, and citrine or quartz. Place them in a pouch, charge it with your intentions, and carry it with you to keep the energy of Yule close.
December 5: Reflect on the Year
Take time to journal about the highs, lows, and lessons of 2024. What have you learned? What are you ready to release?
December 6: Brew a Seasonal Drink
Make a cozy seasonal drink that brings warmth and comfort. You might make a tea with chamomile, peppermint, and orange peel, or consider a rich hot chocolate infused with a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla for sweetness. If you prefer something lighter, try warm apple cider spiced with cloves and a stick of cinnamon. As you prepare and sip your drink, focus on grounding yourself in the stillness of the season. Visualize the warmth filling you with peace and renewal.
December 7: Decorate a Yule Altar
Adorn your altar with seasonal symbols: pinecones, holly, candles, or a sun disk. Dedicate this space to your intentions for Yule.
December 8: Write a Gratitude List
List 10 things you’re grateful for this year. Keep the list near your altar or in your journal as a reminder of the light already in your life.
December 9: Make a Yule Wreath
Craft a wreath using evergreen boughs, dried oranges / fruit, and ribbons. Hang it on your door to symbolize protection and renewal.
December 10: Perform a Simple Renewal Spell
Write down a habit or thought pattern you want to release. Safely burn the paper, visualizing it turning to ash and leaving your life.
December 11: Honor the Crone Within
Meditate on the wisdom of the Crone archetype. Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned this year and how you can share your wisdom with others.
December 12: Bake with Intention
Bake cookies, bread, or cake. Infuse each ingredient with love and renewal, and enjoy your creation as a physical manifestation of your intentions.
December 13: Practice a Winter Meditation
Listen to a meditation focused on winter themes like stillness and renewal. Visualize yourself as a seed resting under the snow, gathering strength for the spring.
December 14: Craft a Protection Charm
Use red thread, juniper berries, and a small bell to create a protective charm. Hang it near your door to invite joy and guard your space through winter.
December 15: Give Back to Nature
Make an offering to local wildlife, like a seed-covered pinecone or fresh water. Honor the interconnectedness of life during this quiet season.
December 16: Gratitude Candle Ritual
Light a candle and speak aloud what you’re thankful for this year. Let the flame shine as a beacon of your gratitude.
December 17: Work with Seasonal Crystals
Meditate with crystals like carnelian (for warmth), garnet (for grounding), or sunstone (for light). Focus on how they align with your seasonal intentions.
December 18: Journal About Renewal
Ask yourself: “What does renewal mean to me? What do I want to invite into my life as the sun returns?” Let your answers guide your Yule preparations.
December 19: Divination for the Year Ahead
Use tarot, runes, or another divination tool to explore the energy of the coming year. Focus on opportunities for growth and renewal.
December 20: Craft a Sun Disk or Ornament
Make a sun disk with paper, wood, or other materials. Decorate it with golden accents and hang it as a symbol of the returning light.
December 21: Celebrate Yule
On the Solstice, light a Yule log or candles and reflect on your journey through the advent season. Host a feast, perform a final renewal ritual, and welcome the returning sun with open arms.
A Season of Reflection and Light
The Winter Solstice reminds us that even in the darkest times, the light will always return. This countdown is designed to guide you through the introspection and quiet magic of the season, preparing you to greet Yule with an open heart.
I’ll be posting my daily countdown activities on Facebook. You’ll find me here and using the hashtag #CountdownToYule. I’d love to know what you’ll be doing to honor Yule this year. Let me know in the comments below, or tag me on social media.