Ana's flock Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Happy Yule and Bright Blessings to you all! We had the (edible) Yule log. Unfortunately can't have a proper open fire... but I've got my desk decorated with holly and ivy. We have two new additions to the family - my Yule present this year: Loki and Finn, two beautiful and cheeky little lovebirds born around Mabon time (21 and 23 Sept). We also acquired Ricky, a lovely but very untame and aggressive kakariki... let's hope we can get him used to us and a bit friendlier... any suggestions from bird whisperers welcome here... Oh dear, I get the feeling this thread should be moved to 'family and other animals.'...! Anyway, all the best for the growing day, new year! Love and peace Ana x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 We made a Yule Log, decorated with greenery and burned it in the wood burner. We've saved part to use to light next year's and also to impart blessings on the farm. We thought we'd attach a bit to the little tractor - as we don't have a plough . When we get somewhere with a real fire, we'll be having the proper version of the Yule Log but we've not got anywhere to burn one at the moment so have to make do with the chocolate version . Congratulations on the new arrivals, Ana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Bright blessings We have holly, ivy and mistletoe around the front door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAZAROO Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Lovely to see you all! BB Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 All sounds a bit witchy to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ana's flock Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 It could be... (cackle cackle cackle). ... but it was the slightly eccentric people - often women - who lived in little cottages with their cats, knew about herbs and natural remedies and talked to birds who used to be called witches... Not, that I'm implying anything here... Witch: from old Anglo-Saxon word 'wicca', meaning to change, transform, and according to some also wise... nothing about green-haired women dressed in black. That's more like a late 70s punkette/goth... But you are not too far off the mark. Modern day pagans, some of which call themselves wiccans or witches, do celebrate the original festivity of Yule as well as other 7 festivals evenly spaced throughout the year. Most of these festivals have equivalent Christian holidays though, so everyone gets to celebrate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph101 Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Oh yes, I know... they were the first medicine women, people used to go to them because they couldn't afford a doctor (even though those old herbal remedies have come back into fashion, and are actually more natural and effective than modern drugs in many cases). These 'witches' were burnt, with their 'familiars' for their magical healing 'powers'. Fascinating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 It's just the old ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 We had a mahoosive bonfire on the hill and ate roasted meats and mince pies. One of the best things about Yule is it hasn't been commercialised, so the real spirit of a winter festival can shine through without any faux-festive tat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 It's just the old ways. I love the idea of being in tune with the seasons, the planets and the ancient ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 I think that we may well have a yule celebration here next year. All looks fascinating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Yep, today much happier because summer's coming - always get a bit down at this time of year until the 21st has long gone. My brother brought mum back Saturday, but didn't stop because of the horrendous traffic at Stonehenge - all the travellers turning up to celebrate. Luckily he knows all the back roads. SIL's a local (he does a good impression of a "local" with cellotape across his nose - creeps me out). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted December 22, 2008 Share Posted December 22, 2008 Happy Yule to everyone, I'll be giving my girls lots of cuddles tomorrow to celebrate the longer days to come Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 SIL's a local (he does a good impression of a "local" with cellotape across his nose - creeps me out). You have lost me here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 The League of Ordinary Gentlemen - a rather odd "comedy" programme - the "locals" were rather, ahem, inbred and all had piggy noses (hence the cellotape). Not a programme that I liked, but my brother has a more peculiar sense of humour than me. SIL's family came from the same area for generations hence his glee in taking the mick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 All is clear to me now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 It's just the old ways. I love the idea of being in tune with the seasons, the planets and the ancient ways. Me too, but I don't think I'm in tune with the darker months! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygal Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Belated Blessed be to all! I made my first wreath with my daughter yesterday afternoon- nervously looked out of the window this morning and its still there! (hasn't blown off!!). There is something very satisfying about getting closer to nature, especially at this time of year when the world is going spending spree crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 There is something very satisfying about getting closer to nature, especially at this time of year when the world is going spending spree crazy. Beautifully put. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I love the idea of being in tune with the seasons, the planets and the ancient ways. Me too, but I don't think I'm in tune with the darker months! Oh I love the dark winter months best of all . There's something special about being outside on a cold, winters day. Bare branched trees, thick enveloping fogs, frosty cobwebs in berry jewelled hedgerows. Magical. Everything is starkly beautiful in winter time. I think I'm probably more in tune with winter than the other seasons . Can't think why as I was a summer baby . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 We're both at odds then Kate as I was born in the winter of 1962/3 - one of the worst in living memory, and I much prefer the longer days and warm weather. Perhaps I ought to get a SAD lamp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 They're supposed to help so might be worth a go, Clare. I seem to have my own internal winter HAPPY light . I hate really hot sticky summers and spend all day indoors if I can . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Anglo Saxon, me - I can't bear the heat either. Yesterday was really pleasant. I was born in the spring and it is my favourite time of year - everything starting to grow and the shades of green are so fresh and bright. I love autumn too for the warm colours. Winter is fresh and invigorating - when it doesn't rain that is. I love the frost on the spider's webs. Summer means long days and veg beginning to be harvested, as long as it doesn't get too hot. Love the odd rainy day when the drops are warm - as long as it is enough to fill the water butts and doesn't go on for days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAZAROO Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 [quote="Claret" Perhaps I ought to get a SAD lamp They do them in boots for a very reasonable £45.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
