Chapter 13

ìYuleî Be Sorry

The period of the Winter Solstice is also known as Yule, and December 25th in
the Pagan Anglo Saxon world was called Yule Day. Although Yule is primarily
associated with the Celts of old, it was not a celebration native to the Celtic world.

ìÖit was not a part of the Celtic year until the Norse

invaders made it so. It celebrates the [triumph] of the god so

symbolized by the sun [that] will begin to wax anew after this

night of peak darkness.î 1

ìThe Nordic influenced Celts celebrated Yule with many of

the of the trappings we associate with modern Christmas

observances; decorated evergreen trees, wreaths, holly,

mistletoe, feasting and dancing.î 2

The word Yule is derived from the Anglo-Saxon "yulaî, or ìhweol", meaning the
"Wheel of the Year". It was common in Celtic Pagan practices to have images of
the Wheel of the Year during the Winter Solstice ñ a tradition which is still current
in the rites of modern witchcraft known as Wicca. The Wheel of the Year is wholly
pagan in origin and practice.

However, the largest depiction of the ìWheel of the Yearî is found in one of the
major centers of so-called Christian worship in the world. Saint Peterís Square at
the Vatican (pictured below).