The Thirteen Days of Jul ( Yule )

I had a few inquiries lately about what I actually do to celebrate Yule on each of the thirteen days of Jul ( most people only celebrate 12 ). Well I do not give four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pair tree to any one I can tell you that much. To me Jul, or Yule, is a religious holiday, and as such I do not allow money to enter into it at all. I spend my time celebrating / honoring a different thing every day of the Jul season, which runs from Winter Solstice to January 3rd. Remember that the Gods and Goddesses do not want you to follow what others do ! They want you to make this wonderful ritual season uniquely your own. Below I give you what I honor each day :

Day 1 :   December 22 : ( Winter Solstice ) The Gods.
Day 2 :   December 23 :  The Goddesses
Day 3 :   December 24 : Ancestors
Day 4 :   December 25 : ( Dark Day ) Martyrs
Day 5 :   December 26 : Heroes
Day 6 :   December 27 : Nature
Day 7 :   December 28 : Life
Day 8 :   December 29 : Crops and Harvest
Day 9 :   December 30 : Wisdom    
Day 10 : December 31 : Poetry and Skaldic Tales
Day 11 : January 1 : The New Year ( Oaths )
Day 12 : January 2 : Friends
Day 13 : January 3 : Family

How can you not enjoy a season like Jul when it starts with the Gods, and ends with family. These to me are the two most important things in life, and I am thankful for them both every day of my life. I will not describe how I honor / celebrate each of these days because they are a private matter to me, as they should be to you as well. I will, however, have a short article on Jul later this month.

May the Mighty Gods and Goddesses of both Asgard and Vanaheim bless you during this wonderful Jul season !!  

Next article : Something special for the Jul season, Elves !

Glenn Bergen

Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !