What's After Yule?

                           

What's after Yule?




Quote: If it's your calling, it will keep calling until you listen.  -Unknown


Shizentai  自然体: Japanese for remaining true to oneself without putting on airs or forcing unnatural behaviors.

A Christmas Carol


When I think of Yule or Christmas I usually think of A Christmas Carol.  That story really touches my little witchy heart, and makes me feel like Scrooge all over again.  I always reflect that I should be more generous and less worried about saving money or spending it pointlessly.  Of course, I know I should save it too, but I want to think about helping others more in the coming new year, 2025.

Mass   


My sister is a nun, and she always tells us how sad it is that people always stop celebrating Christmas before it's actually over.  Apparently, Christmas goes halfway into January.  It's interesting to me that I have a sister who is a sister when I am a pagan.  I find I still hold onto my Catholic up-bringing and enjoy going to mass once in a while.  As a Sociology Major I feel that mass is a celebration of life and therefore no big deal for me to go to.  It's not a sin to enjoy the wonderful music and singing, reflection and connectivity. 

Now that the rush of Christmas is over, I feel like I can put more thought into Yule, and how I could have celebrated.  Maybe I can do more next year if I take time now to research my newfound religion and get to know it more thoroughly.  I always enjoy watching YouTube videos of other more established witches, who teach me things that I did not know before.


Depression


During this time of year the weather affects my mood, but I enjoy it more than most people. I love the cold, biting wind.  The clouds reflect my dark mood, and make it a relief to be inside, even if I'm at work.  During summer I often resent the clear blue skies, and the lovely weather.  I do not like the beach or the pool usually, and instead choose to hide indoors more than most people.  I have become more appreciative of the summer sun, now that I'm a pagan, though.  I find ways to celebrate the summer solstice and the power of the sun and the God, Pan.  


Spring


With spring comes Imbolc and I must mentally prepare for the year to begin again. It's a little depressing for me in that I wish I could stay in Halloween- spooky season- and Yule season, all year.  I wonder if you feel that way, too?



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