
On Sunday, December 15th, the Divine Warrior Witches gathered at Crescent Moon Gifts in Tacoma, WA, for our Yule Ritual, “The Wild North.”

Following our 2024 theme of Deity, this sabbat, we welcomed Odin, the All-Father, Norse god of wisdom, war, death, poetry, magic, and transformation, and Frigg, Norse Goddess of love, marriage, fertility, and motherhood, as well as being the protector of the home.
Warriors were also invited to reflect on the Spirits of the Raven, the Bear, and the Reindeer to welcome in the energy of the New Year and the Return of the Light.
THE CLASS:
The educational portion of our events is currently split into three categories: So Below, As Above, and Deity. Here is an excerpt of the information presented…
So Below | Yule in the Wild North
Presented by High Priestess Heather and High Priestess Serenity

In Norse Paganism, the Winter Solstice, or Midwinter, holds profound significance as it marks a turning point of the year—the longest night and the shortest day. A time when the Sun seems to stand still, and the power of darkness is at its peak. As the days begin to lengthen, the solstice symbolizes the rebirth of light. For the Norse, this moment was deeply connected to the cycles of nature and the gods, particularly Odin, who leads the Wild Hunt across the sky.
The Wild Hunt is said to be a time when Odin, riding through the night sky on his eight-legged steed, Sleipnir (SHLAYP-neer), leads an army of restless spirits and hunters on a quest to find lost souls or chase after wild game. The imagery of the hunt reflects the struggle of survival during the harsh winter and the inevitability of death and the promise of renewal and transformation that follows in the Spring.
As Above | Capricorn Season
Presented by High Priestess Cawnawyn

December 21: Winter Solstice: Capricorn Season Begins
December 30: New Moon in Capricorn
January 2: Mars Retrograde in Leo opposing Pluto in Aquarius, Venus enters Pisces
January 6: Mars Retrograde re-enters Cancer
January 8: Mercury enters Capricorn
January 13: Full Moon in Cancer
January 19: Sun enters Aquarius
January 20: Sun conjunction with Pluto in Aquarius
January 27: Mercury enters Aquarius
January 29: New Moon in Aquarius
January 30: Uranus stations Direct in Taurus
Watch the recording for the As Above Astrology Message:
Deity | Odin & Frigg

Presented by High Priestess Cawnawyn and High Priestess Heather
At the time of the Winter Solstice, Odin’s role as a guide through the darkness resonates deeply. In myth, he leads the Wild Hunt. His connection to the Runes as symbols of insight and fate makes him a powerful presence during this liminal time of transition and reflection.
In the darkness of the Solstice, we reflect on the inevitable cycles of life, where even the most beloved must eventually return to the cycle of death, and from death comes rebirth. Frigg weaves the threads of destiny with wisdom and care, embodying the nurturing aspects of winter’s quiet stillness. Her protective and comforting energy brings balance to Odin’s wild and transformative aspects, making her an essential figure during Yule.
Our beautiful Odin and Frigg wooden decorative rounds were purchased from this lovely Norse Pagan store! https://fjallvaettir.com/
THE RITUAL:

For ritual, warriors worked with the animals of the Raven, the Bear, and the Reindeer to divine messages, reflect, and welcome the journey of the New Year and the Return of the Light.
Ravens are sacred to Odin, serving as his messengers and scouts. Huginn (thought) and Muninn(memory) fly across the worlds, bringing him knowledge of everything happening.
In this working, we invited the power of the Raven to open our minds to deeper insight and guidance. By drawing on the Raven’s keen perception, we received clarity through the Futhark runes, allowing the wisdom of the universe to speak directly to us. Warriors got crafty and made paintings, carvings, and keepsakes with their chosen rune for 2025.

While less prominent in recorded Norse mythology, the Bear holds significant symbolic power as a totem of strength, endurance, and introspection. Its hibernation mirrors the quiet rest of winter, a time to conserve energy and gather strength for the season ahead.

In this working, we individually entered a sacred space, a “cave” of grounding and quietude. This was a time for deep personal reflection, healing, and growth. Inside the cave, warriors were invited to take a pinecone ornament with a message of strength and endurance as a token of remembrance of their time in this space.
Reindeer are native to the northern regions of Scandinavia and are deeply tied to Norse and Sami traditions. Known for their strength and adaptability, reindeer symbolize perseverance and guidance through harsh winter landscapes.

In this working, warriors embodied the energy of the Reindeer through a spiral walk of light, moving in a steady, mindful rhythm. This journey symbolized our path toward the returning light through the darkness of winter. Along the way, warriors were invited to take a mistletoe sprig in remembrance of life's inevitable cycles.
Cakes and Ale
For Cakes and Ale, our Ceremonial Co-collaborator, Rowan graciously provided a beautiful Yule Log Cake for our warriors!
Ingredients

Sponge Cake:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, chilled
1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (360g) black currant jam
Ganache Frosting:
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
Optional Decoration:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh rosemary, cranberries, or meringue mushrooms
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Instructions
1. Make the Sponge Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line two 13x18-inch jelly roll pans with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Beat egg yolks with half the sugar (3/4 cup) until thick and pale. Add milk and vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture, then gently fold in the egg whites.
6. Divide the batter between the pans and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when touched.
7. Turn the cakes onto clean kitchen towels dusted with powdered sugar. Remove parchment, roll the cakes in the towels, and let cool.

2. Prepare the Filling:
1. Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread a thin layer of black currant jam over the unrolled cakes, followed by a layer of whipped cream.
3. Assemble the Yule Log:
1. Roll the cakes back up tightly, placing them seam-side down on a serving platter. Trim the edges for a clean look.
4. Make the Ganache:
1. Heat the heavy cream until simmering, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes and whisk until smooth.
2. Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading it over the logs. Use a fork to create a bark-like texture.
5. Decorate:
Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Garnish with fresh rosemary, cranberries, or meringue mushrooms for a festive touch.
6. Serve:
Slice into portions and serve. Each log will yield about 10 slices, making two logs perfect for 20 people.
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This recipe balances the rich chocolate with the tartness of black currant jam for a deliciously festive dessert!

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