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Yule 2024 | The Wild North

a winter landscape with the sun rising over snowy mountains

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

A wooden depiction of the Goddess Frigg on a altar with battery candles
The Goddess Frigg on our Yule Altar

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

Two women at a music stand speaking
High Priestess Heather and High Priestess Serenity delivering the So Below portion of class

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 

A woman speaking at a stand with an iPad
High Priestess Cawnawyn delivering the As Above portion of class

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


A wooden depiction of the God, Odin and a Norse inscription on a leather coffee mug on an altar with lanterns and battery candles
The God, Odin on our Yule Altar

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:

A collection of Futhark Runes and a sprig of mistletoe
Each participant took home their rune and mistleltoe

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.


a table decorated in painting supplies and Futhark runes
Our crafting table for Raven

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.


A basket of pinecones at the entrance to a decorated tent
The entrance to our Bear cave

 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.


A basement space holding a spiral of Christmas lights on the floor
Our spiral walk of light for Reindeer

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

Two yule log cakes in the process of cooling
The Yule Log cakes in progress

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.

Two chocolate ganache yule log cakes
Our beautiful Yule Log cakes baked by Rowan!

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!

A group of people smiling behind an altar
Left to Right: Ceremonial Co-collaborator Rowan, High Priestess Cawnawyn, High Priestess Serenity, High Priestess Heather, Ceremonial Co-collaborator Jasper - Blessed Yule from the Divine Warrior Witches Team!

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