Honoring the Turning of the Wheel: Yule
As the longest night falls and the world holds its breath, an ancient story stirs again — the tale of two kings locked in an eternal dance of light and shadow. 🌿
At Yule, or the Winter Solstice, we honor this sacred moment — when darkness reaches its deepest stillness and the promise of returning light is born.
🌲 The Eternal Cycle: Holly King and Oak King
In the old Celtic myth, the Holly King and the Oak King are twin aspects of nature’s rhythm — opposites forever intertwined.
- 🌑 The Holly King reigns over the waning half of the year, guiding us through darkness, introspection, and rest.
- 🌞 The Oak King rises at Yule, bringing rebirth, growth, and the returning strength of the Sun.
Their battle is not one of destruction but of balance — a sacred exchange reminding us that death and rebirth, light and dark, are threads of the same tapestry.
🕯️ The Yule Fire: Symbol of Renewal
Lighting a candle or a Yule log is an ancient act of magic — a beacon calling the Sun home again. Each flame kindled represents hope, continuity, and the heartbeat of the Earth stirring beneath winter’s quiet blanket.
“The light returns. The Earth dreams awake.”
🌿 A Simple Family Ritual (Ages 3+)
You don’t need elaborate tools or deep knowledge to honor this turning of the Wheel — only intention, presence, and love.
What you’ll need:
✨ A small candle (or electric tealight for little hands)
🌲 A few evergreen sprigs or pinecones
💫 A moment of stillness
Steps:
- Gather together around the candle.
- Say these words aloud, slowly and with warmth:
“The Sun returns, the light grows strong.
We are warm, we are safe, all year long.”
- Each person shares one thing they’re thankful for — or one hope for the new year.
- Place the evergreens beside the candle as a symbol of life continuing through winter’s sleep.
This simple act connects children (and us) to the rhythm of nature — the ever-turning Wheel that guides both the stars and our own hearts.
🌕 The Lesson of the Wheel
The myth of the Holly and Oak Kings teaches us to welcome both rest and renewal, to see beauty in every season of being.
As the Oak King rises and sunlight stretches longer each day, may we carry forward the light we find — within ourselves and in each other.
🌞 “The Wheel turns. The Light returns.” 🌿
✨ Connect & Share the Light
If this ritual speaks to you, share it with your family or circle this Yule.
📍 Pinterest: Awen Ovate
📍 Instagram & Facebook: @AwenOvate
📍 YouTube: Yule: The Battle of the Holly and Oak Kings
May your Solstice be bright, warm, and woven with peace.
Merry Yule and Blessed Be!
About · Turning the Wheel · Moonlit Mirrors · Wheel of the Year
