I have a neice who has declared herself a witch and when we see her over the holidays i'd like to speak to her on the same level about things she's interested in.
So any pointers would be good thanks.
2006-12-17 06:09:26 · 15 answers · asked by Salamander 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just want to say thank you for the answers so far - a great help and I am already doing some research via those websites. Now I just gotta find me some mistletoe...
2006-12-17 10:12:39 · update #1
I just have to say thank you. So much. Most people aren't willing to even consider that and freak out when a family member declares themselves a witch.
Most of the things Christians do are the same things Pagans do because most of the traditions have been taken from Pagans in the first place.
However, Yule is on the 21st of December, rather than the 25th. But spending time with family, opening gifts, great food, all are part of Yule. So are the use of mistletoe as a symbol of peace, pine boughs to represent the immortal nature, and holly to ward of bad spirits. The burning of the Yule log is said to help ring in the season and cleanse the home. Even the decorated tree is actually a Pagan tradition.
Basically Pagans do almost everything Christians do for the season, except for the "Christ" thing.
Again, I have to say thank you. Your niece is lucky to have a family member so understanding and welcoming to her season.
I could honestly give you a hug for being so openminded and understanding. Its just so rare.
2006-12-17 06:20:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because I'm a solitary, I will hold a small ritual outside in my back yard, welcoming the return of the sun (after Solstice the days start to get longer again) and honoring the rebirth of the God.
Not all Wiccans, Pagans, or Witches hold the same beliefs - be sure to ask her how she will celebrate, what the season means to her, and let her know that you're interested in learning, not in judging.
2006-12-17 23:06:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well,i will be doing the Yule ritual.which is calling on both God and Goddess.and celebrating with Them on the reason for the season.Which the meaning of the YuleTide is the fact that this times is the shortest night of the year.A begining of winter.the Start of winter.a time to look forward for the cold nights to come.When the God and Goddess was on earth,the God would go out into the cold woods and hunt their dinner for them.He would get the meat that they need,got all of the food that they need.Be it deer meat,or wild berries or such.than bring them back to the Goddess and would eat.The Horned God is usually the one that is celebrate with the Goddess.I'm not sure yet on the Goddess.i hope this is helpful to you on your learning of the witch's practise of the YuleTide.May you have a wonderful YuleTide holiday and may the Spirit of the Old Ones be with you and bring joy into your life!!!!
Happy YuleTide season!!!!!
Brightest Blessings,
The Morrigan)O(
2006-12-17 14:43:37 · answer #3 · answered by Hecate's_witch 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Exchange presents, mainly. We do put up a tree and lights and candles in the window (the electric kind, because I don't want to burn up my vertical blinds). There are so many different stories that go along with the Solstice that I can't really tell you what she believes. It doesn't really matter, the particulars. It's just a turning point in the year. The shortest day, longest night and then the days get longer.
2006-12-21 11:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by kaplah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a very accepting individual and should take some pride in your loving nature. Good on you! I wish there were more like you out there!
Here is a link which explains Yule and the type of practices and traditions associated with the Wiccan/Pagan Winter Solstice.
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/yule.htm
Take you cue from this and bring her gifts which honor and celebrate this glorious time of the Turning Wheel.
Blessed Be.
2006-12-17 14:21:34 · answer #5 · answered by gjstoryteller 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Me? I'll be kicking back, drinking some Wassail(much better than eggnog), I have a Yule ceremony I've prepared in honor of the Goddess and God, then I plan on doing some meditation and tarot readings for the New Year, and on December 31 I plan to go to a friend's New Year party.
2006-12-17 14:42:12 · answer #6 · answered by enslavementality 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I just have to say good for you!!!! It takes a mature person to accept someone else's beliefs even though they are different and to take time to learn about them is even better. I know December 25th was originally a Pagan holiday. Here's a link with more info and an explanation behind the yule log and other Christmas traditions.
http://www.glcc-online.com/sermons/sglcc981227.htm
2006-12-17 14:17:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I will be celebrating on the 21st to the 23rd Dec (Winter Solstice) and again on the 25th for my children, if you want to know more about the 8 sabbats that we celebrate then type in witches sabbats or sabbat and you will get all the info you need on the holidays that we celebrate
2006-12-17 14:24:13 · answer #8 · answered by sky 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i'll go along with the above. though i do not refer to myself as a witch....i am pagan. i will be spending yuletide very quietly, apart from the usual yuletide ceremony. hope you have a good one.
2006-12-18 04:21:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think its great that you are asking this and finding out information to talk with your neice. good on you
2006-12-18 02:08:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋