Yule in Tasmania 2024

Yule/Winter Solstice is usually observed on June 20/21 in the Southern Hemisphere and December 20/21 in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is the longest night of the year; the days are cold and indoor activities are often preferred, but not always  Winter Solstice Swimming is gaining traction with events being hosted all over the state. Google does state that benefits of cold-water swimming boost your immune system, improves your circulation, burns calories, reduces stress, gives you a natural high and can increase your libido!

Maybe it’s only be Tasmanians that appreciate the enchantment of Winter, the air can certainly be crisp and if is blowing from Antarctica it can be incredibly icy! Snow dusts the mountains and in the North West you only have to travel 30 minutes to find deep settled snow, we are (very) occasionally blessed with the miracle of snow from time to time! I remember light snow falling twice in Devonport and everyone was staring with a child-like wonderment, with bright smiling eyes.

Local festivals celebrate apple cider, mulled wine, chocolate (and my chocolate readings 😉), singing and the winter solstice. Clear nights are ideal for stargazing and seeing the southern lights of the Aurora Australis is at its height.

Tasmanian animals are too small to hibernate in Winter, but can be difficult to find if it's raining or snowing. Whales are heading northward in May-June-July along Tasmania’s east coast.

Lechenaultia, Leptospermum, Grevillea and Wattle bring red and yellow flowers respectively, add the warmth of their colours to an often stark and bare landscape. Lower to the ground you will find the pink and purple blooms of Correa and the divine scent of daphne will light up your senses from mid-Winter.

The Silver Birches at home are almost bare, they seem to have taken their time this year along with the purple wisteria. While some of the leaves are hanging on for dear life, I have been blessed with copious amounts of leaves in the ground. Only half tend to make it to the garden beds as I love, Love, LOVE seeing them on the grass and the driveway. My inner child urges me to dance, jump and play while throwing the leaves around.

One good thing is that the grass and weeds seem too sleepy to grow as prolifically as they had been earlier in the year and for that I am grateful.

The events calendar boasts a Sacred Circle Dance Fancy Dress Winter Ball this year to light the fires within for dance again. The program itself has been spasmodic at best for the previous two years because of an injury and I have missed it so much – I hope to make it an annual event 😊

For those new to this page, the dances are simple and easy to learn which have been channelled through from Spirit. They are incredibly powerful as a spiritual practice.

Each dance holds and builds energy on every level – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. They can unlock physical, mental, emotional & spiritual responses; creating an intimate space for connection with Spirit, personal healing and connecting All That Is for transformative group healing.

This Solstice/Sabbat can mean many things for different people. For me, Winter Solstice will be a time for organising a gathering, warm comforting food, storytelling and for this teetotaller – warm mulled grape juice!

The Sabbat of Yule represents the rebirth of light in the midst of greatest darkness. The Goddess gives birth to the Sun God, springing forth new hope for the year to come.

Welcoming back the sun and its warmth to Gaia not only brings light to the land but also to all the Souls living upon her. Sharing your ‘light’ during Winter is especially meaningful for those who feel the effects of the increased darkness.

Each day following the Winter Solstice does seem to fuel the light within us, we begin to get excited for the longer days and the promise of heat and laughter.

During the Sabbat of Yule, you tend to see ‘Christmas’ traditions. Decorating an evergreen tree, gift giving and sharing a meal with family and/or friends. A Christmas in Winter event is often observed in Australia. Caring for others is also highlighted. You might donate your time or goods to the community, bringing ‘light’ in your own special way.

Yule logs are burned. Traditionally the Yule log is made from the root of a hardwood tree. In Australia mallee roots are ideal for this purpose, as are Tasmanian oaks and all types of Eucalyptus. The piece of wood used for the Yule log is often specially chosen and decorated with symbols, ribbons and wishes written on rolled pieces of paper poking out from the wood.

Burning of the Yule log is accompanied by feasting, storytelling, singing or drumming. The next morning left behind charcoal would be gathered and gifted to those present to be used to light the following years Yule Log.

Celebrating Yule might look like:

Meditation/contemplation. Open your heart to the messages of Mother Earth/Gaia.

The winter solstice is considered the seasonal dark night of the soul. Spiritually, it is a time to go within to honour the light, and, the darkness, that resides within each of us.

Write down everything that you would like to release. Keep writing until you begin to feel a bit lighter.

Be of service. Donate your time, volunteer, donate food, clothing or blankets.

Bring in the Light. Make lanterns or fill your home with Red, Green and White Candles.

Share a Winter feast with friends or family. Perhaps share with each person what ‘light’ they bring to your life.

Make mulled wine or mulled grape juice. This warm spiced liquid truly does warm your heart (and the rest of your body) and making it yourself brings your own magic into the flavour.

Have an outdoor fire and not to waste an opportunity, create a Yule Log or Yule Pinecones! Yule logs can mean different things for different people. For some, yule logs mean warm, crackling outdoor fires or fireplaces. For others, they bring to mind sweet, chocolate log cakes. 

Decorate a living tree. Fill it with bright colours or with food for animals that struggle over Winter, (visualising hot chips and seagulls).

Stay up ALL night and make sure the sun does come up. By the grace of those observing the Solstice we do see the return of the sun each morning after  Maybe throw in a game’s night and your mulled wine!

Acknowledge and celebrate this great gift of life on the longest night of the year.

Bring the light into your heart space. Individually, you are in many ways the light for others – consciously or unconsciously. Bring the light into your words, actions and intentions. You ARE light.

Out of the darkest and most challenging situations we can choose to grow and evolve, like the butterfly, we can emerge from the womb like solace of a dark cocoon, awakening and bursting forth into the Sun’s light, emanating the magnificent beauty that has lain hidden within.

The message of Winter Solstice is one of the dazzling magic of transformation. This transformation connects the Light of your Higher Self, with your soul’s truth into your physical world.

How ever you observe or celebrate the Winter Solstice is up to you. What feels right is right for you 😊Winter Solstice Blessings everyone!