This Heathen Yule consists of “A Heathen Night Before Yuletide” (for fun), Mothers’ Night, the Winter Solstice, the NNVs, and 12th Night. A HUGE “thank you” goes out to my good friend, Karen Carlson for her help.
Why celebrate Christ-mass if you’re not a christian? With Yule, you still get all the bells-n-whistles without any of the religious trappings. Yule is all about enjoying yourself, your family and friends. Have a good time. Party your ass off. Be yourself.
This is an online event. Use it as part and parcel to any celebration you are already planning.
Why celebrate Christ-mass if you’re not a christian? With Yule, you still get all the bells-n-whistles without any of the religious trappings. Yule is all about enjoying yourself, your family and friends. Have a good time. Party your ass off. Be yourself.
This is an online event. Use it as part and parcel to any celebration you are already planning.
A Heathen Night Before Yuletide
Author Unknown:
Rewritten by Vaygar-Ingvald Elmersson to reflect a more adequate style in meter and verse.
'Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the Hall
Not a creature was stirring, not warrior nor thrall.
I in my armor, my greaves and my helm
Was drunker than anyone else in the Realm.
I staggered upstairs and fell into bed
With four quarts of mead ablaze in my head.
Then up from below came sounds of a brawl
I grabbed up my axe and ran down to the Hall.
I missed the last step and crashed down in a heap
Thinking, "Why can't those low-lifes downstairs go to sleep?"
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But two brawny strangers with hammer and spear.
I said to myself, “I'll soon have them beat!"
Then noticed ten warriors laid out at their feet.
I gave out a yell and leapt to the fray...
I'll always regret my poor choice of that day.
For the one laid his hammer to side of my nose
And up, up, up to the rafters I rose.
I heard a lone voice from down on the floor,
"They’re no mortal warriors -- that's Odin and Thor!"
They looked at each other and said, "Battle's done.
Since they know who we are, it’s no longer fun."
Then Thor raised his hammer, at his elbow he bent,
And with a loud crash, through the ceiling they went.
I crawled through the Hall and flung open the door,
Quite certain I'd seen them somewhere before.
The snow bathed in moonlight, the stars intercede,
I saw them ride off on an eight-legged steed.
I heard them exclaim, 'ere they flew out of sight,
"TO HELA WITH YULETIDE, WE JUST LOVE A GOOD FIGHT!"
Author Unknown:
Rewritten by Vaygar-Ingvald Elmersson to reflect a more adequate style in meter and verse.
'Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the Hall
Not a creature was stirring, not warrior nor thrall.
I in my armor, my greaves and my helm
Was drunker than anyone else in the Realm.
I staggered upstairs and fell into bed
With four quarts of mead ablaze in my head.
Then up from below came sounds of a brawl
I grabbed up my axe and ran down to the Hall.
I missed the last step and crashed down in a heap
Thinking, "Why can't those low-lifes downstairs go to sleep?"
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But two brawny strangers with hammer and spear.
I said to myself, “I'll soon have them beat!"
Then noticed ten warriors laid out at their feet.
I gave out a yell and leapt to the fray...
I'll always regret my poor choice of that day.
For the one laid his hammer to side of my nose
And up, up, up to the rafters I rose.
I heard a lone voice from down on the floor,
"They’re no mortal warriors -- that's Odin and Thor!"
They looked at each other and said, "Battle's done.
Since they know who we are, it’s no longer fun."
Then Thor raised his hammer, at his elbow he bent,
And with a loud crash, through the ceiling they went.
I crawled through the Hall and flung open the door,
Quite certain I'd seen them somewhere before.
The snow bathed in moonlight, the stars intercede,
I saw them ride off on an eight-legged steed.
I heard them exclaim, 'ere they flew out of sight,
"TO HELA WITH YULETIDE, WE JUST LOVE A GOOD FIGHT!"
1st day of Yule – Mothers’ Night
Mothers’ Night welcomes in the Season of Yule. As we encourage the return of Sunna (the feminine aspect of the sun) we honor the feminine all around us. Honor the Idises, Asynjor, all mothers, great-grandmothers and your feminine ancestors. Raise a horn to the glorious women who give birth to us and to the feminine spirits that support us. Give this time in honor to all aspects of mothering. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Laxdaela Saga Chapter 7: After that Unn went into the hall and a great company with her, and when all seats were taken in the hall, everyone was much struck by the lordliness of the feast. Then Unn said: "Bjorn and Helgi, my brothers, and all my other kindred and friends, I call witnesses to this, that this dwelling with all its belongings that you now see before you, I give into the hands of my kinsman, Olaf, to own and to manage." After that Unn stood up and said she would go to the bower where she was wont to sleep, but bade everyone have for pastime whatever was most to his mind, and that ale should be the cheer of the common folk. So the tale goes, that Unn was a woman both tall and portly. She walked at a quick step out along the hall, and people could not help saying to each other how stately the lady was yet. They feasted that evening till they thought it time to go to bed. But the day after Olaf went to the sleeping bower of Unn, his grandmother, and when he came into the chamber there was Unn sitting up against her pillow, and she was dead. Olaf went into the hall after that and told these tidings. Everyone thought it a wonderful thing, how Unn had upheld her dignity to the day of her death.
Mothers’ Night welcomes in the Season of Yule. As we encourage the return of Sunna (the feminine aspect of the sun) we honor the feminine all around us. Honor the Idises, Asynjor, all mothers, great-grandmothers and your feminine ancestors. Raise a horn to the glorious women who give birth to us and to the feminine spirits that support us. Give this time in honor to all aspects of mothering. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Laxdaela Saga Chapter 7: After that Unn went into the hall and a great company with her, and when all seats were taken in the hall, everyone was much struck by the lordliness of the feast. Then Unn said: "Bjorn and Helgi, my brothers, and all my other kindred and friends, I call witnesses to this, that this dwelling with all its belongings that you now see before you, I give into the hands of my kinsman, Olaf, to own and to manage." After that Unn stood up and said she would go to the bower where she was wont to sleep, but bade everyone have for pastime whatever was most to his mind, and that ale should be the cheer of the common folk. So the tale goes, that Unn was a woman both tall and portly. She walked at a quick step out along the hall, and people could not help saying to each other how stately the lady was yet. They feasted that evening till they thought it time to go to bed. But the day after Olaf went to the sleeping bower of Unn, his grandmother, and when he came into the chamber there was Unn sitting up against her pillow, and she was dead. Olaf went into the hall after that and told these tidings. Everyone thought it a wonderful thing, how Unn had upheld her dignity to the day of her death.
2nd Day of Yule – The Winter Solstice/Mid-Winter
The old calendar had but two seasons; summer and winter. Winter began at the Autumnal Equinox. The winter solstice actually represented mid-winter. Now, it also represented as the shortest day and the longest night. Winter begins for us in this modern era, in the northern hemisphere. We give HAIL to the turning of the wheel! Today, the sun has reached her furthest point south. From this day onward Sunna, the feminine aspect of the sun, gains strength, begins returning northward, and eventually breaks winter's spell. Celebrate Sunna's return and the fertility she brings. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
3rd Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Courage
The Noble Virtue of courage is definitely an attitude of boldness – not, however, the absence of fear. The Noble Virtue of courage represents driving forward in spite of your fears. It is courage that allows us to live life in such a manner that we can be proud. Courage comes to those who have faced down their fears, and have overcome them. (C.Reimer/V.Elmersson)
Havamal 106
With the mouth of the auger I made space for myself
And gnawed through the stone;
Over me and under me went the paths of the giants,
Thus, I risked my head (Larrington pg. 28).
The Noble Virtue of courage is definitely an attitude of boldness – not, however, the absence of fear. The Noble Virtue of courage represents driving forward in spite of your fears. It is courage that allows us to live life in such a manner that we can be proud. Courage comes to those who have faced down their fears, and have overcome them. (C.Reimer/V.Elmersson)
Havamal 106
With the mouth of the auger I made space for myself
And gnawed through the stone;
Over me and under me went the paths of the giants,
Thus, I risked my head (Larrington pg. 28).
4th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Truth
The Noble Virtue of truth is elusive. It’s as relative as the individual. What one person or group accepts as truth, another does not. There is no universal truth. There is no one way or right way of seeing anything. What we accept as truth is merely that: our truth. No one person or group has the ability to dictate their truth to anyone unless we allow it. The most important truth is that we remain true to ourselves. Search for your own truth. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 124
That is the true mingling of kinship when you can tell
Someone all your thoughts;
Anything is better than to be fickle;
He is no true friend who only says pleasant things (Larrington pg. 31).
The Noble Virtue of truth is elusive. It’s as relative as the individual. What one person or group accepts as truth, another does not. There is no universal truth. There is no one way or right way of seeing anything. What we accept as truth is merely that: our truth. No one person or group has the ability to dictate their truth to anyone unless we allow it. The most important truth is that we remain true to ourselves. Search for your own truth. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 124
That is the true mingling of kinship when you can tell
Someone all your thoughts;
Anything is better than to be fickle;
He is no true friend who only says pleasant things (Larrington pg. 31).
5th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Honor
The Noble Virtue of honor is the ability to hold your head high in all situations. It’s the adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct. To live an honorable life is the most valuable of goals. We set standards for ourselves and live according to those standards. We are not encouraged to set low standards; rather, set high standards and work toward them continually, even behind closed doors. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 164
Now is the song of the High One recited in the High One’s hall.
Very useful to the sons of men,
Quite useless to the sons of giants,
Luck to him who recites, luck to him who knows!
May he benefit, he who learnt it,
Luck to those who listened (Larrington pg. 38)!
The Noble Virtue of honor is the ability to hold your head high in all situations. It’s the adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct. To live an honorable life is the most valuable of goals. We set standards for ourselves and live according to those standards. We are not encouraged to set low standards; rather, set high standards and work toward them continually, even behind closed doors. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 164
Now is the song of the High One recited in the High One’s hall.
Very useful to the sons of men,
Quite useless to the sons of giants,
Luck to him who recites, luck to him who knows!
May he benefit, he who learnt it,
Luck to those who listened (Larrington pg. 38)!
6th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Fidelity
As a basic ethical principle, the Noble Virtue of fidelity is the quality of being faithful or loyal. Fidelity is a characteristic that is worthy of emulation. We must remain loyal to who and what we are. Those around us need to have the ability to take us at our word, and our word needs to be our bond. A handshake is all that should be required to seal the deal in any verbal, written or implied contractual obligation between individuals. The devotion to our deeds must be of the utmost importance. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 44
You know, if you’ve a friend whom you really trust
And from whom you want nothing but good,
You should mix your soul with his and exchange gifts,
Go and see him often (Larrington pg.20).
As a basic ethical principle, the Noble Virtue of fidelity is the quality of being faithful or loyal. Fidelity is a characteristic that is worthy of emulation. We must remain loyal to who and what we are. Those around us need to have the ability to take us at our word, and our word needs to be our bond. A handshake is all that should be required to seal the deal in any verbal, written or implied contractual obligation between individuals. The devotion to our deeds must be of the utmost importance. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 44
You know, if you’ve a friend whom you really trust
And from whom you want nothing but good,
You should mix your soul with his and exchange gifts,
Go and see him often (Larrington pg.20).
7th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Hospitality
The Noble Virtue of hospitality represents a special relationship between an invited guest and host, where the host provides the guest with necessary goodwill. Welcome guests into your house and your life as you can. In today’s world, we cannot trust everyone with whom we come in contact; however, we can exercise caution and be as welcoming as possible. When anyone is welcomed into your home, ensure they want for nothing. Lavish upon them food, drink and comfort. Equally, be a proper and respectful guest when welcomed. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 3
Fire is needful for someone who’s come in,
where is he going to sit?
Food and clothing are necessary for the man
Who’s journeyed over the mountains.
The Noble Virtue of hospitality represents a special relationship between an invited guest and host, where the host provides the guest with necessary goodwill. Welcome guests into your house and your life as you can. In today’s world, we cannot trust everyone with whom we come in contact; however, we can exercise caution and be as welcoming as possible. When anyone is welcomed into your home, ensure they want for nothing. Lavish upon them food, drink and comfort. Equally, be a proper and respectful guest when welcomed. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 3
Fire is needful for someone who’s come in,
where is he going to sit?
Food and clothing are necessary for the man
Who’s journeyed over the mountains.
8th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Discipline
The Noble Virtue of discipline is a training to obey rules, a code of behavior or a branch of knowledge. It’s a method of systematic instruction intended to train a person within a given idea or method. Our way is not an easy way. In many respects, we fly in the face of the society around us. Be disciplined enough to stay Tru to the ideals of Heathenry as they unfold in your life. Be diligent in the study of your beliefs. Endeavor to honor the gods and goddesses of the Germanic peoples. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 69
No man is completely wretched, even if he has bad luck;
One man is blessed with sons,
Another with kinsmen, another has enough money,
Another has done great deeds (Larrington pg. 23).
The Noble Virtue of discipline is a training to obey rules, a code of behavior or a branch of knowledge. It’s a method of systematic instruction intended to train a person within a given idea or method. Our way is not an easy way. In many respects, we fly in the face of the society around us. Be disciplined enough to stay Tru to the ideals of Heathenry as they unfold in your life. Be diligent in the study of your beliefs. Endeavor to honor the gods and goddesses of the Germanic peoples. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 69
No man is completely wretched, even if he has bad luck;
One man is blessed with sons,
Another with kinsmen, another has enough money,
Another has done great deeds (Larrington pg. 23).
9th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Industriousness
The Noble Virtue of industriousness requires that we work hard in life. Be conscientious and meticulous in whatever labor you have placed before you. Always be diligent, energetic and devoted to your working life. Never sit back and take the easy way out with respect to your ability to create a lifestyle for yourself. No matter the lifestyle you choose, know that your elevation in life, or lack of it, may (but not always) be the direct result of your depth of diligence. Do the best you can, and know that your efforts have been suitably rewarded. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 59
He should get up early, the man who has few workers,
And go about his work with thought;
Much he neglects, the man who sleeps-in in the mornings,
Wealth is half won by the vigorous (Larrington (pg. 22).
The Noble Virtue of industriousness requires that we work hard in life. Be conscientious and meticulous in whatever labor you have placed before you. Always be diligent, energetic and devoted to your working life. Never sit back and take the easy way out with respect to your ability to create a lifestyle for yourself. No matter the lifestyle you choose, know that your elevation in life, or lack of it, may (but not always) be the direct result of your depth of diligence. Do the best you can, and know that your efforts have been suitably rewarded. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 59
He should get up early, the man who has few workers,
And go about his work with thought;
Much he neglects, the man who sleeps-in in the mornings,
Wealth is half won by the vigorous (Larrington (pg. 22).
10th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Self-Reliance
“Man [or woman] is his [or her] own star” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, parentheticals added).
The Noble Virtue of self-reliance requires that you depend on the efforts of your own handiwork. Do not depend on others to achieve your goals. Do not create co-dependent relationships in any way. Do not let your happiness or your success be determined by anyone else. Be responsible for yourself. Rely on your own efforts to secure your needs, for it is only as we build upon success after success that we will be truly satisfied. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 36
A farm of your own is better, even if small,
Everyone is someone at home:
Though he has two goats and a coarsely roofed house,
That is better than begging.
“Man [or woman] is his [or her] own star” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, parentheticals added).
The Noble Virtue of self-reliance requires that you depend on the efforts of your own handiwork. Do not depend on others to achieve your goals. Do not create co-dependent relationships in any way. Do not let your happiness or your success be determined by anyone else. Be responsible for yourself. Rely on your own efforts to secure your needs, for it is only as we build upon success after success that we will be truly satisfied. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 36
A farm of your own is better, even if small,
Everyone is someone at home:
Though he has two goats and a coarsely roofed house,
That is better than begging.
11th Day of Yule – Remembering the Noble Virtue of Perseverance
The Noble Virtue of perseverance requires us to meet difficulties head-on. Life is filled with personal challenges. We struggle on a daily basis with various forces around us. Sometimes we may ask ourselves, is it really worth it? Perseverance is determined, continual action in the face of adversity. If you give up, it’s game-over. It really is simple, isn’t it? No matter what you are doing, no matter the challenge, see it to its conclusion. Even if you try and fail, realize that the only real failure is not trying. Failure is evidence that someone has tried. Success is failure defeated. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 71
The lame man rides the horse, the handless man drives the herds,
The deaf man fights and succeeds,
To be blind is better than to be burnt;
A corpse is of no use to anyone (Larrington (pg. 23).
The Noble Virtue of perseverance requires us to meet difficulties head-on. Life is filled with personal challenges. We struggle on a daily basis with various forces around us. Sometimes we may ask ourselves, is it really worth it? Perseverance is determined, continual action in the face of adversity. If you give up, it’s game-over. It really is simple, isn’t it? No matter what you are doing, no matter the challenge, see it to its conclusion. Even if you try and fail, realize that the only real failure is not trying. Failure is evidence that someone has tried. Success is failure defeated. (C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Havamal 71
The lame man rides the horse, the handless man drives the herds,
The deaf man fights and succeeds,
To be blind is better than to be burnt;
A corpse is of no use to anyone (Larrington (pg. 23).
12th Night
Thus ends the season of Yule as we prepare for the upcoming year. Take time to remember whence you came, as well as time to make plans for the near future. Raise your horn high to honor your gods and ancestors. Honor each other and the inner workings of your relationships. Take oaths on oath rings. Make promises to yourself and others. In our lore, Var is a hand-maiden of Frija. In the Prose Edda, it is said she listens to people's oaths and the private agreements that women and men make between each other. Thus, these contracts are called varar. She also punishes those who break them.
Hold inventory within yourself or your group so you know your present position in relation to where you want to be. Continue to build the weavings of your Wyrd positively. The luck within you depends on it. Remember, "Luck often enough will save a man [or woman] if his [or her] courage holds.” (The 13th Warrior, parentheticals added)
“Yuletide festivities conclude on Twelfth Night. Many modern Heathens will sync this with New Year’s Eve. It’s the last big party to celebrate a new year, celebrate the passing of the darkest (and in theory coldest of times) and to look forward to the lengthening days and warming temperatures.”
https://www.deviantart.com/paganarts/journal/12-Days-of-Yule-Mother-s-Night-12th-Night-274797220
HAIL!
HAIL!!
HAIL!!!
(C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
Thus ends the season of Yule as we prepare for the upcoming year. Take time to remember whence you came, as well as time to make plans for the near future. Raise your horn high to honor your gods and ancestors. Honor each other and the inner workings of your relationships. Take oaths on oath rings. Make promises to yourself and others. In our lore, Var is a hand-maiden of Frija. In the Prose Edda, it is said she listens to people's oaths and the private agreements that women and men make between each other. Thus, these contracts are called varar. She also punishes those who break them.
Hold inventory within yourself or your group so you know your present position in relation to where you want to be. Continue to build the weavings of your Wyrd positively. The luck within you depends on it. Remember, "Luck often enough will save a man [or woman] if his [or her] courage holds.” (The 13th Warrior, parentheticals added)
“Yuletide festivities conclude on Twelfth Night. Many modern Heathens will sync this with New Year’s Eve. It’s the last big party to celebrate a new year, celebrate the passing of the darkest (and in theory coldest of times) and to look forward to the lengthening days and warming temperatures.”
https://www.deviantart.com/paganarts/journal/12-Days-of-Yule-Mother-s-Night-12th-Night-274797220
HAIL!
HAIL!!
HAIL!!!
(C. Reimer/V. Elmersson)
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