Mood:  silly

First Quarter falls on Friday, December 05, 2008 at 4:26 PM

Full "Long Night" Moon falls on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 11:38 AM

Last Quarter falls on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 5:30 AM

New falls on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 7:23 AM

First Quarter falls on Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 6:56 AM

Full "Cold,Ice or Wolf" Moon falls on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 10:27 PM

Last Quarter falls on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 9:47 PM

New falls on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 2:56 AM

Hanukkah: December 22^nd

Christmas: December 25^th

News Years Eve: December 31^st

December Horoscopes

Aries
(Mar. 21- April 20)
Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments. Build on friendship rather than starting out in an intimate encounter. Someone you work with may be trying to make you look bad. Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favorable.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday. Taurus
(Apr. 21- may 21)
Friends may not understand your situation. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Your mate, however, may not be too pleased with you. Get down to business. Take a close look at contracts and agreements that have been offered to you.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Gemini
(May 22-June 21)
You could be tempted to overspend on unnecessary items. Your passionate mood will be well received by your mate. Confusion at an emotional level will cause you to make wrong decisions concerning your personal life. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
Travel will initiate new friendships or love connections. Try to visit a country that excites you. Don't be afraid to say what's on your mind. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Leo
(July 23-Aug 22)
You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. You can work in conjunction with those in the know in order to get to the bottom of any pending issue. You may be able to impart knowledge that's innovative to those searching for a new angle. Expect problems with settlements that you are trying to resolve.
Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Virgo
(Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Look after financial transactions this month. Do not blow situations out of proportion. Try to spend some time on your own. You need to concentrate on solving existing problems.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Libra
(Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Make plans to attend group discussions or get together with friends who like to talk as much as you do. Chances are you could get stuck with a colleague's job unexpectedly. This is probably causing upset and confusion on the home front. Be sure to pay attention to your bank account.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Scorpio
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Spend some quality time with your lover. Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Do things you enjoy instead of being a chameleon. Female members of your family may be difficult to deal with.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Sagittarius
(Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Don't let jealous friends put you down, making you insecure about your capabilities. Be willing to listen, but don't be fooled. Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste. Be careful while traveling.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Capricorn
(Dec 22.- Jan. 20)You will gain valuable insight and knowledge through the experiences you have along the way. Changes in your domestic situation will prove to be favorable in the long run. Make changes regarding your status in society. You may be emotionally unstable if you let someone you care about get away with verbal abuse.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Aquarius
(Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)
Children may be less than honest with you. Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad. Do not lend money or belongings to friends. Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Pisces
(Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
Maybe it's time to look into ways you can improve your health. Be careful disclosing information. Sudden changes could result in estrangement's. You will be uncertain of your feelings.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

(Dec 21st)

Yule is also called the Winter Solstice - Dec. 21st. Yule comes from the Norse Lul meaning wheel. Yule is the time when the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God. It also marks the birth of the Oak King, God of the waxing year. The Yule Log is an important rite on this night. A log bought into the house is kept burning all night. Afterwards, the ashes were scattered in the fields to ensure a good harvest for the next year. Keep a small pice of the left over Yule Log to use as kindling at the next Yule.

Lore - One traditional Yuletide practice is the creation of a Yule tree. This can be a living, potted tree which can later be planted in the ground or a cut one.
Appropriate Wiccan decorations are fun to make, from strings of dried rosebuds and cinnamon sticks for garlands, to bags of fragrant spices which are hung from the boughs. Quartz crystals can be wrapped with shiny wire and suspended from branches to resembl icicles. Apples, oranges, and lemons hanging from the boughs were customary in ancient times.
Many enjoy the custom of lighting the Yule Log. This represents the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within it and think of the coming warmer days.

Colors - Red, Green, White and Gold

Symbols - Evergreen trees, Yule Log, Holly, Eight-spoked Wheel, Wreaths, and spinning Wheels.

Deities - Newborn God, Tripple Goddess

Stones - Bloodstone, Ruby, Garnet

Ritual Oils - Rosemary, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Saffron, Cedar/Pine, Wintergreen & Ginger.

Food - Nuts, Apples, Pears, Cakes of Carraways soaked in cider and pork are traditional fare. Wassail, Lambswook, Hibiscus or Ginger tea are great for the Simple Feast or Yule meals.

Find fresh citrus fruit, such as oranges, limes, lemons, or grapefruits. Slice into thin circle slices. Put them carefully on a cooling rack. Put into a 200 degree oven for several hours, turning every hour until they are dry. Open the oven door slightly and leave in the oven overnight. String with fishing line, and hang on the tree. Cinnamon Stick Garland:
Thread some dental floss or embroider floss, or quilting thread onto a needle. String cinnamon sticks through the long hole in the middle of the stick onto the thread. You can add whatever else you want in between the cinnamon sticks (cranberries, popcorn, etc.)

Have your child find beautiful pine cones. Bring them home. Paint them with glue. Sprinkle glitter on them. Let them dry. Tie a ribbon or pretty yarn to hang on the tree.

Mix together 2 cups of salt and 1 cup of cornstarch in a bowl. I a pot, boil 1 1/2 cups of water. Remove from heat and add the salt mixture. Stir. Then cook over low heat until it is thick. Cool. Knead. Shape into ornaments. Make a hole for the ribbon or ornament hook. Let dry. Paint.

Have the children make a paper chain loop to decorate the tree. Pop popcorn and have the older children string it with needle and thread to put on the tree. Cranberries are great for stringing too.

A lot more Ideas at https://members.tripod.com/paganparent-ivil/yule.html#driedcitrusfruitornaments

PREP TIME 30 Min

COOK TIME 15 Min

READY IN 45 Min

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks at high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is thick and light-colored. Add flour and cocoa, beating on low speed. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter. mix until no streaks of white remaining. Grease a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. pan; line with waxed paper, and grease and flour paper. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly. Cover with waxed paper and cool completely on wire rack. Remove paper; invert cake onto an 18-in. long piece of waxed paper dusted with confectioners' sugar. Trim edges from all four sides of cake. For filling, combine flour and milk in a saucepan. Cook over low heat; stirring until thick. Cool. In a mixing bowl, cream sugar, butter and vanilla. Add flour mixture; bet until fluffy. Fold in walnuts if desired. Spread on cake; roll up, jelly-roll style, starting from one short end. For frosting, beat butter until fluffy in a small bowl. Beat in sugar, cocoa and coffee. Spread over cake, using a fork to create a bark-like effect. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and nuts if desired.

Blessed Be all! I devoted this whole Newsletter to our Winter Solstice Yule!

I hope you enjoy as I did make it. I put in a few helpful hints to make the best Holidays ever. Be safe and Happy this Holiday season! Have fun in the snow everyone! Happy Holidays!!

Phoenix Ravenmoon

Posted by wiccalearningtemple at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: Thursday, 12 March 2009 9:17 PM EDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink