I was hoping that someone could help me on something. I'm pagan but had never celebrated any of the pagan holidays before. I know that the Winter Soltice is coming up and I really would like to start celebrating. Can someone please tell me what one would do in those holidays? Any books that describe this? I'm also a solitare witch, is there any information on celebrating in a solitare way?
The Winter Solstice or Yule as it is sometimes called is a happy time when we celebrate the rebirth of the young God and a return of the sun. It's a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy each other's company. Many of the things we do at Yule, such as decorating with greenery, etc are almost identical to the traditions of other religions.
There's a great website on the various Sabbats, their history, and their customs at http://www.witchessabbats.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2
Two books I'd suggest that will give you ideas of ways that you can celebrate the different Sabbats are "Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon" and "Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Samhain to Ostara" both by Ashleen O'Gaea. The books offer suggestions for both solitaries and for groups.
if you've celebrated Christmas, you've sort of celebrated Yule, except it's on the solstice, and you stay up all night. there's different beliefs and stories, but like Lark said, it's the rebirth of the sun, so you should have a Yule fire, or at least a Yule log. the house has to be brightly lit, especially the tree. On Samhain [october 31] the Oak King [God/sun] died and the Goddess mourns. on Yule she gives birth to the Oak King [God/sun] so in the morning is when people typically have a circle to welcome the sun who will grow stronger and vanquish the Holy King, bringing spring.
http://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/index0.htm
has an explanation and a ritual with most of the sabbats if you wish to learn more [though Lark provided a great link] basically have your friends and family over [if they support your belief] make mulled cider, have a big potluck dinner, and bring gifts. place them under the tree as offerings to the God and Goddess, in the morning, you can exchange gifts. i know a lot of people [myself included] who do things the week leading up to Yule to prepare. go for a walk in the woods to find a log for Yule, evergreen branches, pine cones, and various other things to decorate. if you decide to make a Yule log, you can decorate and carve the log so you can place candles in it [if you don't have a fire place] myself, i go for the edible log and place candles on it during the circle we have at midnight, then we all have a piece.
