Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A Seasonal First

I recently discussed in a post about the holiday season that this time of year and I have had a sordid past. Typically while others are having an overblown case of the holly jollies, I'm having a case of the Grinchy grumps. This year, for the very first time, I've felt compelled to dress my altar for Yule. In years past the Samhain decorations and trapping have stayed up until the pumpkins and gourds begin to look a bit soggy, but not this year.

For your perusal, here are some photos of my first ever Yule altar, a sure sign that the relationship between myself and Winter is on the mend.


You can see my seasonal tapers are lit, illuminating Lugh in the background. Yellow chime candles await the Solstice, ready to welcome the Sun.


My heart stone sits, collecting and storing healing energy, next to my labradorite sphere and stag head offering dish.


Do any of you set up Yule altars? If so, please share! I'd love to see them.

18 comments:

  1. Very pretty. Now.. enjoy the season, be well and many, happy blessings!

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  2. Beautiful! I consider my little table that has my faerie tree on it my little alter. I just got this table this past summer and started changing it for the seasons.

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  3. Beautiful photographs of your Yule altar. I too have been known to be a grinch, however, I've learned to tune into the energies of Yule rather than the hectic commercialism of Christmas. It's amazing how peaceful and quiet it is, if we just tune in.

    p.s. I snagged one of your buttons and I'd love if you'd snag one of mine.

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  4. What a beautiful altar, and cheers to you for finding the Yule Spirit! I love your stag dish! Beautiful altar cloth too! Here's to ringing in the warmth and light!!!

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  5. Beautiful! Your Stag Dish is exquisite... May the season bring peace, joy, and love.

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  6. Your altar is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

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  7. Very nice! I'm so glad you made peace with the Holiday season and can actually enjoy it now. It really can be a wonderful time of year.

    I don't use a specific space as an altar; I prefer to think of my home as my "altar". It gets changed out with each new season!

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  8. I posted mine yesterday on my blog as well! Love for you to stop by and take a look!

    Blessings on Yule!

    Christopher Michael

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  9. Wonderful altar. I love to see the depth and love with which You have set it up. :)

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  10. Your altar is beautiful - thank you so much for sharing :)

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  11. Congratulations on getting over the grumps and setting up your first Yule altar! Yay! It's beautiful and I'm sure has put you in the spirit of the season.

    Happy Holidays!

    Blessed Be,
    Tereza

    You can view my Yule/Winter Solstice altar at http://mygoddess-self.blogspot.com

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  12. Danni, I can totally relate to you about feeling more like the Grinch than a Suzy Whoville ;) I haven't set up a formal Yule altar but I have as the book says, "Little Altars Everywhere." I'll post photos of them up today. Your altar is beautiful. Simple and yet really rich and perfect for the season. Love it :)

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  13. Beautiful! Making peace with the seasons we aren't so fond of really does help to lift our Spirits & balance our lives. (Remind me of this when Summer comes again, LOL!)

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  14. Yay! *does a happy dance*

    I love your decorations! =D Your alter looks wonderful. I love it! ^-^

    I am truly happy that you are reclaiming the Winter holidays for yourself. I think that this is so very important, especially because so many people have so much negativity wrapped up in them.

    I long for an alter. At the moment, I have three tiny shelves hung in my kitchen that I kind of use. It's still a work in progress. ^-^

    I'm now going to go out today & find Wintery stuff to decorate my shelves with. I'll post a pic when it's finished. Thanks for inspiring me!

    XOXO

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  15. Beautiful altar! I adore that wee bell :)

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