December 20

First Day of Yule: Mother's Night 

Strega Notes

Winter Solstice

December 21 

Winter and Yule season herbs at Strega

Burning bay leaves, cinnamon, and cloves

Aromatic spices purify space, attract prosperity, and protect against negative energy. Incorporating them into cooking or simmer pots is just seasonal magic!

A BURN AND RELEASE RITURAL FOR SOLITARY WITCHES

Write down anything you're ready to release -- old habits, fears, or anything holding you back -- on a small piece of paper.

Wrap the paper around a cinnamon stick. Go outside and, safely, light it. Let the smoke carry away what no longer serves you.

This honors the Yule tradition of letting go during the long night, clearing space for the returning light.

BELLS

Ring bells at sunset on the solstice, or hang them on doors through the Twelve Nights.

<Bells break stagnant energy and drive off harmful spirits. The sound announces to anything lurking that this house is awake and protected.

SIMMER POT

Simmer cinnamon, eloves, and orange peel in water on the stove through the darkest days.

This clears stale air and calls warmth back into the house. The rising steam purifies every room and keeps the household protected from illness and low spirits.