Description

Spirit Arts & Herbs Yule (Winter Solstice) Herbal Tea

HAND MADE IN THE U.S.A.

YULE (WINTER SOLSTICE) TEA INGREDIENTS

• Oolong – With a name that means “black dragon”, Oolong tea combines the robust flavors of black teas with the lighter tastes of green teas. Oolong features a complex and inherent sweetness swirled throughout a warm and inviting golden infusion. Magical intention of Oolong include reflection, meditation, wisdom, serenity, concentration, romance, and friendship.
• Apple chips – Apples are arguably the most magical and symbolism-laden of fruits. In the Edda, an old Scandinavian Saga, Iduna kept apples that the Gods would eat to ensure their eternal youth. In Greek folklore, the Hesperides guard apple trees that will provide the same gift to those who eat of them. Although the Bible never actually says so, many people believe that the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was an apple. The Trojan war was started when the Goddess Eris threw an apple into the midst of a party of Goddesses, saying that it was for ‘the fairest’. Unicorns are believed to live beneath apple trees (as well as those of the ash). The sacred Isle of Avalon is also known as the Isle of Apples. The widespread availability and fertile abundance of apples associates them with life, longevity, youth, love, healing, harmony, fidelity, marriage, beauty, vanity, wisdom, and fertility. Folklore associates the apple with the afterlife, the soul, immortality, fairies, creativity, generosity, and the otherworld.
• Peppermint Leaves – The magical intentions of Peppermint include prophecy, visions, dream work, divination, messages, signs, omens, protection from illness, health and healing spells, prosperity, protection from nightmares, protection from evil spirits, protection from psychic attack, energy, action, calm, focus, creativity, concentration, calling benevolent spirits, meditation, trance, purification, and focus.
• Apple Blossom Flower Buds – see above
• Juniper Berries – In aromatherapy, juniper berry is used against anxiety, to improve memory and mental clarity, and for sedation. Juniper has a medium, fresh, green, sweet, fruity, slightly woody, pine needle-like aroma. The magical intentions of Juniper include protection from evil and negativity, home protection, purification, cleansing, protection from illness, blessing, protection from accidents, protection from animal attack, exorcism, cleansing the aura, and mental clarity.
• Cinnamon chips – Cinnamon is chiefly employed for its smooth muscles relaxing effects. Its warm, reassuring scent helps with concentration. The magical intentions of Cinnamon include consecration, psychic work, healing, love, success, purification, protection, energy, good luck, love, peace, prosperity, communication, happiness, harmony, inspiration, knowledge, meditation, spirituality, tranquility, wisdom, banishing negativity, action, and prophetic dreams.
• Lemon peel – The magical intentions of Lemon include calm, clarity, comfort, concentration, focus, alleviating grief and sorrow, emotional healing, heartbreak, health and healing, business success, protection from evil, home protection, opening the heart, sympathy, and fairy magic.
• Rosemary – The pine-like leaves of the herb are highly fragrant. Rosemary has a strong, clear, fresh, penetrating, camphor-like, green, woody, herbaceous aroma and flavor. The magical intentions of Rosemary include protection from evil spirits, protection from nightmares, weddings, marriage, love, loyalty, funeral and burial rites, protection from illness, fairy magic, protection of children, youth, eternal life, true love, faithfulness, fidelity, cleansing, blessing, purification, mental abilities, memory, meditation, dream work, past life, education, finding a lover, attraction, protection from negative energy, empathy, companionship, dating, learning problems, loss of a loved one, and relationships.
• Cloves – Clove has a strong, rich, warm, sweet, spicy aroma; with an affinity for cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and ginger. The magical intentions of Clove include luck, prosperity, friendship, stopping gossip and rumors, kinship, community, sociability, enhancing spirituality, protection of babies, grief, and comfort.

The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year. It is a time to gather with loved ones. The Yule season focuses on rebirth and renewal. Focus on this time of new beginnings by welcoming light and warmth into your home.

Some celebrate Yule for the 12 days following the Winter Solstice, honoring the rebirth of the sun when the days begin to get longer. The  Yule log (preferably oak) is burned (lit by the Mother of the family), or lit candles are mounted into holes drilled into the log and burned, for the 12 days. Have a wishing ritual by tucking notes of wishes for the coming year and/or confessions of bad choices into gaps in pinecones, then toss into the log for a new beginning. The fire must be kept alive, as if it goes out before the 12th day, you may become vulnerable to evil spirits and there will be terrible luck and possible tragedy for the coming year. Some indulge in a bit of wine along with the burning of the Yule log to celebrate the Norse God Odin. After the 12th day, when the log is completely extinguished and cool, place it beneath the bed for luck.

Decorate an outdoor Yule tree. Evergreens symbolize eternal life, rebirth and renewal. They have power over death. The Yule tree represents the Tree of Life or the World Tree. Decorate it with symbols sacred to the Gods/Goddesses. Popcorn and berries have historically been used because visiting birds can feed from it. Hand make evergreen wreaths of Yew, Holly, Pine, and Ivy. The wreaths symbolize the wheel of the year, infinity of goodwill.

Decorate your altar or table with the colors red, green, gold, white and silver, and with bells, holly, mistletoe, lights, reindeer, stag, rubies, and emeralds. The bells drive away demons that appear during this darkest time of the year. Holly captures evil spirits before they can enter the home. Mistletoe encourages fertility. Anoint red, green and white candles with Yule Oil, place your emeralds and rubies around them, then light them. Light Yule Incense. Celebrate by candlelight, an eternal flame within the home, symbolizing light and warmth, to chase away evil spirits, and to lure back the returning sun.

Have a feast of dried fruits, roasted meats, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, peppermint, nuts, chestnuts, and red cabbage. Exchange nature-based gifts as symbols of your sacrifice to the Gods/Goddesses. Ring in each morning with bells after everyone in the home has awakened to chase away dark days.

When you’re ready to relax, enjoy a hot herbal bath. And before bed, enjoy a warm cup of Moon Milk (cow’s milk, honey, and cinnamon).

Click HERE to shop for products to celebrate Yule.

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

**IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product.

PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks.