Yule Hive Story

Here is the Yule story that I wrote for the Yule Altar changeover in 2023. I tried my very best to include the names of all of you who bought from us or engaged with us during 2023. My Yule present to you all, thank you once again for being part of our journey 🙏

Wicca Bea Yule Community Story
 
If you close your eyes and listen very carefully, past the roar of cars outside and listen past the hum of electronics in your home, you may hear the distant ambience, just barely audible above the sound of your heart, of a tranquil village nestled deep within the woods. Secluded and safe where ancient trees whisper magickal secrets of times long past. In this village there lived a beautiful community who revered the turning of the great wheel and celebrated the Yuletide with great joy.
 
As the days grew shorter and the chill of winter started to settle upon the land, the villagers busied themselves gathering and preparing for the cold days and nights to come. They adorned the bare trees with garlands of evergreen and holly, honouring the spirits of nature and welcoming the return of the sun.
 
The hum in the village was immense and the Yuletide excitement was abound. The Patchouli Twins, Allyson and The Herb Father, were busy in the herb garden sewing copious amounts of herbs for prosperity, protection, courage, manifestation and love, the greatest start to a new beginning.
 
At the house at the end of the rainbow a kerfuffle was a brew. Right in the middle of a spell, Bea and Kirsty had been distracted at the worse possible time, as Kellie-Anne rushed through their kitchen with ribbons of colour on sticks in tow. Magick burst from the cauldron, creating a hole in the ceiling to the floor above. “Ya nearly took my head off” called Lita-Jo, who peered though the hole from their once pristine new pad above. But Shona, Stirring her coffee in the corner of the kitchen and grasping her protection rune close, said “not to worry I’ll have my Dad pop a new floor in for you, and I’m sure my mum can realign your chakras”.
 
Outside, as another stray energy beam from the kitchen struck the clouds, it began to rain magick beans. Emma, Ella and Keri where quick to whip off their hats to start collecting the beans as they precipitated down, a good harvest will surely come of these they knew. Vicky and Keira rushed underneath Mrs Walking’s toadstool golf umbrella, something she was glad to have picked up on her way out of the house, and watched Garry dart for the cover that his children had found.
As they took mobile shelter under Morrigan’s shield, Sarah and Luna Fae ran past Tooley’s Café calling for everyone to get inside. “Too right” affirmed Tash Lou, “I’m with you” shouted Maureen, “I’m off to the pub” announced Jaq, “I’m one step ahead of you” proclaimed Rachel. “Mother” said Natalie, “Daughter” replied Nicola, both flicked a quick nod of their head in agreement and followed hot tailed behind.
 
As they burst through the door of the Inn, well I couldn’t even make up what they found, I’ll just have to tell you. The Drengr Simon and Pete the giant curled up, out cold upon the floor. Oh and there was also Rob, who was doing a marvellous job of defying gravity, slumped against the bar while leaning forward from his stool. Gemma, lighting fresh candles upon the tables, turned to say “They were supposed to be fixing Greywitch’s fence after a family of northern realm bears walked through it and made their home backing onto her garden, that’s until they filled their tankards with Lavelle’s mead”
 
See the family of bears had taken up home in the caves at the back of Mistletoe Lane, at the rear of the houses and the Ye Olde Shoppe, you know, where Sam, Lorraine and Wild Rose offered their wares. Since the bears had moved in the village had been blessed with song as Mamma bear Aura and her cubs Leo, Arya, Harris and Farrah danced and sang to the tunes of the wandering bard Lewis.
 
At the heart of the village stood a towering oak tree, its branches stretched toward the sky like outstretched arms embracing the universe. This majestic tree, known as the Yule Oak, was the centrepiece of the festivities.
 
On this eve of the winter solstice, when the night was at its longest, the villagers assembled around the Yule Oak. The children played in the retreating light, Panda, Theo, Destiny and Tobias, their laughter carried in the air as Rollo, Mouse and Athena zoomed around them chasing balls thrown by Sofie and Loki, under the watchful eyes of Elizabeth and Stephanie. To the Yule tree Niki, Hayley and Katie carried bundles of fragrant herbs, whilst Chantelle whispered blessings to the earth. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as the high druid Damion lit the sacred fire, its flames dancing and casting a warm glow upon the gathered faces.
 
One by one, the villagers stepped forward, offering gifts of love and gratitude to one another. Some presented handmade crafts, while others shared stories and songs passed down through generations. Connor, Heidi and Debbie roasted marshmallows in the flames and laughter echoed through the village, mingling with the crackling of the fire.
 
As the midnight hour approached, the village elders began a solemn chant, invoking the ancient deities of the sun and calling for its return, Sandra, Susanna, Ann and Donna held the chorus for a 16 count and let the echo finish. The sky above seemed to hold its breath, and then, slowly, a faint glimmer appeared on the horizon. The first rays of the winter sun broke through the darkness, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold.
 
A collective cheer erupted from the villagers, and they joined hands, forming a circle around the Yule Oak. Sally and Megan led them in songs of renewal and hope, their voices rising to the heavens. Kate, Tina and Jaqui rang the Solstice Bells, and with hearts full of gratitude, they all welcomed the return of the sun, knowing that light would once again triumph over darkness.
 
As the villagers revelled in the joyous celebration of Yuletide, a hushed whisper spread among them, carried by the gentle rustle of the winter breeze.
 
As the last ember of the Yule fire flickered, a shimmering mist began to form around the ancient Yule Oak. It swirled and twirled, ethereal and luminescent, encircling the massive tree, and all those present in a mesmerising dance.
 
From within the mist emerged figures that seemed to materialise from the very essence of the woods. Spirits of nature, adorned with sparkling dewdrops and clad in robes of emerald green, stepped gracefully into the gathering. Their presence exuded an otherworldly grace, and the air tingled with an energy that hummed with ancient wisdom.
 
The villagers stood in wonder as the spirits glided among them, offering blessings and whispers of forgotten tales from the heart of the forest. Some bestowed gifts of enchanted herbs that sparkled like starlight, while others offered woven intricate floral crowns that glistened with the early morning dew.
 
One spirit, with eyes as bright as the sun but a voice like a gentle stream, approached young Mya. The spirit reached out a hand, offering a small, glowing orb that appeared to hold the very essence of the winter solstice. Mya accepted the gift with reverence, feeling its warmth radiate through her being and knowing that it held the promise of new beginnings. She hugged the orb close and spoke her deepest wishes into it, then passed it along to Emma and Jon who gladly accepted the sphere and spoke their wishes in unison. Onto, Kimmy then Julie, then Lisa and Louise the orb made its way around all of the villagers Amber and Zoe, Trish and Alan, onto Helen then Dana, Melissa and Tracey, all the way back to Mya, who hugged it close once more and placed it upon the dying fire. The light that burst into life had Jessica, Wendy and Donna shielding their eyes. The Yule fire had been born once more.
 
The spirits began to fade back into the mist, their laughter and whispers lingering in the air like a melody that gets stuck in your mind. The shimmering mist dissolved into the morning light, as dawn spread, and the Yule fire roaring once more, the villagers exchanged embraces and blessings, feeling the warmth of community. They feasted on hearty foods, sharing bread and mead, celebrating the cycle of life, the wheel and the interconnectedness of all beings.
 
From that day forward, the Yule Oak seemed to radiate an even greater energy, a silent guardian infused with the touch of the other realm that had danced around it. And the villagers, forever changed by the magical encounter, carried the spirit of Yuletide within them, cherishing the wonder of that mystical night and the unity that it brought to their community.
 
As the festivities drew to a close and the villagers returned to their homes, they carried with them the light of the sun, knowing that even in the darkest of times, love, and togetherness would guide their way. And the Yule Oak stood tall, a symbol of strength and resilience, watching over the village into the next turn of the wheel.
 
So just remember, if you close your eyes, and listen very carefully, past the roar of cars outside and the hum of electronics in your home, you may hear the distant ambience, just barely audible above the sound of your heart, of a tranquil village nestled deep within the woods. Secluded and safe where ancient trees whisper magickal secrets of times long past, you’ll never be alone.
 
May the spirit of Yuletide bring you warmth, peace, love and protection.
 
Blessed be.
 
 
©Lee Henson 2023