The Spirit of Yule

Today is the Roman festival of Bona Dea, the patroness of women. Traditionally only celebrated by women, this is a terrific day to have a short get-together with the female sector of your family. Serve hot apple cider and sit around the table. Remember your foremothers and discuss the traits they've passed on to you. Talk about other women who have influenced your life. Then hold hands and take turns expressing your thoughts on womanhood and what it means to you. Finish by toasting Bona Dea. Say something like:

Great Goddess of Women, Creatrix above

We send You our thanks, and our laughter and love

For this gift You've bestowed upon all in this room

A common thread in Life's Tapestry weaved on Your loom

Today also marks the Greek festival of Rhea, Great Mother of the Earth. Since grains are generally used in this celebration, it provides an excellent opportunity to do some family baking. Pies, cakes, cookies, and bread are all good choices. Before you mix the ingredients, take some time to thank Rhea by saying something like:

Rhea, Great Mother of Earth and Her bounty

We offer our thanks for Your grains, fruits, and seeds

We thank you for sharing your wondrous abundance

And for tending our bodies' nutritional needs

Because today marks the Festival of Chango (the Santerian/Yoruban God of the Human Spirit), it provides an excellent time to embrace positive changes and build confidence in others. Let go of negativity, resolve differences, and do something nice for someone else. Make positive changes in your life, too. Ask Chango for help in these matters by chanting something like:

Chango, God of Humankind

Help me see where I was blind

Fill my heart with joy and light

My mind with resolution bright

Let human spirit thrive and grow

And become a beacon all shall know

So even in the darkest night

We shed Your rays of guiding light

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