NationStates Jolt Archive

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u273/amerikansk_jente_i_norge/Yule/BlessedYule-2.gif

I want to wish all of my Pagan and Wiccan friends on here and everywhere else a Blessed Yule/Winter Solstice which is on Dec. 21st. :)

You're a bit early, no?

You're a bit early, no?

Never to early to celebrate the seasonal holidays. :)

pft, pagans, totally ripped off the idea of a winter holiday from the christians.

Have a fun time doing whatever it is you neopagans do.



pft, pagans, totally ripped off the idea of a winter holiday from the christians.
Aye, but the Christians nicked the idea off of Coca Cola in 1952.

pft, pagans, totally ripped off the idea of a winter holiday from the christians.

Yea, but at least our God wasn't nailed to a cross. Our God has a hammer. ;)

Have a fun time doing whatever it is you neopagans do.

Well, for me on Yule I'll be attending a Yule celebration with the local Pagan community. :)

Heathens.

Yea

ummmm, I'm not entirely sure you should be agreeing with that statement..

Yea *snip*

Huh?

Heathens.
Damn right. And proud of it, too.

I'll be going to a friend's birthday party. We all think it's pretty cool that she was born on the winter solstice. There will be delicious cake.

Interestingly enough, many Christmas traditions were taken from Yule, including the tree.

Well, for me on Yule I'll be attending a Yule celebration with the local Pagan community. :)
Booze? Nakedness? Fire?

If it isn't like The Wickerman, I'll be dissapointed.

http://brizblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/the-wicker-man.jpg

Damn right. And proud of it, too.

*Burns Callidsrun at the stake*


I'll be going to a friend's birthday party. We all think it's pretty cool that she was born on the winter solstice. There will be delicious cake.

Pie > Cake


Interestingly enough, many Christmas traditions were taken from Yule, including the tree.

Yeah, thats why Neo Art made his prior comment. Was supposed to be a joke.

you can't have a party on a Sunday >: (

So, this Yule celebration I'm going to, is a potluck and I gotta bring something. I'm thinking either a Cheesecake or I make Goulash, thoughts?

Booze? Nakedness? Fire?

If it isn't like The Wickerman, I'll be dissapointed.

Well I dunno, this is my first real Yule as a Seax Wiccan. However, I'll report back once the celebration is over. :)

So, this Yule celebration I'm going to, is a potluck and I gotta bring something. I'm thinking either a Cheesecake or I make Goulash, thoughts?

what is this a kids disco or something?! bring what everybody wants for Christmas (but guard the bottle like a fox)

So, this Yule celebration I'm going to, is a potluck and I gotta bring something. I'm thinking either a Cheesecake or I make Goulash, thoughts?
Goulash feels more pagany...?

Well I dunno, this is my first real Yule as a Seax Wiccan. However, I'll report back once the celebration is over.
Well, the events of The Wickerman are set in late spring/early summer (hence: "Sumer Is Icumen In"), and we wouldn't want you burning any Scottish policeman.

Booze? Nakedness? Fire?

If it isn't like The Wickerman, I'll be dissapointed.

http://brizblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/the-wicker-man.jpg

Don't be silly. This is Yule. The Wicker Man takes place on Beltane. That's not until May.

So, this Yule celebration I'm going to, is a potluck and I gotta bring something. I'm thinking either a Cheesecake or I make Goulash, thoughts?

Home made egg nog with lots of booze in it. Or glog.

So, this Yule celebration I'm going to, is a potluck and I gotta bring something. I'm thinking either a Cheesecake or I make Goulash, thoughts?

Goulash. Everyone brings desserts.

At one Autumnal Equinox observance, we made stone soup. That's fun and underlines the cooperative aspect.

Don't be silly. This is Yule. The Wicker Man takes place on Beltane. That's not until May.

And Pagans don't burn fundamentalist policemen anymore. It's considered poor form. The gods just don't find fundamentalists acceptable.

And Pagans don't burn fundamentalist policemen anymore. It's considered poor form. The gods just don't find fundamentalists acceptable.

Yes. And they're getting to be a bit rare around these parts, as well. We still sometimes do the bonfire and booze and nakedness, though.

Solstice is fail.

Solstice is fail.

No, you are fail. Solstice is pure fucking win.

Solstice is fail.

No, you are fail. Solstice is pure fucking win.

you both fail in the burning candy goodness of Christingle! *worships satsuma*

Our God has a hammer.

I hope that's not all He has, or everything will look like a nail to Him. o_O

Yay Earth tilt! Life would be so much more boring without it. :)

No, you are fail. Solstice is pure fucking win.

*reports flame*

I hope that's not all He has, or everything will look like a nail to Him. o_O

In that pantheon there are other gods equipped with different items/powers. But yes, I suppose you could say that everything looks like a nail to Thor.

*reports flame*

If after all the horrible things I've said to people on here, this is what gets me banned, I think I'll be laughing too much at the irony to be mad.

If after all the horrible things I've said to people on here, this is what gets me banned, I think I'll be laughing too much at the irony to be mad.

Don't worry I was kidding. It's not like they would do anything anyway. :p

I'm an atheist, but I've always had a soft-spot for Wiccan and neo-pagan spirituality. I guess I'll have to do the ceremony all by myself though, since I don't think there are any pagans in Montana. :p

ummmm, I'm not entirely sure you should be agreeing with that statement..
Why not? It isn't like neopagans can make any real claim to originality or history.

No, you are fail. Solstice is pure fucking win.

Out of curiosity... what does it do? o.O

Out of curiosity... what does it do? o.O
It...occurs? What do you expect a day to do?

I'm an atheist, but I've always had a soft-spot for Wiccan and neo-pagan spirituality. I guess I'll have to do the ceremony all by myself though, since I don't think there are any pagans in Montana. :p

You'd be surprised, Witchvox (http://www.witchvox.com/) is how I got in contact with the local Pagan community here, and we're in the Southern Baptist Bible Belt!

Funny Americans :p

Regardless, I shall be celebrating Juleaften with part of my family. Feast, tree and dancing :p Traditional feast, I should add.

It...occurs? What do you expect a day to do?


Well... something for the people who celebrate it, otherwise any day would do, wouldn't it? What makes it special and why and what do they get out of it?

Well... something for the people who celebrate it, otherwise any day would do, wouldn't it? What makes it special and why and what do they get out of it?
What makes it special is that people celebrate it, and they celebrate it because it is special, and it is special because people . . .
Basically, any excuse to get drunk and eat seasonal foods is a good one, no matter how arbitrary.

Wicca? Really? Wicca?

Oh, for Lars' sake... :rolleyes:

Bluech Wicca. What a faux-faith.

*reports flame*

Finally! A chance to do something about that bureaucratic oversight Callisdrun has been boasting about in his sig! AT LAST! MWAHAHAAAAAAHHHHHH!

*reaches for Big Red Button*

*hears Christmas -- no, Yule -- no, Stolen Pagan Holiday -- songs sung by pure voices of waifs outside window*

*stony heart melts*

Ho ho ho! Ho jolly ho! Wassail! :fluffle::fluffle::fluffle:

(Dammit, I'll be glad when this good-will-to-all stuff wears off. Downright embarrassing.)

MWAHAHAAAAAAHHHHHH!

>.>

Ard, remember when you told me to warn you when you started getting... alarming?

Yeah.

If after all the horrible things I've said to people on here, this is what gets me banned, I think I'll be laughing too much at the irony to be mad.

I've said meaner things than that and I've never even been warned, hell I'm considered one of the nicest guys on NSG.

Ard, remember when you told me to warn you when you started getting... alarming?

I thought the "Mwahahaaahhh!" was quite appropriate, myself. It's the fluffles that would worry me, were I in your shoes. :D

I thought the "Mwahahaaahhh!" was quite appropriate, myself. It's the fluffles that would worry me, were I in your shoes. :D

The fluffles worried me.

Wicca? Really? Wicca?

Oh, for Lars' sake... :rolleyes:

Yes yes, you hold all religion on the same level as fairy tales, we know. Go somewhere else Fass.

Bluech Wicca. What a faux-faith.

Then it's obvious this thread isn't for you is it? Buh-Bye.

Well... something for the people who celebrate it, otherwise any day would do, wouldn't it? What makes it special and why and what do they get out of it?

The sun is at its nadir, the year's longest night. We internalize and synthesize the outward-directed activities of the previous summer months. Some covens hold a Festival of Light to commemorate the Goddess as Mother giving birth to the Sun God. Others celebrate the victory of the Lord of Light over the Lord of Darkness as the turning point from which the days will lengthen. The name "Yule" derives from the Norse word for "wheel", and many of our customs (like those of the Christian holiday) derive from Norse and Celtic Pagan practices (the Yule log, the tree, the custom of Wassailing, et al). Click here to know more about Yule.


Link (http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Cafe/1614/Celtwicc/Wicca/Wicca04.htm)

Then it's obvious this thread isn't for you is it? Buh-Bye.
Wicca has about as much cultural history as fucking Maypole dancing. That is all.

Wicca has about as much cultural history as fucking Maypole dancing. That is all.

This thread is simply meant to wish my Pagan and Wiccan friends a Blessed Yule. If you want to debate the merit of Wicca as a whole, you're more than welcome to make a thread about it.

However, this isn't the thread for it.

Wicca has about as much cultural history as fucking Maypole dancing. That is all.
So? Who gives a shit if it's new? Seriously, of all the bullshit insults against Wicca, the "it's new" line strikes me as the most thought-free.

This thread is simply meant to wish my Pagan and Wiccan friends a Blessed Yule. If you want to debate the merit of Wicca as a whole, you're more than welcome to make a thread about it.

However, this isn't the thread for it.
And I appreciate it and return the good wishes. Happiness and bright blessings to you and yours, W. :D

I hope you all enjoy your holiday, I get to work for both Yule and Christmas :(

And I appreciate it and return the good wishes. Happiness and bright blessings to you and yours, W. :D

Thank you very much! What will you be doing for Yule?

Thank you very much! What will you be doing for Yule?
Nuthin' much. Relaxing at home. Feed the birds. Pretty much what I do for every holiday that I really enjoy -- sweet, blessed nothing. In my pajamas.

EDIT: And I'll be feeling sorry for Saint B.

Nuthin' much. Relaxing at home. Feed the birds. Pretty much what I do for every holiday that I really enjoy -- sweet, blessed nothing. In my pajamas.

EDIT: And I'll be feeling sorry for Saint B.

Cool, well I hope you have fun relaxing. :)

EDIT: And I'll be feeling sorry for Saint B.

Just SaintB, no space ;). It could be worse and I won't get New Year too. I at least get one holiday this year.

Cool, well I hope you have fun relaxing. :)
I always do. ;)

Just SaintB, no space ;). It could be worse and I won't get New Year too. I at least get one holiday this year.
Sorry. :(

And are you saying you have to work on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day? Because if it's the latter, quit.

I always do. ;)


Sorry. :(

And, technically, is New Year's this year or next year? ;)

Damn, I get one holiday off next year :(. You just enjoy shattering my illusions :p.

Damn, I get one holiday off next year :(. You just enjoy shattering my illusions :p.

Gah! You caught me before my edit because I got confused and thought I was misreading you and that you did have to work on New Year's and now it turns out I was wrong about being wrong! I hate it when I do that. :D

Gah! You caught me before my edit because I got confused and thought I was misreading you and that you did have to work on New Year's and now it turns out I was wrong about being wrong! I hate it when I do that. :D

Nope nope, I don't work New Year thank whatever divine entity you choose.

Nope nope, I don't work New Year thank whatever divine entity you choose.
Okay, whew, good. Back when I used to work in retail, some stores tried to make me work on New Year's Day, and I would just call in sick on the day if they wouldn't let me take it as a vacation or personal day. I hate working, and I have this very strong superstition that you should try, as much as possible, to spend the first day of the year doing the one thing you want to do most during that year. For me, being at work is NOT on that list.

Okay, whew, good. Back when I used to work in retail, some stores tried to make me work on New Year's Day, and I would just call in sick on the day if they wouldn't let me take it as a vacation or personal day. I hate working, and I have this very strong superstition that you should try, as much as possible, to spend the first day of the year doing the one thing you want to do most during that year. For me, being at work is NOT on that list.

Well I very much doubt I'll be having sex, but at least I don't have to work.

The church of St Andrew Undershaft in the City of London is named after the maypole that was kept under its eaves and set up each spring until 1517 when student riots put an end to the custom. The maypole itself survived until 1547 when a Puritan mob seized and destroyed it as a "pagan idol".

See, I'm being good, Wilgrove, I haven't debated anything ...

I went to a friend's Solstice party this week -- she held it early because she knew people would be busy next week, but she was determined to have a celebration. So we ate, we drank, we danced.

On December 25 we'll have Christmas at my place. We'll eat, we'll drink, but whether we dance will depend on the proportions of eating to drinking. I make big meals.

We missed out on St Lucia's day again this year because my mother-in-law was no longer around to make the crown. Otherwise we'd have eaten, drunk and danced.

My son has a birthday on December 29. He'll dance by himself, it's too funny for the rest of us to miss a minute. We'll eat and drink, though.

At Hogmanay we'll have a first footer, then we'll, guess what, eat, drink and dance.

All it takes is an excuse. Blessed be.

See, I'm being good, Wilgrove, I haven't debated anything ...

I went to a friend's Solstice party this week -- she held it early because she knew people would be busy next week, but she was determined to have a celebration. So we ate, we drank, we danced.

On December 25 we'll have Christmas at my place. We'll eat, we'll drink, but whether we dance will depend on the proportions of eating to drinking. I make big meals.

We missed out on St Lucia's day again this year because my mother-in-law was no longer around to make the crown. Otherwise we'd have eaten, drunk and danced.

My son has a birthday on December 29. He'll dance by himself, it's too funny for the rest of us to miss a minute. We'll eat and drink, though.

At Hogmanay we'll have a first footer, then we'll, guess what, eat, drink and dance.

All it takes is an excuse. Blessed be.
See bold: At when you'll have a what?

Dammit, you frikkin' foreigners are holding out on us Americans again. I don't have that one on my holiday calendar. I'm missing out on an excuse to eat, drink and dance -- or at least laze about in my pajamas. :mad:

Here you go: Hogmanay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hogmanay), and read down for first footer.

It's terrible that no-one in our family is handsomely dark-haired. All these foreign blondes and red-heads!

My poor daughter has been forced to extend an invitation to a nice guy in her English class. Whom she's been eyeing off for some time. Ah, the sacrifices she has to make for her ethnic heritage.

Here you go: Hogmanay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hogmanay), and read down for first footer.

It's terrible that no-one in our family is handsomely dark-haired. All these foreign blondes and red-heads!

My poor daughter has been forced to extend an invitation to a nice guy in her English class. Whom she's been eyeing off for some time. Ah, the sacrifices she has to make for her ethnic heritage.
Damnation! I want this holiday!! :mad: I hereby declare my intention to appropriate this day and its customs, even though I'm an Italian/German/Russian/French hybrid from New York. Dammit. It's a cool tradition and I want it. :D

By the way, everyone in my family is dark haired. My paternal relatives are all tall, but my maternal relatives are all short. However, all of us, on both sides, are hotties. Very good luck to invite us over for drinks. ;)

Very good luck to invite us over for drinks. ;)

Any time you're in the neighbourhood, drop in. We've always got a glass set aside for The Unknown Drinker. ;)

Damnation! I want this holiday!!
Eh it's basically just the usual New Year's stuff :S

Any time you're in the neighbourhood, drop in. We've always got a glass set aside for The Unknown Drinker. ;)
Yay! :D *makes note*

Eh it's basically just the usual New Year's stuff :S
Where I live, there's none of this first footer stuff. Where I live, we do first hangover. And it doesn't have a cool, weirdly pronounced name, either.

Where I live, there's none of this first footer stuff. Where I live, we do first hangover.
Not mutually exclusive.

Not mutually exclusive.
I ain't letting no hungover drunk into my house in the first hours of the new year, because I don't want to celebrate first puke on the carpet. :p I'd much rather get them while they're still slightly functional and be rid of them by the time they start really staggering. So, in my reality, first footers would have to be at, like 12:01 am and end before dawn.

Thank you, and a Blessed Yule to you too, and a Merry Christmas. :)

Strangely enough, Japan ignores the solstices. It loves it the equinoxes, but Shinto couldn't care less about the longest and shortest days of the year, so I'm afraid I won't be doing anything much except frantically baking Christmas cookies for my fellow teachers and longing for the Emperor's Birthday on the 23rd.

Thank you, and a Blessed Yule to you too, and a Merry Christmas. :)

Strangely enough, Japan ignores the solstices. It loves it the equinoxes, but Shinto couldn't care less about the longest and shortest days of the year, so I'm afraid I won't be doing anything much except frantically baking Christmas cookies for my fellow teachers and longing for the Emperor's Birthday on the 23rd.
It is rather odd, to a westerner, I guess. I'm so used to the Euro-style four-point symmetry concept. It's like boxing the compass on everything in life, in a way.

pft, pagans, totally ripped off the idea of a winter holiday from the christians.

Bwhahahahha. Damn but I like you!

Well I dunno, this is my first real Yule as a Seax Wiccan. However, I'll report back once the celebration is over. :)

Seax Wiccan in the USA? What gives there then?

Blessed be to all!

So, this Yule celebration I'm going to, is a potluck and I gotta bring something. I'm thinking either a Cheesecake or I make Goulash, thoughts?

Home brewed mead!:D

You'd be surprised, Witchvox (http://www.witchvox.com/) is how I got in contact with the local Pagan community here, and we're in the Southern Baptist Bible Belt!

Yep Witchvox is the site that all those of the Pagan persiasion must have bookmarked.

Damnation! I want this holiday!! :mad: I hereby declare my intention to appropriate this day and its customs, even though I'm an Italian/German/Russian/French hybrid from New York. Dammit. It's a cool tradition and I want it. :D

By the way, everyone in my family is dark haired. My paternal relatives are all tall, but my maternal relatives are all short. However, all of us, on both sides, are hotties. Very good luck to invite us over for drinks. ;)

I'm totally stealing this holiday, too, and I'm even Scottish enough that I figure it's fair game for me to do so. (And while I'm short and more medium- than dark-haired, I've been told that I "look Scottish," so that ought to count for something!) :D

Wicca has about as much cultural history as fucking Maypole dancing. That is all.

Soooo quite a lot then!:D

Youre still heatens.


You do however, do cool stuff. Ill actually be celebrating Yule for the...third?...time this year. Im not pagan, but the fiance is.

So, happy Yule or whatever you heathens say. :p

I've actulay been giving some thought to re-establishing some of my old Pagan links.

Spirtualy I still have a soft spot for the thing, I really only stopped because of a few backstabbing bastards.

Seax Wiccan in the USA? What gives there then?

Eh, I was looking for a Wiccan path that had some connection with the Norse Gods, and Seax came close with Woden and Freya. :)

Eh, I was looking for a Wiccan path that had some connection with the Norse Gods, and Seax came close with Woden and Freya. :)

Ahhh I just wondered coz of course Seax Wicca is more an Anglo Saxon thing and so by extention British. I also wondered why not straight up Asatru?:D

Just soo's you know, I have had a bash at both before. Seax wicca is fun, but Asatru, well all I can say about that is Blot!:D

Blessed Yule/Merry Christmas/Happy Chanukah (and I may have spelled that horribly)/Happy Kwanza to all of NSG.

and so by extention British.

It's fully English. Not British, and not by extension.

Ahhh I just wondered coz of course Seax Wicca is more an Anglo Saxon thing and so by extention British. I also wondered why not straight up Asatru?:D

Just soo's you know, I have had a bash at both before. Seax wicca is fun, but Asatru, well all I can say about that is Blot!:D

Hehe, well Seax Wica just seems more flexible than Asatru, to me at least. I could be wrong.

See bold: At when you'll have a what?

Damnation! I want this holiday!!

I'm totally stealing this holiday, too, and I'm even Scottish enough that I figure it's fair game for me to do so.
It is, quite simply, the best holiday ever, especially if you're in Scotland.

Everyone's out and about, being merry and friendly, everything's open till stupid o'clock, fireworks going off at midnight, whisky flowing freely, parties in nearly every street... and then first-footing in the morn.

Ahh, I love Hogmany. I've already said I'll be going to three parties and one club, and I intend to be a first-footer for quite a few houses.

But anyhoo... Solstice.

Yes yes, you hold all religion on the same level as fairy tales, we know.

Actually, no. While proper religions are akin to fairy tales, that would be far too high a standard for Wicca, which is more equivalent to a blog, so it is quite fitting for you, when I come to think about it. So, good luck with this little... magical... hobby... while it lasts. You'll outgrow it, hopefully.

I want to wish all of my Pagan and Wiccan friends on here and everywhere else a Blessed Yule/Winter Solstice which is on Dec. 21st. :)

thanks. and a Happy Holidays

It's fully English. Not British, and not by extension.
Anglo-Saxon culture didn't just stop at the modern-day borders of Wales and Scotland; it's highly influenced both countries.

You're right in that it's not a British thing per se, as Britain didn't exist until Anglo-Saxon culture had merged with so much else, but it's foolish to claim nationalistic hold over a non-nationalistic culture.

Actually, no. While proper religions are akin to fairy tales, that would be far too high a standard for Wicca, which is more equivalent to a blog, so it is quite fitting for you, when I come to think about it. So, good luck with this little... magical... hobby... while it lasts. You'll outgrow it, hopefully.

You are entitled to your opinion. Step back and take a deep breath. This was not warranted.

Reviewed again and it's my opinion that this is a flamebait, as subtle as it is.

Actually, no. While proper religions are akin to fairy tales, that would be far too high a standard for Wicca, which is more equivalent to a blog, so it is quite fitting for you, when I come to think about it. So, good luck with this little... magical... hobby... while it lasts. You'll outgrow it, hopefully.

Funny. I'm pretty sure some less-than-liberal people said to you (in Swedish) that being gay was "just a phase". As opposed, you know, to a part of someone's identity that should be respected.

Prove me wrong, Fass. Tell me you - or any other gay person - never heard this kind of thing.

Have you "outgrown" being gay yet? No? Didn't think so. Because a sexual option, like a belief system, isn't something someone "outgrows", doctor. And because, quite frankly, Wicca did less than a thousandth of the damage the mainstream religions have done to people. You criticize preachers, yet here you are belittling whatever belief system isn't yours - because atheism, doctor, is one too. I'm an agnostic. I don't know what, if anything, lies beyond and under the veil of reality. But I at least have the decency to admit it and to try and study it with logic - the same logic YOU apply when you are perscribing someone some medicine - as opposed to simply denying it exists outright or embracing X or Y unquestioningly altogether, and then mock and disrespect whoever disagrees with me or differs from me in any way, shape or form.

Feel free to make a thread describing how much damage organized religion did to the world. But try not to forget two things: That "religions" have PEOPLE as their main components and that YOU are ALSO someone who gets discriminated against or disrespected due to a part of YOUR identity. Quite frankly, until you see a Wiccan claiming gays should burn in Hell, I really don't see much reason for you to be bothered by them, except "they are different from me so I should mock them and disrespect them". Which is pretty much the same thought process I - and as a linguist I CAN "dissect" thought processes very well, much like you probably did with bodies in your classes - can see coming from fundamentalists that rail against "those icky gay people".

Your hand, sir?

Yes yes, you hold all religion on the same level as fairy tales, we know. Go somewhere else Fass.

Then it's obvious this thread isn't for you is it? Buh-Bye.

This thread is simply meant to wish my Pagan and Wiccan friends a Blessed Yule. If you want to debate the merit of Wicca as a whole, you're more than welcome to make a thread about it.

However, this isn't the thread for it.

Or, you know, you could realize that realize that this isn't Wiccan at all. I think that's what Fass is laughing at (beyond the obvious religious connotations, of course). It's a culturally specific term for Christmas, which never changed the name to anything resembling Christmas.

That's kinda what I am laughing at too.

(Also, that you should be leaning towards Norse gods doesn't make it any better, since they really are treated as fairytales around here).

Anglo-Saxon culture didn't just stop at the modern-day borders of Wales and Scotland; it's highly influenced both countries.

You're right in that it's not a British thing per se, as Britain didn't exist until Anglo-Saxon culture had merged with so much else, but it's foolish to claim nationalistic hold over a non-nationalistic culture.

I expect NNLD is likely referring to the fact that most of modern day paganism is, as far as I can recall, primarily a Victorian invention. While I'm sure someone will step in to correct me on the hisory, I remember reading that it was primarily put together in the 1800s, with some vague inspiration from history.

(This post probably incorrect, and at least somewhat simply a request for information about the subject, but I think it's vaguely right. Not a prophylatic. Take twice daily with water. Discontinue use if side effects occur. Unsuitable for children under the age of 12i. Non-toxic)

Or, you know, you could realize that realize that this isn't Wiccan at all. I think that's what Fass is laughing at (beyond the obvious religious connotations, of course). It's a culturally specific term for Christmas, which never changed the name to anything resembling Christmas.

That's kinda what I am laughing at too.

(Also, that you should be leaning towards Norse gods doesn't make it any better, since they really are treated as fairytales around here).

I expect NNLD is likely referring to the fact that most of modern day paganism is, as far as I can recall, primarily a Victorian invention. While I'm sure someone will step in to correct me on the hisory, I remember reading that it was primarily put together in the 1800s, with some vague inspiration from history.

(This post probably incorrect, and at least somewhat simply a request for information about the subject, but I think it's vaguely right. Not a prophylatic. Take twice daily with water. Discontinue use if side effects occur. Unsuitable for children under the age of 12i. Non-toxic)
I'll ask this question again: Who cares?

In other words: So what?

Once upon a time Christianity was a newly made up thing cobbled together out of a bunch of rituals and holidays lifted from other sources. Same can be said for Islam, Buddhism, and maybe -- though we don't have enough archeological evidence to say definitely -- Judaism. The same can also be said of every sect and spin-off from the oldest main bodies of all those religions, too.

Yet we don't hear credible people telling followers of those religions that they've got it wrong, or they don't know anything about their own religions, or that their religions aren't really real religions.

Nope, we only hear a few crackpots saying those things. Hm...

This thread is to send season's greetings to people who are celebrating a particular holiday. None of us really gives a crap if some of you think it's a fake holiday. I think the US's Thanksgiving is a fake holiday based a bullshit revision of history, but I don't go around pissing little lectures all over everyone who wishes me a happy one. Seriously, is there any context in which some people won't jump on a chance to be bitchy towards neo-pagans? I'm just wondering.

Funny. I'm pretty sure some less-than-liberal people said to you (in Swedish) that being gay was "just a phase". As opposed, you know, to a part of someone's identity that should be respected.

Prove me wrong, Fass. Tell me you - or any other gay person - never heard this kind of thing.

Have you "outgrown" being gay yet? No? Didn't think so. Because a sexual option, like a belief system, isn't something someone "outgrows", doctor. And because, quite frankly, Wicca did less than a thousandth of the damage the mainstream religions have done to people. You criticize preachers, yet here you are belittling whatever belief system isn't yours - because atheism, doctor, is one too. I'm an agnostic. I don't know what, if anything, lies beyond and under the veil of reality. But I at least have the decency to admit it and to try and study it with logic - the same logic YOU apply when you are perscribing someone some medicine - as opposed to simply denying it exists outright or embracing X or Y unquestioningly altogether, and then mock and disrespect whoever disagrees with me or differs from me in any way, shape or form.

Feel free to make a thread describing how much damage organized religion did to the world. But try not to forget two things: That "religions" have PEOPLE as their main components and that YOU are ALSO someone who gets discriminated against or disrespected due to a part of YOUR identity. Quite frankly, until you see a Wiccan claiming gays should burn in Hell, I really don't see much reason for you to be bothered by them, except "they are different from me so I should mock them and disrespect them". Which is pretty much the same thought process I - and as a linguist I CAN "dissect" thought processes very well, much like you probably did with bodies in your classes - can see coming from fundamentalists that rail against "those icky gay people".

Your hand, sir?

Warned. Do not flame. This was completely uncalled for. I already warned Fass over his iffy comment.

I do not want to have to close this thread. This means that the rest of you will tone down the language and play nice. I have no qualms about locking threads that get out of hand.

Also, Fassitude, do not reply to Heikoku 2; it will only escalate things.

Warned. Do not flame. This was completely uncalled for. I already warned Fass.

I do not want to have to close this thread. This means that the rest of you will tone down the language and play nice. I have no qualms about locking threads that get out of hand.

Also, Fassitude, do not reply to Heikoku 2; it will only escalate things.

You didn't warn Fass, though. You gave him a gentle slap on the wrist.

You didn't warn Fass, though. You gave him a gentle slap on the wrist.

His post was iffy; borderline. Now then, let's stay on topic and not hijack Wil's thread.

You didn't warn Fass, though. You gave him a gentle slap on the wrist.

Indeed. His was the more blatant flame, too.

His post was iffy; borderline. Now then, let's stay on topic and not hijack Wil's thread.

Answered in moderation.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u273/amerikansk_jente_i_norge/Yule/BlessedYule-2.gif

I want to wish all of my Pagan and Wiccan friends on here and everywhere else a Blessed Yule/Winter Solstice which is on Dec. 21st. :)

Happy Winter Solstice!

*raises glass*

I need to start a big fire now.....

Being from the best hemisphere, the Southern one, I wish you all a happy Summer Solstice. Damn I had a good time at Winter Solstice around six months ago, though. :P

I'll ask this question again: Who cares?

In other words: So what?

Once upon a time Christianity was a newly made up thing cobbled together out of a bunch of rituals and holidays lifted from other sources. Same can be said for Islam, Buddhism, and maybe -- though we don't have enough archeological evidence to say definitely -- Judaism. The same can also be said of every sect and spin-off from the oldest main bodies of all those religions, too.

Yet we don't hear credible people telling followers of those religions that they've got it wrong, or they don't know anything about their own religions, or that their religions aren't really real religions.

Nope, we only hear a few crackpots saying those things. Hm...

This thread is to send season's greetings to people who are celebrating a particular holiday. None of us really gives a crap if some of you think it's a fake holiday. I think the US's Thanksgiving is a fake holiday based a bullshit revision of history, but I don't go around pissing little lectures all over everyone who wishes me a happy one. Seriously, is there any context in which some people won't jump on a chance to be bitchy towards neo-pagans? I'm just wondering.

Woah. I didn't mean to come across bitchy or anything, but rereading I can see how I might have. My most sincere apologies.

pft, pagans, totally ripped off the idea of a winter holiday from the christians.

That is a bait which I am not going to take, as I am sure Neo Art is intelligent enough to know that his statement is completely the wrong way round.

Have a fantastic Winter Solstice. May you live to see spring!

That is a bait which I am not going to take, as I am sure Neo Art is intelligent enough to know that his statement is completely the wrong way round.

Have a fantastic Winter Solstice. May you live to see spring!

Neo Art is kidding ;).

He's got a good sense of humor, for a lawyer.

Neo Art is kidding ;).

He's got a good sense of humor, for a lawyer.

Yep, I got that he was using irony. Hence my point that he was intelligent enough to know that his statement is completely the wrong way round.

I may not post often to NSG, but I am often here lingering in the shadows and watching what is going on..... like a big gay pagan stalker waiting to pounce. :eek:

Anyway, back on topic.... Hooray, winter solstice, yule logs, decorating trees and all things pagan.

Speaking as an atheist (NOT an 'Atheist' with a capital 'A', it's simply that I don't believe in any deities myself rather than that I believe that nobody should believe in any deities...) rather than either a Christian or any kind of neo-pagan, I also find the Winter Solstice a more appropriate date for celebration than Christmas...
Ah, days drawing out so that we have less darkness with which to contend (and the anti-depressants that I'm on consequently have less work to do...). :)

HAPPY SOLSTICE!

I'll ask this question again: Who cares?

In other words: So what?

Once upon a time Christianity was a newly made up thing cobbled together out of a bunch of rituals and holidays lifted from other sources. Same can be said for Islam, Buddhism, and maybe -- though we don't have enough archeological evidence to say definitely -- Judaism. The same can also be said of every sect and spin-off from the oldest main bodies of all those religions, too.

Yet we don't hear credible people telling followers of those religions that they've got it wrong, or they don't know anything about their own religions, or that their religions aren't really real religions.

Nope, we only hear a few crackpots saying those things. Hm...

This thread is to send season's greetings to people who are celebrating a particular holiday. None of us really gives a crap if some of you think it's a fake holiday. I think the US's Thanksgiving is a fake holiday based a bullshit revision of history, but I don't go around pissing little lectures all over everyone who wishes me a happy one. Seriously, is there any context in which some people won't jump on a chance to be bitchy towards neo-pagans? I'm just wondering.

The holiday already exists. As I said, it's a culturally specific term for the same time period and the same holiday.

It's not a made-up holiday, so much that I can genuinely be worried that people will misunderstand me in the future when I wish them merry christmas. I don't want to have to explain to people that it doesn't have anything to do with paganism and that it's just the one and only name that several countries have for christmas.

Laziness? Yes.

Well today is Yule! Yay! :D

Is this the line for Kwanza?....Oh...wait....

How did the Yule do go then, Wilgrove?

I was up to watch the sun come up this morining. It was to cloudy to see, but I read some Valiente poems anyway. All in all a good day.

Blessed be, and may you always tread safely.

The holiday already exists. As I said, it's a culturally specific term for the same time period and the same holiday.

It's not a made-up holiday, so much that I can genuinely be worried that people will misunderstand me in the future when I wish them merry christmas. I don't want to have to explain to people that it doesn't have anything to do with paganism and that it's just the one and only name that several countries have for christmas.

Laziness? Yes.
Yes, it's laziness. It's also tough shit. If a person really does think it's okay to talk like a bigot about a religion just because you are lazy and want to keep a particular word all to yourself, then they pretty much let me know all I need to about them.

My solstice day is going very quietly, indoors, in the midst of a very scenic but pretty tough snowstorm. I got another potted tree, which I'll try to keep alive a couple of years. It's very small, but looks very pretty decorated with scandanavian style straw stars and garland. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to top it, as it's too small for the tinsel starburst from last year, and my bird ornaments won't clip on right. I'm festively cleaning the house, and making gifts for people. Also, I've got the football game on. ;)

Yes, it's laziness. It's also tough shit. If a person really does think it's okay to talk like a bigot about a religion just because you are lazy and want to keep a particular word all to yourself, then they pretty much let me know all I need to about them.

Well sorry for not wanting to be misunderstood in my own language.

Fact is, the word already exists in several languages as the only word for christmas.

Well sorry for not wanting to be misunderstood in my own language.

Fact is, the word already exists in several languages as the only word for christmas.
Like I said, tough. You failed to trademark "yule", so neopagans are allowed to use it. For Christmas, I'll send you a six-pack of coping.

EDIT: By the way, in terms of a holiday that already existed, so nobody else has a right to overlap it (according to you), we pagans would like our trees, wreaths and burning logs back, thank you. Also, we'd like midwinter back, as your Christ was most likely born in the spring, not the winter. Seriously, we learned to share; why can't you?

I really do think that, considering how much of Christmas was stolen wholesale from already existing pagan festivals, you've got some pretty hilarious gall with this particular quibble. I think it's my new favorite.

Im working on it, unfortunately...But, tonight I finally get to try Warhammer Online, im hoping its better than WoW...I love Warhammer, but I hate WoW...

Ill probably do the requisite rituals with my Mom on Thursday when i head over....Im not into religion, but she is, and it bothers the crap outta my fundamentalist sister, lol....

Like I said, tough. You failed to trademark "yule", so neopagans are allowed to use it. For Christmas, I'll send you a six-pack of coping.

EDIT: By the way, in terms of a holiday that already existed, so nobody else has a right to overlap it (according to you), we pagans would like our trees, wreaths and burning logs back, thank you. Also, we'd like midwinter back, as your Christ was most likely born in the spring, not the winter. Seriously, we learned to share; why can't you?

I really do think that, considering how much of Christmas was stolen wholesale from already existing pagan festivals, you've got some pretty hilarious gall with this particular quibble. I think it's my new favorite.

I didn't say it before, but it's got fuckall to do with christmas or christianity :p We (as in, the culture) didn't rename it to christmas for a reason.

Probably cause we didn't care that much about christianity at the time.

It's a language issue. The holiday exists. It's celebrated on the 24th, not the 21st and not the 25th. I have nothing against the use of midwinter as a cause for celebration, but honestly, yule is celebrated on the 24th by all the cultures that do celebrate it.

Neo Art is kidding ;).

He's got a good sense of humor, for a lawyer.

I'll see you in court bitch!

Yea, but at least our God wasn't nailed to a cross. Our God has a hammer. ;)





My pagan god has thunderbolts!

Yule is made of awesome because it means the light will be returning. I can't deal with the dark much longer.

Yea, but at least our God wasn't nailed to a cross. Our God has a hammer. ;)

But he was nailed to a tree. But he did it to himself, so he's got the magnanimity of suffering for humanity and being totally bad ass.

I didn't say it before, but it's got fuckall to do with christmas or christianity :p We (as in, the culture) didn't rename it to christmas for a reason.

Probably cause we didn't care that much about christianity at the time.

It's a language issue. The holiday exists. It's celebrated on the 24th, not the 21st and not the 25th. I have nothing against the use of midwinter as a cause for celebration, but honestly, yule is celebrated on the 24th by all the cultures that do celebrate it.
What it is, is a non-issue. It's a petty little whine of yours, and it makes you look small and selfish and juvenile. Your efforts to "explain" it only make you look worse, because there is no explanation other than you picked this little tiny detail as your excuse to be a bitch to people who have nothing to do with you.

You also seem to think it's okay for you not to care about stuff, but not okay for others not to care about stuff, but I'm sorry that's not how reality works. In this case, the reality which I've been trying to clue you to is this: We don't care what you think we should call our holidays. We don't care what you do or don't have a problem with in our religious and social observances. You do not actually own the word "yule" and anyone who wants to use it for anything may do so, and if that bothers you, you have no recourse but to drown your sorrows in liquor or chocolate, because nobody cares. In fact, I am tempted to rename my cat Yule, just to annoy you.

Here what it boils down to: You claim the right to snipe and bitch at neopagans because you want dibs on the word "yule."

There is nothing more to your argument than that. I'll pipe down and let the general laughter at your argument ring out -- like Christmas bells. :p

EDIT: By the way, according to Merriam-Webster "yule" is an Old English rooted word. In other words, this "language" you're so upset about is English. Many neopagans speak English. Is it your contention that they should not be allowed to, since hearing them use words that you also use confuses you?

What it is, is a non-issue. It's a petty little whine of yours, and it makes you look small and selfish and juvenile. Your efforts to "explain" it only make you look worse, because there is no explanation other than you picked this little tiny detail as your excuse to be a bitch to people who have nothing to do with you.

You also seem to think it's okay for you not to care about stuff, but not okay for others not to care about stuff, but I'm sorry that's not how reality works. In this case, the reality which I've been trying to clue you to is this: We don't care what you think we should call our holidays. We don't care what you do or don't have a problem with in our religious and social observances. You do not actually own the word "yule" and anyone who wants to use it for anything may do so, and if that bothers you, you have no recourse but to drown your sorrows in liquor or chocolate, because nobody cares. In fact, I am tempted to rename my cat Yule, just to annoy you.

Here what it boils down to: You claim the right to snipe and bitch at neopagans because you want dibs on the word "yule."

There is nothing more to your argument than that. I'll pipe down and let the general laughter at your argument ring out -- like Christmas bells. :p

EDIT: By the way, according to Merriam-Webster "yule" is an Old English rooted word. In other words, this "language" you're so upset about is English. Many neopagans speak English. Is it your contention that they should not be allowed to, since hearing them use words that you also use confuses you?

Mmm... christmas bells.

You're right that it is a pointless argument, but I like to argue nonetheless.

It's a matter of pronounciation though. Since Jul and Yule are almost entirely similar in how they are said, I can't help but feel that someday, some guy is going to think I'm a pagan :p

I will then proceed to laugh at them.

But you know what, I don't care much beyond that. I don't care if some people want to celebrate. I don't care what they call it. I just want it to be perfectly clear that somewhere in this world there are people who aren't pagans who are celebrating something they call Jul which dates back before the pagan ritual.

Much like there are plenty of non-christians celebrating christmas, without it at all relating to christianity ;)

Mmm... christmas bells.
Yes, the Christmas bells of sarcasm. Hear them ring.

You're right that it is a pointless argument, but I like to argue nonetheless.

It's a matter of pronounciation though. Since Jul and Yule are almost entirely similar in how they are said, I can't help but feel that someday, some guy is going to think I'm a pagan :p

I will then proceed to laugh at them.

But you know what, I don't care much beyond that. I don't care if some people want to celebrate. I don't care what they call it. I just want it to be perfectly clear that somewhere in this world there are people who aren't pagans who are celebrating something they call Jul which dates back before the pagan ritual.

Much like there are plenty of non-christians celebrating christmas, without it at all relating to christianity ;)
So in other words, you're just full of crap and felt the need to come to a Yuletide wishes thread to let everyone know that -- as if we'd forgotten.

Well, you've had your 15 minutes of making the story of our holiday be all about you. 'Bye.

"Roses are reddish
Violets are bluish
If it wasn't for Christmas
We'd all be Jewish"

Yom Tov and happy Chanukah!

Yom Tov and happy Chanukah!

Thank you, Collectivity. I wondered why you'd said "Yom Tov" instead of the phrase I'm more familiar with, "Mazel Tov" (which apparently should be "Mazal Tov").

So I went and looked it up, and found out, according to these guys (http://www.jewishscouting.org/awards/counselorsguidetothemaccabeeawardjewishterms.asp), that it's used for festivals, whereas the other is for special occasions, like birthdays. And also that little Jewish scouts are called Tiger Cubs. Awwww!

So that's two random bits of information I've picked up to drop into the old supermarket trolley I trundle through the back-streets of my mind. It's like getting little unexpected gifts. Thank you.

That's right Ardy! Yom = day and Tov=good
Chanukah was the miracle of the oil where one day's lamp oil burned for eight days in the Temple.

Actually, I'm only half-Jewish and no expert. I also sang in an Anglican choir at Holy Trinity Church in St Kilda. Christmas was great because the choirboys got a huge Christmas bonus.
Sigh! That was my only paid entertainmnet gig - unless you count teaching.

So... longest night of the northern hemisphere and longest day of the southern hemisphere...

What kinds of mischief are you people getting into?

So, I went to the Yule Sabbat that was being held by the local Pagan group, and It was awesome. We did the Yule Sabbat ritual, and then we had egg nog with rum, mead, and several different kind of cakes. I gotta say, I came out of that meeting with a smile on my face, which hasn't happened in a long time. The people there were awesome, and I can't wait to attend future meetings with this group. :)

So, I went to the Yule Sabbat that was being held by the local Pagan group, and It was awesome. We did the Yule Sabbat ritual, and then we had egg nog with rum, mead, and several different kind of cakes. I gotta say, I came out of that meeting with a smile on my face, which hasn't happened in a long time. The people there were awesome, and I can't wait to attend future meetings with this group. :)

My wife would love that (since she is pagan) but there are no such groups like that around here.

As for me I am not necessarily pagan, but I do see the good in the pagan belief structure....

A little rum in the eggnog is pretty much all my spirits demand of me. :D

Well, the wheel has turned. A good winter to all. :D

A little rum in the eggnog is pretty much all my spirits demand of me. :D


Or just the rum....:D

Or just the rum....:D
Let's put it this way -- the booze on the altar tonight is served straight up. ;)

Let's put it this way -- the booze on the altar tonight is served straight up. ;)

now that is my kind of god...;)

http://members.tripod.com/~Willow_Firesong/YulCarls/index.htm

Yule Carols! :D

A little rum in the eggnog is pretty much all my spirits demand of me. :D

Well, the wheel has turned. A good winter to all. :D
mine just like to snuggle up sometimes. but unlike with physical people (though of course i love them too), i can still keep doing things at the same time.

it does seem, after all too long, we can see somewhere ahead of us, a sun beginning to rise.

Maine apparently decided to celebrate the winter solstice with a big freakin' blizzard.:(

Maine apparently decided to celebrate the winter solstice with a big freakin' blizzard.:(
Massachusetts is at the same party! Whee! Oh, yikes, it's cold.

Massachusetts is at the same party! Whee! Oh, yikes, it's cold.

How cold?

mine just like to snuggle up sometimes. but unlike with physical people (though of course i love them too), i can still keep doing things at the same time.

it does seem, after all too long, we can see somewhere ahead of us, a sun beginning to rise.
And the day after is full of bright, promiseful sunshine.

Coated in ice, of course, but at least it's pretty to look at, and I don't have a car I have to dig out. :D

How cold?
Pretty cold. Currently 18 degrees fahrenheit, feeling like 4 degrees with the wind chill.

Pretty cold. Currently 18 degrees fahrenheit, feeling like 4 degrees with the wind chill.

In Celcius?

In Celcius?
How the hell should I know? Do your own math, you euro person.

EDIT: Btw, those are the Boston temperatures. I'm sure it's colder in Maine.

In Celcius?

18F would be -8C.

18F would be -8C.

Well, that ain't bad.

Well, that ain't bad.
Did I say it was bad? Or did I say it was cold?

Did I say it was bad? Or did I say it was cold?

Well, I worded it wrong. I'll maybe fix it.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u273/amerikansk_jente_i_norge/Yule/BlessedYule-2.gif

I want to wish all of my Pagan and Wiccan friends on here and everywhere else a Blessed Yule/Winter Solstice which is on Dec. 21st. :)

Blessed Yule to you too, as my sister would say.

You've a Happy Holidays from me though. ;)

How the hell should I know? Do your own math, you euro person.

EDIT: Btw, those are the Boston temperatures. I'm sure it's colder in Maine.

It cerainly was. Sunday's low was -9F (-23C). Even today, we only got up to 16F (-8C).

If the rain in Maine stays mainly on the plain does that mean that a gale at Yale will fill the vale with hail?

If the rain in Maine stays mainly on the plain does that mean that a gale at Yale will fill the vale with hail?

A) Rain? Try 2 feet of snow.

B) Plain? You've obviously never been here. Even our beaches aren't flat.;)

Well here in Australia, it's warm enough to sleep outdoors at night.

Speaking of Maine, my favourite Civil War hero hails (an appropriate weather word) from Maine (forgive the hijacking):
Inspirational scenes - thanks, You tube!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been going through some great songs and scenes. Some are fictional and some are fact. Here is one of my favourite scenes from the movie "Gettysburg" where Colonel Chamberlain of the 20th Maine, the morning before a battle that will change American history, is handed over what remains of the 2nd Maine regiment who had signed up for two years but were told they had to do another one. These men were incredibly bitter about the incompetence of the Union army's high command and had served their country well but they were fed up. Colonel Chamberlain's (fictional) speech about why men were fighting this war ("To set other men free") is inspirational.
But the bit that tends to bring tears to my eyes is the simple mathematics of his introduction. "When the war began there were a thousand of us; there are fewer than three hundred now."

The patriot who posted it on You Tube has added a few unnecessary bits of his own but watch it an djudge it for yourself. Then feel free to post or discuss your favourite scene from a movie.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?...in&emb=0&aq=f#