Episode 121: The 13 Yarns of Yule

In episode 121 of the Magick & Alchemy podcast, hosts Kristin Lisenby and Kate Belew follow 13 wintery threads, superstitions, and symbols, crafting a tapestry of story with these Yuletide yarns. Weaving together conversations about reindeer, snow globes, caroling, and winter plants, they contemplate the origins of these seasonal rituals and effigies. They also discuss The Nutcracker, snowmen, the ringing of bells, Mari Lwyd, and Christmastime villains. Join them around the virtual hearth as the 13 Yarns of Yule come together to illuminate the shortest days and longest nights of the year.

Sources:

“Doe, a Deer, a Female Reindeer: The Spirit of Winter Solstice and Mother Christmas”
Llewellyn’s Sabbat Series: Yule
“Winter’s Effigies, the Deviant History of the Snowman,” Rebecca Burgan
The Snowman (movie)
The History of the Snowman, Bob Eckstein
The Book of Hours, c1380
Sechseläuten - Wikipedia
“Snowman Burning,” Atlas Obscura
How did it Begin? The Origin of Curious Customs & Superstitions, Rudolph Brasch
The Women’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, Barbara Walker
“The Moon Before Yule,” Little Witch Books
"Storytime: The Tale of Mother Holle" - Tamed Wild Blog
"This Family Gave the World the Snow Globe," Atlas Obscura
“Storytime: Gryla and the Yula Lads” - Tamed Wild Blog
“The Lore of the Wild Hunt” - Tamed Wild Blog
“17 Creepy Origins Behind Christmas Traditions,” Amy Glover
"The Nutcracker's" disturbing origin story: Why this was once the world's creepiest ballet, Ellen O’Connell
“Wassailing,” Ellen Castelow
A brief history of the gingerbread house, The Guardian

Shoutouts:

Episode 46: Winter Magick
The Deer Mother: A Little Witch Tale
"Goddess Series: Winter Goddesses" - Tamed Wild Blog
Episode 100 Masks & Ritual
Episode 19: Ostara
Episode 86: An Interview with Danica Boyce