Our Annual Christmas Spirit Ritual.

Christmas Spirit Ritual

Hello dear reader, if you have followed the recent line of publications of my blog, you will know that by general request I have been focused on sharing magical information, rituals and some anecdotes related to the magic and sorcery of Christmas and the symbolism of it.

If you have not been aware of it, I invite you to read at least the six previous posts to this one, in which I am also recommending some products from different local and botanical stores that could serve you this season, they are also excellent to give to a friend or Some loved one.

Our Tradition, yours and mine.

Every year since I have this blog I usually write here about the “Ritual of the Christmas Spirit”, a simple and traditional ritual that we celebrate in South America, but I have also seen it be performed here in North America, with very few differences, so next, I will shed some light on the matter and share with you the ritual of this year, which we change every year (and usually send it by mail) according to the lunar phases and the available planetary energy.

The Spirit of Christmas & the Local Gods of Winter and Agriculture.

Although it is very similar to the traditional 'Father Christmas' originating in Victorian England (a festive, cheerful and elderly spirit that embodies the holiday festivities), it is rather a set of winter spirits that abandon their extensive annual dream with the arrival of the winter, once the Solstice occurs and the light of the next day (the first day after the winter solstice), these awake spirits and make a quick tour of the lands they inhabit, most of these spirits are, according to folklore local, old minor gods whose names were before the history of man, so we do not know their names and stories, and as has always been the focus of this blog, we emphasize working with these "local spirits and gods" with different purposes

These local spirits are and native gods are largely gods of the season, winter deities and agriculture that have been forgotten over time, but their energy is present with the door that opens the winter solstice, and With this, these spirits seek a little adoration in exchange for granting wishes, and for this, we perform the ritual of the "Christmas spirit" which is the "Christianized" (in a way) way of venerating these old spirits without calling The attention of other individuals.

Similar Examples

A similar case occurs in my native country, Venezuela, where before the colonization the local goddess of rain and agriculture 'Satmanba' was revered by the indigenous tribes who were in charge of drawing the figure of the same goddess, on rocks and caves nearby of the rivers and mountains, surrounded by animals and flowers to indicate the path that "should" follow the rain to the tribe, once she will send it to water the fields.

As with Satmanba, it also happened with Atteoni, the leopard god, Wannatu, the snake god who cures of poisons, and Edissibe, the god of sun and light, who after the Spanish colonization were banned at the level of worship, and subsequently forgotten, and some of them, got the way to manifest themselves in the new world in the form of healing Saints and Virgins with new names to remain so relevant, while others with less luck simply became forgotten for eternity.

 

In my recent Live Q&A with the wonderful Madame Pamita,

some of the show attendants commented about my Holiday tree

behind me and we talked a little about it.

The Winter Solstice

This year, the winter solstice takes place on Saturday, December 21, as usual. Normally the Solstice occurs on December 21, or some very few times, on December 22, usually when the Winter Solstice occurs on December 22, this is a prognosis of a global change to occur, such as a armed war between sister nations, separation of states that give rise to new countries, events or discoveries that completely change the course of humanity, or the arrival (also departure) of politicians and leaders who seek to generate change globally.

Preparation

First of all the most important thing, you should clean the house, apartment, office or room where you have decided to carry out the ritual, and once you have finished, I recommend lighting a white candle to start energizing the atmosphere and burn some pine, sage or tangerine incense sticks.

If you are like me, a fan of natural oils, perfumes, and essences, you can easily mix in a glass jar with atomizer or sprayer, equal parts of essential oil of pine, lavender, and myrrh, or a blend of apple oils and cinnamon, and proceed to spray this energetic cleaning formula (which is also very good for attracting money) in every corner of the home.

The essential colors are red, green, purple, blue and white, obviously, you can complement them with gold and silver, or make the combination you prefer, in my personal case, I choose every year for the green tones (mother earth ), red (energy activator) and gold (abundance and masculine energy of Father Sun), you can use, for example, violet or purple (to transmute negative situations and relationships into positive) and white (purity and peace) or silver (riches and feminine energy of the lunar goddess).

Hanging plants at the entrance is essential, from there in large part comes the traditional Christmas wreath that is placed on the doors, with the symbolism of welcoming Christmas and the times of peace, wealth and well-being.

The crown is something symbolic, so if for some reason you cannot get or make for yourself, a real crown of herbs and flowers, you can get one of the other materials. If you have the possibility of getting a real Christmas wreath, the crowns that combine mistletoe, cedar and pine are the best, have an incredible aroma, withstand the cold winter without problems, and attract very good energy to the house.

Music is important, at home we use a “Google Home” digital player that is practically on all day (probably recording all my personal conversations and my bad jokes), you can use your smartphone, music CDs, radio, Spotify Whatever you want, the idea is to create an atmosphere with winter (or Christmas) songs that help you focus your thoughts on what you are invoking.

In my case, for a theme of tastes, I choose to play the Christmas records of Kenny G (a traditional jazz musician), as well as the Christmas records of Sia Furler, Idina Menzel (non-Christian seasonal music), and Voice Veis (a choral group).

A Ritual based on Love and Unity rather than Traditional Sorcery.

Part I

Then, once everything is done and properly organized, I offer two options, the first is to decorate your altar with mistletoe and pine, light green and red candles and burn incense of herbs to welcome the coming spirits.

The second option, which is my favorite, is to have a dinner together with family, friends and loved ones, a small family feast for the purpose of winter, to mark this first day of the new cycle with an act of unity and love between you and your loved ones.

I usually do both, but I suggest you try the one you prefer.

Part II

You will need:

• White paper
• Ink to write
• Red, green and gold ribbon
• A white or green candle
• A small cauldron or a white saucer
• A glass of water
• A plate with fruits

The magic moment is entered into the darkness of the night, between six in the afternoon and before dawn, it is here when you proceed to light the candle, you write at this time (not before) your three wishes on a piece of paper, if You want to make it more symbolic, you can use red or green ink. Write these three wishes on paper, fold the paper several times, close your eyes and breathe deeply three times.

Visualize these wishes already fulfilled and take a piece of the ribbon, first wrap the desire (the paper already folded) with the green ribbon to symbolize the spirits and gods of nature that will attend to the wish for fulfillment, now tie it with red ribbon, to activate its energy and charge it positively, and proceed to wrap it with a piece of gold or yellow ribbon, to symbolize its closure successfully.

Then take this paper amulet at one end, thank aloud for the fulfillment of it to your god or personal divinity, and proceed to burn it in the candle flame, burn one of its ends and carefully place it inside the cauldron or saucer until completely consumed.

Tip: it is common that due to the movement of oxygen (or lack thereof) the talisman stops burning at some point, do not be afraid to use another white candle to burn it by its edges until it is completely consumed.

Once the candle has been consumed, throw all the remains and ashes of the ritual out of the house, and place the glass with water and the plate with various fruits near the door, to welcome all the spirits that will read your desire in the energy of the place and will be in charge of granting the "push" necessary for its fulfillment.

with love & blessings to all

by Elhoim Leafar

Some extra Info & Magic for you.

Among the last chapters of my book 'The Magical Art Of Crafting Charm Bags' you can find a couple of recipes for these dates, a Special Charm Bag to conjure the Christmas Spirit, and another to call Prosperity & Success with the Yule / Christmas energy.

BUY MY BOOK HERE

You can read too:

• YULETIDE & CHRISTMAS 2019
• THE HOLIDAY TREE, MAGIC, SORCERY & TRADITION
• FIVE ESSENTIAL & MAGICKAL ELEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS
• PLANTS AND FLORAL ESSENCES FOR THIS SEASON
• PROSPERITY, JOY & PEACE

Some Magickal Stuff you will LoVe!
(my favorite list of items for this Season)

To complement any ritual that you want to perform around your Christmas/Holiday Tree, I recommend a couple of products from my personal selection that you will surely LOVE as much as I do, these products are mostly handmade, created and consecrated by true magicians expert in creating different items and with exclusive distribution through their stores.

If you wish to purchase any of these products that I advise you to get, click on the name of the product to be automatically redirected to the page.

• The Signature Scent Candle (Sol & Luna Fragances). Made with 100% Organic Coconut wax and essential oils, is a caravan of aroma, Earthy, Woodsy, Spicy, and Romantic, the full aromatherapy experience for your own home, office, Sacred Space or Travel. (exclusively available in AusetGypsy.com online and physical Store).

• The Frankincense &Myrrh Liquid Smudge A Sacred & Meditative combination of Frankincense and Myrrh, with Rosewater base and 100% natural Handmade. Perfect to Space clearing, Creating Sacred Space, and Meditation. (exclusively available in AusetGypsy.com online and physical Store).

• A Fantastic Sabbat Fire Bundle (Herbs from a Witch's Garden), is a beautiful and aromatic lovingly crafted smudge made with herbs grown with a true will, 9th Ward soil, and Mississippi River water in a real New Orleans Witch's garden. They were harvested in the correct moon phases and astrological aspects and blessed with the proper intent. (exclusively available in HexWitch.com online and physical Store).

• Salem Witches' Money Spell Kit, As a maker of Charm bags as my favorite form of magic, I always recommend doing them for yourself at home, but many times for inexperience, fear or lack of time, some consider buying them ready to use, usually, I make custom Charm bags on request to my clients, and there are few experts that I know who know how to do them and put in their objects true magic and intention, personally, I love the good energy of this store and its owners, if you want a good Charm bag to complement your Abundance ritual this season, I suggest you order one of these at HexWitch.com.

• The Beautiful Candles from Mithras Candle (100% Beeswax) This variety of candles have good taste and quality, you can use these for almost any spell, they are as beautiful as they are powerful, they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, also, collaborate with artists supporting local beekeepers and their hives. (exclusively available in CatlandBooks.com online and physical Store).

Who is who? Santa Claus, San Nicolás de Mira, Santa Claus and the Spirit of Christmas.

Santa Claus, San Nicolás de Mira, Santa Claus and the Spirit of Christmas.

To all the readers, welcome back to my virtual portal, I have been busy between books, classes, and workshops, being as a teacher as a student, now I am taking time out of social networks to focus on finishing various projects, and you will only find me around here, and occasionally on Tumblr and Twitter promoting the topics published in this blog.

This day we are going to shed some light on the life of this mythical character with thousands of names that is Saint Nicholas, and his difference with, the Christmas Spirit, of whom I personally am very devout, and to clarify that they are not the same individual.

Beyond the version recreated by Coca Cola, of the robust and bearded man with a cartoon red and white winter suit, we find the essence of two entirely different characters that I would like to summarize below.

Old Wotan and the first ‘Christmas’.

Centuries before Christianization, the Germanic peoples celebrated a feast in the middle of winter called Yule ’, from which essentially all the traditions that would eventually lead to Christmas originate. During these festivities, the god Woden or Wotan (another form of the god Odin) was present with his long white beard, well accompanied by his hunting troops (Wild Hunt) formed mostly by spirits of old horse hunters.

From here the first images of the old ‘Santa Claus’ leave, like a robust old man with blue eyes and long white beard covered with a thick tunic of skin dyed blue, or sometimes purple or green. Being thus represented in a more elegant and less caricatural way, and with a more "Nordic" aspect.

From a horse to the eight reindeer

Wotan was an old god, a warrior, a wizard, and a poet, it was expected that his court was a mystical and unique creature worthy of him, so he rode ‘Sleipnir’ a fierce eight-legged horse. After the Christianization of the Germanic peoples, trying to keep Wotan's story alive among the children, this steed would be turned into a white horse called ‘Amerigo’, and now Wotan would have an assistant and page known as ‘Zwarte Piet’.

Zwarte Piet, better known as “Black Peter” or “Pedro el negro” for Spanish-speaking countries, was a demon with coal instead of skin and fire instead of blood, inhabited the forests of Germany and Belgium, devoured the children and terrorized the people, said demon was defeated in combat by Wotan and turned into his servant, Wotan covered him with human skin and from then on he is represented as a vivacious and smiling character of color.

Subsequently, and inspired by the original concept of the eight-legged horse that leads the god during the winter, and in a Christmas postcard published in 1821 where the character is seen in a carriage that is pulled by a reindeer, the legend transforms and converts to the bearded god in a robust and smiling old man aboard a sleigh that is pulled by eight reindeer, to represent the eight legs of the original steed.

For even more commercial purposes, to the eight reindeers that pull the sleigh of "Santa", they are added a ninth reindeer (Rudolph of the red nose) from the 1823 poem "A Visit From St Nicholas", and his assistant Peter It disappears almost completely, except in certain European countries such as Spain, Holland, Poland, and Germany, where little by little its figure is emerging again.

Saint Nicholas de Bari

With the arrival of Christianity throughout Europe, the figure of Woden tried to prevail, and its cult being so difficult to disappear, the Church decided to synchronize it with the figure of the Christian bishop of Greek origin named Nicholas of Bari, who lived in the fourth century in Anatolia, (current Turkey). Nicholas was one of the most venerated people by Christians of the Middle Ages, largely because of his reputation as a miracle worker as for his eagerness to eradicate pagan cults, his relics are in the Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari, Italy.

Nicolás de Bari was born between the years 270 and 280 in Myra, a city of the District of Lycia, in present-day Turkey, came from a rich family with shops along the Adriatic Sea, once both parents died due to the plague, Nicolás, moved by the situation, distributed all the assets of his family among the neediest and went to live with his uncle (the bishop of Mira), at age 19 Nicolás is ordained a priest, and when his uncle dies, he Nicolás offers to take office as bishop of Mira.

Special mention has its relationship with the children, whom he treated with great respect and appreciation, on one occasion he managed through prayers, to heal two children who had previously been stabbed by a stranger outside the church, from there Many stories began telling their miracles and goodnesses.

He had a good reputation as a gift delivery man, I keep a small part of the family treasures much of his life, mostly gold coins that he left inside the houses of the poor in which he sneaked into the night.

After his death, he was made Patron Saint of Greece, Turkey, Russia and Lorraine (France). In the East, it is known as San Nicolás de Mira or Myra, but in the West as San Nicolás de Bari.

Father Christmas

This is a character of English origin, and it is a divine personification of Christmas that emerged at the end of the Victorian period.

From the fifteenth century, "Father Christmas" appears as an English legend, but it is not until the mid-seventeenth century (following the English Civil War) that his figure goes from oral folklore to be illustrated and described in various commercial publications.

“The English government controlled by the Puritans had legislated to abolish Christmas, considering it a papist, and had banned their traditional customs. The realistic political pamphlets, which link the old traditions with their cause, adopted the Old Santa Claus as a symbol of "the good old days" of festivities and joy. After the Restoration in 1660, Santa's profile declined. His character was maintained at the end of the 18th century and in the 19th century by Christmas folkloric works.”

Hutton, Ronald (1994). The Rise and Fall of Merry England.

Until Victorian times, Father Christmas was only worried about celebrations and adult parties. He had no particular connection with the children, nor with the delivery of gifts, night visits, socks or fireplaces. As later Victorian Christmas became family festivals focused on children, Father Christmas became a bearer of gifts.

The popular American myth of Santa Claus arrived in England in the 1850s and Father Christmas began to assume the attributes of Santa Claus. In the 1880s, new customs had been established, and the night visitor was sometimes known as Santa Claus and other times as Santa Claus. He was often illustrated with a long red hooded dress adorned with white skins.

Any residual distinction between Father Christmas and Father Christmas faded greatly in the early years of the twentieth century, and modern dictionaries consider the terms Father Christmas and Father Christmas to be synonyms.

Santa Claus or Santa Claus.

Around the year 1624, when Dutch immigrants founded the city of New Amsterdam (now New York) they carried with them their customs and myths, including that of Sinterklaas, a character inspired by the figures of St. Nicholas of Bari and Father Christmas, and in addition to this a patron saint (whose holiday is celebrated in Holland between December 5 and 6).

In 1809, the writer Washington Irving made public the satire, "History of New York," in which he deformed the Dutch saint, Sinterklaas, in the crude English-speaking pronunciation of Santa Claus.

In 1823 the poet Clement Clarke Moore published a poem that gave rise to the current myth of Santa Claus, based on the previous character of Irving Washington, in that poem mention is made of a version of Santa Claus, although fat, agile as an elf; who gives toys to children on Christmas Eve and is transported in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer (Rudolph -Rodolfo- not yet included).

In 1863, the German cartoonist Thomas Nast developed a series of Christmas strips at Harper's Weekly, where he granted St. Nicholas the figure of a fat, bearded and cheerful man with a peculiar dress inspired by the bishops of the middle ages.

In the mid-nineteenth century, the American Santa Claus arrived in England and from there to France, where he merged with Bonhomme Noël, another very similar character who used to wear white and gold.

At the end of the 19th century, the American brand “Lomen Company” creates the legend that San Nicolás lives in the North Pole, thus justifying the existence of the eight flying reindeer and the winter attire.

At the beginning of the 20th century, in 1902, in the children's book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, by L. Frank Baum, the story of how Claus earned immortality, as well as his title of saint, originates.

In the twentieth century, the painter Habdon Sundblom certainly remodeled the figure of Santa Claus/Santa Claus for the Coca-Cola company, making a version of it more human, more smiling and more credible commissioned to reshape the figure of Santa Claus / Santa Claus to make it more human and credible, keeping the already popular red and white colors, and the magical sleigh with nine reindeer.

Finally, the myths and legends of the pagan god Woden (being replaced by the Christian Saint Nicholas of Bari) and Father Christmas (Father Christmas) eventually mixed as one, his image became a symbol of the season, and mass advertising around he converted him, from a powerful god of winter and war on a fierce steed, a catholic saint who works miracles, and a nocturnal and festive spirit, into a sweet, robust and bearded old man, dressed in red that distributes gifts throughout the world in one night aboard a sleigh with nine magical reindeer.

Elhoim Leafar

You can read too:

• YULETIDE & CHRISTMAS 2019
• THE HOLIDAY TREE, MAGIC, SORCERY & TRADITION
• FIVE ESSENTIAL & MAGICKAL ELEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS
• PLANTS AND FLORAL ESSENCES FOR THIS SEASON
• PROSPERITY, JOY & PEACE

with love & blessings to all

by Elhoim Leafar

Some Magickal Stuff you will LoVe!
(my favorite list of items for this Season)

To complement any ritual that you want to perform around your Christmas/Holiday Tree, I recommend a couple of products from my personal selection that you will surely LOVE as much as I do, these products are mostly handmade, created and consecrated by true magicians expert in creating different items and with exclusive distribution through their stores.

If you wish to purchase any of these products that I advise you to get, click on the name of the product to be automatically redirected to the page.

• The Signature Scent Candle (Sol & Luna Fragances). Made with 100% Organic Coconut wax and essential oils, is a caravan of aroma, Earthy, Woodsy, Spicy, and Romantic, the full aromatherapy experience for your own home, office, Sacred Space or Travel. (exclusively available in AusetGypsy.com online and physical Store).

• The Frankincense &Myrrh Liquid Smudge A Sacred & Meditative combination of Frankincense and Myrrh, with Rosewater base and 100% natural Handmade. Perfect to Space clearing, Creating Sacred Space, and Meditation. (exclusively available in AusetGypsy.com online and physical Store).

• A Fantastic Sabbat Fire Bundle (Herbs from a Witch's Garden), is a beautiful and aromatic lovingly crafted smudge made with herbs grown with a true will, 9th Ward soil, and Mississippi River water in a real New Orleans Witch's garden. They were harvested in the correct moon phases and astrological aspects and blessed with the proper intent. (exclusively available in HexWitch.com online and physical Store).

• The Beautiful Candles from Mithras Candle (100% Beeswax) This variety of candles have good taste and quality, you can use these for almost any spell, they are as beautiful as they are powerful, they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, also, collaborate with artists supporting local beekeepers and their hives. (exclusively available in CatlandBooks.com online and physical Store).

Plants and Floral Essences for this Season.

A shortlist of Plants and Floral Essences for this Christmas season

In the northern winter is beginning to feel, while in the South the seasons are not stopping up, but if we have something in common it is the Christmas season, if you have read the three previous posts that I have published in this season, you know that The focus here is not to promote the eternal debate Pagans vs. Christians, about who has the right or not to celebrate these holidays.

Our approach is to take advantage of this season of family union and celebrations for the realization of spells, charms, and rituals that give strength to our desires to turn them into reality in the course of the solar cycle that is about to begin.

In this quite short post, I will make a special mention of different plants and floral essences that are indispensable for you this season.

The plants

Hedera Helix (the ivy)

Ivy is associated with the gods Osiris and Atis, (both resurrected after death), so it is used to symbolize eternity and resurrection, it is usually used to make crowns in centerpieces or hanging decorations.

(This plant can have high toxicity, so it must be used very carefully.)

Serissa Jap. (the serisa)

La Serisa or "The winter rose", is a small subtropical shrub of small white star-shaped flowers, blooms during the winter in Central Europe and at other times in different parts of Asia, its white flowers symbolize purity and calm.

Schlumbergera (the Christmas cactus)

The Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus or holiday cactus, the flowers of this cactus are well known in Brazil for their healing powers and a peculiar aroma, it is a plant that can be considered uncommon, but in many countries, it is gaining a relevant position as a plant of Christmas.

Euphorbia pulcherrima (the typical Poinsettia)

The poinsettia is undoubtedly the privileged one and at this time of year, there is no corner, or place where we do not see one. The red of its leaves means luck and fortune for its owners. Placing it next to the entrance door brings very good energy.

Ilex aquifolium (the holly)

The holly symbolizes good fortune and love, its cut branches are used to decorate and create crowns for the doors of the house. It was considered a sacred tree by the ancient Druids, while the pagans of ancient Rome associated it with the god Saturn, whose feast was celebrated from December 25.

Floral essences and Oils

For lovers of oils and aromatic essences, this season I usually recommend floral essences much more than herbal essences, because they feed the spirit of the home with their mostly spring energies and provide an aroma reminiscent of the mother's greenery Spirit.

Special blend

To protect the good energy of the home I advise you to make use of a small bottle of dark glass with sprayer and place in it a light blend with equal parts of oils of sweet tangerine or orange, lemon, cedar, and cinnamon. Mix it well and use it to spray every corner.

Other essences:

Chamomile essential oil to attract peace, calm and balance.

Cinnamon essential oil for protection and good relationships.

Lavender essential oil for harmony and raise your good vibes.

Sandalwood essential oil for spirituality and abundance.

Cedar essential oil to strengthen family relationships during this cycle.

Cypress essential oil for love and good fortune this season.

Tip: If you have already read the previous post on 'how to decorate the table for Christmas Eve dinner' I recommend using these oils with a sprayer or a special oil burner to aromatize the space before it heals and create an energy-laden atmosphere peace and joy.

You can read too:

• YULETIDE & CHRISTMAS 2019
• THE HOLIDAY TREE, MAGIC, SORCERY & TRADITION
• FIVE ESSENTIAL & MAGICKAL ELEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS

with love & blessings to all

by Elhoim Leafar

Some Magickal Stuff you will LoVe!
(my favorite list of items for this Season)

To complement any ritual that you want to perform around your Christmas/Holiday Tree, I recommend a couple of products from my personal selection that you will surely LOVE as much as I do, these products are mostly handmade, created and consecrated by true magicians expert in creating different items and with exclusive distribution through their stores.

If you wish to purchase any of these products that I advise you to get, click on the name of the product to be automatically redirected to the page.

• The Signature Scent Candle (Sol & Luna Fragances). Made with 100% Organic Coconut wax and essential oils, is a caravan of aroma, Earthy, Woodsy, Spicy, and Romantic, the full aromatherapy experience for your own home, office, Sacred Space or Travel. (exclusively available in AusetGypsy.com online and physical Store).

• The Frankincense &Myrrh Liquid Smudge A Sacred & Meditative combination of Frankincense and Myrrh, with Rosewater base and 100% natural Handmade. Perfect to Space clearing, Creating Sacred Space, and Meditation. (exclusively available in AusetGypsy.com online and physical Store).

• A Fantastic Sabbat Fire Bundle (Herbs from a Witch's Garden), is a beautiful and aromatic lovingly crafted smudge made with herbs grown with a true will, 9th Ward soil, and Mississippi River water in a real New Orleans Witch's garden. They were harvested in the correct moon phases and astrological aspects and blessed with the proper intent. (exclusively available in HexWitch.com online and physical Store).

• The Beautiful Candles from Mithras Candle (100% Beeswax) This variety of candles have good taste and quality, you can use these for almost any spell, they are as beautiful as they are powerful, they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, also, collaborate with artists supporting local beekeepers and their hives. (exclusively available in CatlandBooks.com online and physical Store).