Celebrating the Divine Feminine with the Pagan Winter Log

The pagan winter log is a traditional symbol of the winter solstice and is believed to bring luck and prosperity for the coming year. It is a large log that is chosen and brought into the home, usually on Christmas Eve. This log is then decorated with evergreen branches, ribbons, and other festive decorations. It is placed in the hearth and set on fire, symbolizing not only the warmth of the home but also the burning away of the previous year's troubles. The tradition of the pagan winter log dates back to ancient times when it was believed that the log held powerful spirits that protected the home from evil during the cold winter months. By burning the log, these spirits were released and could bring blessings to the household.

“What you likely have is a slave-driven production of textiles,” said Price. “We can’t really know who is making the cloth, but the implications are clear.”

Now, time is long overdue to raise the banner once more and declare hunting season on yet another sacred calf of the misguided and opportunistic The ægishjálmur. These fellows must often have been antiquarians and book collectors, and as Icelanders they had a unique access Old Norse literature through widely circulated paper manuscripts, as well as continental occult literature pertaining to what is more commonly called ceremonial magic.

By burning the log, these spirits were released and could bring blessings to the household. The log was typically kept burning throughout the twelve days of Christmas, and it was believed that the longer the log burned, the more good fortune the family would receive. Today, the pagan winter log is still celebrated in some parts of the world, particularly in areas with strong pagan or Celtic traditions.

Kinder, Gentler Vikings? Not According to Their Slaves

New clues suggest slaves were vital to the Viking way of life—and argue against attempts to soften the raiders’ brutish reputation.

The ancient reputation of Vikings as bloodthirsty raiders on cold northern seas has undergone a radical change in recent decades. A kinder, gentler, and more fashionable Viking emerged. (See “Did Vikings Get a Bum Rap?”)

But our view of the Norse may be about to alter course again as scholars turn their gaze to a segment of Viking society that has long remained in the shadows.

Archaeologists are using recent finds and analyses of previous discoveries—from iron collars in Ireland to possible plantation houses in Sweden—to illuminate the role of slavery in creating and maintaining the Viking way of life.

“This was a slave economy,” said Neil Price, an archaeologist at Sweden’s Uppsala University who spoke at a recent meeting that brought together archaeologists who study slavery and colonization. “Slavery has received hardly any attention in the past 30 years, but now we have opportunities using archaeological tools to change this.”

Small houses surround a great hall at a Viking site in Sweden called Sanda. Some archaeologists believe this may have been a Viking plantation with slaves as the labor force.

Scandinavian slavery still echoes in the English language today. The expression “to be held in thrall,” meaning to be under someone’s power, traces back to the Old Norse term for a slave: thrall.

Slavery in the region long predates the Vikings. There is evidence of vast economic disparity as early as the first century A.D., with some people living with animals in barns while others live nearby in large, prosperous homes. In 2009, archaeologist Frands Herschend at Uppsala detailed a burnt structure from this early era in which people and animals were immolated. The human bodies were left in the ruins rather than retrieved for burial.

Ancient chronicles long mentioned that people, as well as precious objects, were a target of the Viking raids that began in 793 A.D. at the Scottish monastery of Lindisfarne. The Annals of Ulster record “a great booty of women” taken in a raid near Dublin in 821 A.D., while the same account contends that 3,000 people were captured in a single attack a century later.

Ibn Hawqal, an Arab geographer, described a Viking slave trade in 977 A.D. that extended across the Mediterranean from Spain to Egypt. Others recorded that slaves from northern Europe were funneled from Scandinavia through Russia to Byzantium and Baghdad.

While the religious significance may have faded for many, the log still holds a place in holiday rituals and celebrations. It serves as a reminder of the changing seasons and the importance of coming together as a family and community during the long, dark winter months. In conclusion, the pagan winter log is a symbol of luck and prosperity, representing the warmth of the home and the burning away of past troubles. Whether celebrated for its religious significance or simply as a festive tradition, the log holds a special place in winter celebrations and rituals..

Reviews for "Incorporating Crystals and Gemstones into your Pagan Winter Log Ritual"

1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Winter Log". The story was slow-paced and seemed to drag on, with hardly any action or excitement. I found it difficult to connect with the characters and their motivations were unclear. The writing style was also a bit pretentious and the dialogue felt forced. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and gripping read.

2. Jason - 1 star - I can't believe I wasted my time reading "Pagan Winter Log". The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow what was happening. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, making it impossible to care about their fates. The prose itself was overwritten and pretentious, with unnecessary tangents and meandering descriptions. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Pagan Winter Log" had a promising concept, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was extremely slow, and it felt like nothing of significance was happening for the majority of the book. The main character was unlikable and lacked development, making it difficult for me to root for them. The writing style was overly descriptive, often getting lost in unnecessary details. Overall, I found myself bored and uninterested in this novel.

The Pagan Winter Log: A Gateway to the Spirit Realm