The description of the Spirit of Yule card in Destiny’s Portal, the companion book for the Enchanted Oracle says: “Everything about Yule honors life and light. The Yule log, evergreen trees, bonfires, and candles remind us that life continues even through the darkest times, and that, eventually, the light always reappears. Giving gifts and making merry with friends and family helps us remember that no matter how bleak things may appear, there is always something to be thankful for. At this time, people remember the past year and make plans for the upcoming one. Planning for the coming year is a show of faith that we know life will continue on”.
In a Lewellyn Journal article Barbara Moore makes the suggestion that one imagine that all the Court Cards have gathered for a holiday party.
Who would be the life of the party? Who might cause trouble? Would any of them drink too much? Who would be the quiet ones and who would attract people? Any flirts in the group? Oh, and do imagine what they’d be wearing. Games like this can help you get to know those sometimes-difficult court cards.
Throw a Yule Tarot Party
Get together with some friends and test run some Yule Tarot Spreads.
The Star
The star at the top of the tree is our own pentagram, representing the four elements of air, earth, fire and water, overseen by Spirit. Holly and Ivy were seen as the male and female principles (respectively) and were believed to bring good luck and fertility to men and women.
Celebrate the symbolism of the Star at this time. Draw out some Star Cards and try these spreads. The following ideas and spreads were sourced from a Llewellyn Journal article by Barabara Moore.
- Place your deck’s Star card in the center
- This will guide you
- This will bring you hope
- This will bring you peace
- This will feed your faith
- This will help heal you
Gift Giving
Giving and receiving often plays a role in Yule or other holiday festivities. These are usually tangible gifts. But the long, dark nights invite introspection and a time to examine our inner gifts. This simple spread is designed to assist with that self-reflection.
- What you want. This card is a quality you’d like to develop. It is something you are striving toward and hope to achieve.
- What you don’t want. This card represents a part of yourself that you are not thrilled with. You’d like to eliminate it or morph it into something else.
- What you are given. This card shows a gift, a quality, a trait, a strength, or a talent that is available to you, although you may not recognize it. Keep your eyes open for it.
- What you can give. This card illustrates what you have in abundance and can give to or share with others.
The Tarot Midwife 