Guest Author - Fiona Blackwolf
As we celebrate the return of the Sun on Yule, we often look back over the past year and make plans and resolutions for the year to come. A good friend of mine has a special tradition which we honor every year. She has a tree that was planted in her yard. In the beginning the tree wasn't growing very well, so she crafted a wish for the tree to thrive and planted it at the base of the tree. The tree has grown big and strong and beautiful. To honor that special wish, every year as Solstice approches, she gathers wishes from her friends and loved ones to hang in the tree on Solstice Eve. Many wishes have been granted over the years and the tree grows more and more beautiful with so many wishes hanging in its branches. I have been inspired to share this tradition with you and to share with you some tips on making your own Yuletide wishing charms.
Wishes can be made out of many materials, and the techniques can be used to make charms, talismans or amulets to use throughout the year. However, since this is the time of year we plan for our near future, begin by thinking about the things you would like to bring into your life as the new year approaches. Choose something that is important to you, but remember to be clear on your intent and considerate of the ways your wish may manifest.
Once you have decided on a wish, choose a piece of cloth or leather to contain your wish. Try to choose a color that compliments your wish so that it will add another layer of energy to the working. (For more information about the use of color check out The Magic of Color)
Next, look up some herbs and stones that bring the same energy that you are wishing for. Search engines like Google.com are very helpful for finding these correspondances if you are unsure about them. You can also add other meaningful bits to the wish such as keys, if you are wishing for a house, or charms that represent what you are looking for, etc.
Once you have gathered these things together, you can place them into the center of your cloth and tie them into a bundle.
Now your wish is ready to go! Before sundown on Solstice eve, hang it on a tree or you can bury it in the earth or release it into running water (earth and water IF it is biodegradeable only please!) If none of these options are possible, you can also leave it out to charge through the longest night until the Sun returns in the morning, then carry the wish with you or put it in a place where you will see it often and be reminded of your dreams.
May all your holiday wishes come true!
