Tyler Brooks
The Yule log is an ancient tradition that involves burning a log in the hearth or fireplace. It is believed to have originated from the Celts and Germanic paganism, where it symbolised the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days. Today, the Yule log is often associated with Christmas and can be made from different types of wood, although oak is traditional. In modern times, it has become common to use candles with the Yule log, especially when a fireplace is not available. The number of candles used can vary, with some sources mentioning two large candles, others using three candles to represent the goddess in her three aspects, and some lighting one candle each of the 12 days until the log is completely burnt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 2 or 3, or 1 candle lit each of the 12 days |
| Colour of candles | White, red, and black, or any colour |
| Scent of candles | Spruce, birch, fir, smoke, orange, cinnamon, clove, vetiver, etc. |
| Candle size | 8oz, 4oz, or 2oz |
| Burn time | 45+, 20+, or 8+ hours |
| Wick | Cotton |
| Wax | 100% Soy Wax |
| Other uses | Protection, fertility, strength, and health |
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What You'll Learn
The number of candles used in a Yule log candle spell
The Yule log is an ancient symbol of the season, derived from the bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze during the Winter Solstice to symbolize the return of the Sun. The burning of the Yule log has evolved into a family tradition, where family members gather around the log, share stories, and reflect on the past year.
In terms of the number of candles used in a Yule log candle spell, there are several approaches. Some sources mention lighting one candle each of the 12 days on the Yule log until it is completely burnt, symbolizing the return of the sun and longer days. This practice originates from medieval Christianity, although most sources indicate that Yule celebrations lasted only three days.
Another tradition involves using three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. These candles are typically white, red, and black, and are placed in holes bored into the top of the log. This practice acknowledges the triple aspect of the goddess and the intertwining of the god and goddess during the sabbat.
Additionally, there are variations in candle usage depending on personal preferences and the availability of a fireplace or fire pit. Some people opt to light candles on or near the Yule log, creating a serene atmosphere and symbolizing the "fire" energy within the flame. Others may use taper candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy wax, placed in holes drilled about 1 inch deep into the log.
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The significance of the Yule log's candles in paganism
The Yule log is a specially selected log burnt on a hearth as a winter tradition in regions of Europe and, subsequently, North America. The tradition is celebrated by Christians and modern pagans on or around Christmas/Yule. The origins of the Yule log are steeped in history and are unclear, with scholars proposing a variety of possible theories.
The Yule log is an ancient symbol of the season, derived from the Celts. The log, a phallic symbol, is usually cut from an oak tree, symbolic of the god. The entire log was decorated with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens to represent the intertwining of the god and goddess who are reunited on this sabbat. The log was burned in the hearth or fireplace. Modern pagans also have the option of using pieces of oak small enough to be burned in the cauldron.
In modern times, another tradition has emerged since not everyone has fireplaces. Three holes are bored in the top of the log for three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. Normally, these candles are white, red, and black in honor of this triple aspect. This log may be reused year after year, with the candles changed annually.
The number of candles on the Yule log varies across different sources and traditions. Some light one candle each of the 12 days on the log until the whole log is symbolically burnt. Others use three or four candles.
The Yule log is a remnant of the bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze at the time of the winter solstice. These bonfires symbolized the return of the sun. The ashes of the Yule log or spent wax from candles are tied up in a cloth for the entire year as a charm for protection, fertility, strength, and health.
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The history of the Yule log and its candles
The Yule log is an ancient symbol of the season, derived from the Celts and Germanic paganism. The log, typically cut from an oak tree, is burned in the hearth or fireplace to mark the Winter Solstice and celebrate the return of the sun and longer days.
The first mention of a special Christmas log was recorded in a German manuscript from 1184 CE, which noted that a large tree was used for a private festive fire on Christmas Eve. The term "Yule log" was first used by John Aubrey in his writings on Christmas pastimes between 1650 and 1687.
In modern times, the Yule log tradition has evolved to include candles, particularly for those who do not have fireplaces. Three holes are bored into the top of the log for three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. These candles are typically white, red, and black. Alternatively, some people choose to light one candle each of the 12 days of Yule, until the whole log is symbolically burned.
The Yule log and its candles are often used in rituals and spells, symbolizing fire energy, light, warmth, and magic. Families may gather around the Yule log, burning it while sharing wishes for the upcoming year and contemplating the past year. The ashes of the Yule log are considered sacred and are kept for the entire year as a charm for protection, fertility, strength, and health.
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How to make a candle Yule log
The Yule Log is an ancient symbol of the season, derived from the bonfires that European pagans would set ablaze during the winter solstice. The log is traditionally made of oak and decorated with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens. Modern pagans who do not have fireplaces may opt for smaller pieces of oak that can be burned in a cauldron.
To make a candle Yule Log, you will need a round log that is at least 13 inches long and 5 inches thick. You can decorate your log with burnable ribbons, evergreens, holly, and mistletoe. To incorporate candles, bore three holes in the top of the log for three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. The candles are typically white, red, and black. Alternatively, you can light one candle each of the 12 days of Christmas until the whole log is symbolically burnt.
Before lighting your candle Yule Log, remember to trim all wicks to 1/4" to ensure an even burn. Allow your candle to form a full wax pool around the entire jar edge to prevent wax tunneling. Do not burn your candle for longer than 4 hours at a time, and keep it away from drafty areas, children, pets, and hot surfaces. Never leave a lit candle unattended.
After your candle has burnt out, you can save the ashes or spent wax and tie them up in a cloth to be used as a charm for protection, fertility, strength, and health for the entire year.
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The role of the Yule log and its candles in Christmas celebrations
The Yule log is an ancient symbol of the Christmas season, originating from the Celts and Germanic and Anglo-Saxon paganism. The log, typically made of oak, is burned in a hearth or fireplace to symbolise the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days.
The Yule log is often decorated with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens, which represent the intertwining of the god and goddess. In modern times, candles are sometimes incorporated into the Yule log, with three holes bored into the log to hold three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. These candles are typically white, red, and black. Alternatively, a family member may light a candle from the Yule log, before using the candle flame to burn slips of paper with wishes for the upcoming year written on them. The candles may also be lit to symbolise the return of the sun, with one candle lit each of the 12 days of Christmas until the whole log is symbolically burnt.
The burning of the Yule log can be a family tradition, with family members gathering around the log to tell stories, play cards, or simply enjoy the ambiance of the candlelight. The Yule log is also believed to bring luck, protection, fertility, strength, and health, with the ashes or wax from the candles saved and kept throughout the year as a charm.
In terms of the specific number of candles used, there does not appear to be a fixed number. While some sources mention a single candle, others refer to three candles to represent the triple aspect of the goddess, or 12 candles, one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. Ultimately, the number of candles used may depend on personal preference and the specific traditions followed by each family or cultural group.
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Frequently asked questions
There are different ways to celebrate the burning of a yule log, and the number of candles used varies. Some people light one candle each of the 12 days on the log until it is symbolically burnt. Others use three candles, representing the goddess in her three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone.
The three candles are usually white, red, and black, honouring the triple aspect of the goddess.
The candles are preferably made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy wax.
The candles symbolise the goddess and the return of the sun and longer days.
