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Symbolism played a significant role in Norse paganism, and various symbols were believed to offer protection and bring good fortune to the worshippers. One such symbol was Mjölnir, Thor's hammer. Mjölnir was considered a powerful symbol of strength and protection and was often worn as a talisman or pendant to ward off evil spirits and provide safety in battle. Another common protective symbol was the Vegvísir, a Viking compass. The Vegvísir was believed to guide its bearer through rough weather and treacherous seas, ensuring safe travels. It was often used as a tattoo or engraved on personal items as a means of protection and navigation.

While witchcraft and witchy aesthetics have seen a rise in popularity over the last few years — popular movie and television actress Aubrey Plaza has now co-written two children’s books titled “The Christmas Witch” and “The Return of the Christmas Witch” — many witches and pagans consider “coming out of the broom closet” to be a tough thing.

25 around the time of the Winter Solstice about 37 of Christian denominations put the Nativity story in January and that the exact month and date are difficult to decipher. Ancient Winter Solstice traditions can be found throughout the world, from Scandinavia to China to the Inca Empire of modern Peru which celebrates its Winter Solstice in June.

It was often used as a tattoo or engraved on personal items as a means of protection and navigation. The Helm of Awe, also known as Ægishjálmur, was another protective symbol commonly used in Norse paganism. It was believed to instill fear in one's enemies and offer protection in battle.

Yule

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Yule, festival observed historically by Germanic peoples and in modern times primarily by Neo-Pagans, coinciding with the winter solstice (December 21–22 in the Northern Hemisphere; June 20–21 in the Southern Hemisphere). The pre-Christian festival originated in Scandinavia and was later subsumed, along with other pagan celebrations, into the Christian holiday of Christmas. Some modern celebrations of Yule attempt to re-create ancient traditions, while others have been adapted or reimagined to suit contemporary personal and religious practices.

Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. Its roots are complicated and difficult to trace, although there are several theories about how and why the festival was celebrated. It is generally agreed that Yule celebrations began as a Norse festival called jol, although assessments of the purpose and traditions vary. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. Some historians think that sacrifices were an important part of the observance, either to the gods and other supernatural beings (such as elves) or to the dead or both. In the harsh climate of northern Europe, most cattle were slaughtered because they could not be fed during the winter. Meat, therefore, was plentiful for a midwinter feast or to leave out as an offering. Some contend that the original festival was a sort of Norse Day of the Dead, with the god Odin as a major player; among Odin’s many names was Jolnir, and among his many duties was acting as a god of the dead. However, this has been disputed in recent years, at least one historian positing that jol was a new year festival intended to set the tone for the months ahead.

One of the earliest known references to Yule is from English monk and historian Bede, who wrote in the early 8th century about “giuli,” a period in the old pagan calendar used by Germanic groups such as the Norse and the Anglo-Saxons. Giuli was a two-month span that marked the time when sunlight began to increase again at the winter solstice. It was not a festival per se but a marking of the passage of time.

“Yule” became a name for Christmas about the 9th century, and in many languages yule and its cognates are still used to describe that holiday—jul in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish; joulud in Estonian; joulu in Finnish; and jol in Icelandic. The Christmas holiday is still referred to as Yule in the Scots language. According to the saga of King Haakon Haraldsson (also known as Haakon I Adalsteinsfostre or Haakon the Good) of Norway, who ruled in the 10th century, the Norse Yule celebration and Christian Christmas celebration were merged during his reign. Haakon became Christian after a visit to England, and after his return to Norway he put into law that Yule should be celebrated at the same time as Christmas. Everyone was required to have ale from a measure of grain and keep the holiday while the ale lasted or else be subject to a fine.

From this point Christmas continued to overtake Yule, although some vestiges of the original celebration remain. One of these is the Yule log, still popular today although usually in altered form. It is thought that the original Yule log was a large log that burned throughout the entire multiday festival, for as many as 12 days. A popular modern take on the Yule log is a roulade-style cake decorated to look like a log.

Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. In Sweden the goat came to be associated with the Christmas celebration, and the Yule goat is now considered by many to be a companion or counterpart to Santa Claus.

Octavia McAloon is a forest witch and pagan living in western Washington who also celebrates Yule. She likes to bake, cook, watch the burning Yule log on TV and listen to playlists of the Wheel of The Year (a term for the calendar year that is most associated with Wiccans but is often used by witches and pagans).

The symbol was often inscribed on weapons, shields, and armor, serving as a visual representation of the warrior's strength and determination. The Valknut, also known as Odin's Knot, was another powerful symbol associated with protection. It was believed to symbolize the interconnectedness of life and death and was often associated with Odin, the Allfather of Norse mythology. The Valknut was believed to offer protection to warriors and guide the souls of fallen warriors to Valhalla. Yggdrasil, the World Tree, was also considered a protective symbol in Norse paganism. It was believed to represent the interconnectedness of the nine worlds and was seen as a source of spiritual strength and guidance. The branches of Yggdrasil were thought to extend into all realms, offering protection and linking the mortal world with the divine. These symbols played a vital role in Norse paganism, offering protection and acting as a means of connection with the divine. They were often worn or displayed to ward off evil spirits, guide one's path, and offer strength and protection in battles and travels. Even today, these symbols continue to hold significance and are embraced by those with an interest in Norse mythology and spirituality..

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