Yule in the Desert

Date: 11/19/2023

Author: Aspen ní Awen

Each year, our Reclaiming Witchcraft group gets together to celebrate the seasonal festivals marked by the Wheel of the Year. If you've attended our past rituals, you'll know that they range from exciting and energizing to calm and contemplative. Our celebrations honor the seasonal shifts, tie closely with causes near and dear to us, and provide us with seeds of growth that we carry with us into our daily lives.

Observing Winter when it Feels More Like Spring

Yule is traditionally one of our quieter celebrations, keeping with the theme of hibernation, rest, and witnessing the rebirth of the sun. While it's true that Arizona comes alive in the winter, with an influx of people seeking warmer climates... and even though the roses start to bloom in November and the trees in the valley don't shed their leaves until well after Yule... we can still see the signs of winter if we look to the native life of this desert we all call home.

The creatures of the desert know that this is a time of rest. The lizards and desert tortoises burrow deep, waiting for the return of the sun. Some curl up together, seeking the warmth of each other. Some find shelter in the dark places underground.

As witches, we recognize that no matter where we live, there are markers of the seasons we follow that connect us in a deeply rooted story that never ends. We observe traditions like bringing holly and greenery into our homes (okay, yes, we have to import that part), lighting fires and candles, exchanging gifts, and gathering with friends and family to give thanks over a bounty of food.

"We know that everyone can do the life-changing, world-renewing work of magic, the art of changing consciousness at will. We strive to teach and practice in ways that foster personal and collective empowerment, to model shared power and to open leadership roles to all."

- The Principles of Unity

We also observe the quieter parts of the season. Where we take some time off of work or school to rest and recover. Maybe get to one of those many books in our to-be-read pile, or spend some quiet evenings at home with beloved movies and popcorn.

Our Yule ritual embodies these observances and traditions. We gather around a roaring fire. Our ritual muses connect us all with a deep intention (it's different every year!) and we light our own flame on the longest night of the year - that one inside of us that we bring with us into the next turn of the wheel to make impactful changes in ourselves, our communities, and our world.

Who Runs The Arizona Reclaiming Witchcraft Rituals?

Our rituals are created by our community, for our community. That means you!

We are always looking for those who feel called to participate in whatever way feels right. That means anyone in the community can have the opportunity to call in an element, cast the circle, welcome the Godds, and acknowledge the land where we live and the ancestors that join our circles.

You can also be a ritual muse! If you feel called to lend your ideas to help construct the ritual itself, you are always welcome to join our ritual planning meetings! This isn't a life-long commitment and you can participate as much or as little as you feel works for you. You don't have to have experience; we are happy to answer your questions. All you need to bring is yourself, your ideas, and your spirit of community!

We also have some more mundane (yet important) volunteer opportunities, like smudging/cleansing, helping arrange the potluck, greeting guests, and helping our otherly abled community members who might need some assistance to get themselves situated around the circle.

Want to join in the fun? You can find the ritual planning meeting invitation on the Arizona Reclaiming Witchcraft Facebook group. If you are not yet connected to the group, you can contact us directly.

What Else do I Need to Know Before I Go?

While our community is eclectic and accepting of all people, our group strives to follow the Reclaiming Witchcraft Principles of Unity. You do not need to be a Reclaiming Witch to attend! We simply ask that while you are in the ritual space, you respect these guiding principles.
Our potluck immediately follows the ritual and is open to all ritual participants! We ask that you bring a dish to share, and that you label any allergens. If your dish is vegetarian or vegan, please call that out! Please also bring your blissware (plate, silverware, bowl, and cup) so that we can keep our potlucks green!
Our rituals are participatory and ecstatic - however, you are your own spiritual authority. You can participate to your level of desire and comfort. If you need any accommodation, please just let one of the ritual muses or SteerCo members know!
Nudity is never required, but it's also a possibility that you might see some bodies (especially during the warmer months).
All Reclaiming events are dry - no alcohol or recreational drugs. No exceptions.
We take donations for both the general fund (used to get everything we need to host rituals) and for the Witchcamp scholarship fund. You can bring cash, or we have Venmo and Zelle available. Please donate what you can.
Children are welcome! Please exercise your own parental discretion.
There will be a book exchange at the ritual. Bring your pre-loved witchy books to pass on to their next reader!

Be sure to RSVP for Yule!

If you are planning to attend Yule, let us know! You can find the Event in the AZ Reclaiming Facebook group. Go into the event, and click "Going." The address and details will be posted closer to the date. If you need an invitation to the group, please contact us.

And be sure to subscribe to our Google calendar so that you don't miss out on our rituals, Witch Togethers, Merlin's Magical Meetups, and more!

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