Yule is upon us and this can only mean one thing... "NO!" Not Santa. Settle down, settle down. It means that the holy wheel of the year (Jera) goes 'round yet once more.

To begin with, the Yuletide delivers the holy year unto the alter of death. It is a culmination in the grander scheme of nature's cycle as made evident in the winter landscape. But this reality is by no means restricted to the bosom and valleys of Mother Jord, or Frigga if you prefer. Wherefore metaphor is in regard, we too have an opportunity to burn, or bury non-conduc­ive and pernicious habits. You know, those less than admirable qualities which have long since overstayed their visas as they had existed in our past lives, prior to our walking the Northern Road. Yes, kinsmen and kinswomen, this is an eventful time in which we may slay those ignoble character flaws which have been detrimental to our past on both a personal level as well as the damning effects which they have had on our families, our faith and our folk community. This is a chance to shed the fetters of self accepted weakness and thralldom from our lives and leave them as burnt offerings upon the alter of death! Vices, selfishness, lack of accountability and responsibility for faith and folk. Lack of genuine self respect and respect for the path we claim to tread and all that it encompasses. Yes my noble kin, true freedom begins in the pyre's flames where old destructive habits are turned to ash and self liberation is born anew from the flames of a new beginning! Beneath Sunna's radiant smile and victory giving light, we may discard the shackles of vice and self accepted weakness. What joys and pleasures we would seek in this life must be balanced and tempered by moder­ation if we would be counted among Master and Commander of our own lives. The very possibility for self transformation resides within the shadows of the season’s death. And the Mother Night brings forth the new year and a fresh start to all.

It is debatable among the Northfolk as to what day the New Year actually begins. Some believe that it begins on the 20th of Yule (Mother Night), while others believe it begins on the actual Yule (the Winter Solstice). And still others place the Northern New Year in the middle of Snowmoon (Jan). For us, within the HOLY NATION OF ODIN, Inc., so as to establish uniformity within our own liturgy and traditions, we shall fix the Nordic New Year of our calendar as occurring on the eve of Mother Night, the 20th of Yule. It is the night which the Julleuchter is lit, symbolizing the need-fire and the glory of Sunna's light and power. The Mother Night also presages the longest night of the year which occurs on the Winter/Yule Solstice (this year the Solstice occurs on Dec. 22nd at 12:22 am, Universal time) (source: U.S. Naval Observatory), which will also be the shortest day of the year. The 9th of Yule is a Day of Remembrance for Egil SkallaGrimsson. We may all take a cue from Egil's stalwart and unyielding disposition, in our own pursuits of fortitude, courage, self command and mastery over our actions and lives.

So then, where the Mother Night begins the Twelve days of Yule and the New Year for us, the Solstice itself heralds the rebirth of Sunna as she now begins to grow in strength. The majesty of her smile will produce a bounty of magnificent floral and fauna spectacular to behold at the Summer Finding as the Goddess Ostara spreads the joyous gift of renewal and rebirth all about Mother Jord! Ah, but that is yet another season to come. With our new year comes the fresh prospect to infuse our own lives, and the life of our faith and folk community with new strengths and joys. New freed­oms and liberations from old and pernicious habits. Step out of the shades and shadows and into the glory of Sunna's victory giving light! For the wheel doth indeed, go 'round.

Perform a Yule Blót, enjoy good Kin’s company and eat some pork. Meditate upon and Galdr these Runes: Thurisaz ( ), Dagaz () and Sowilo ( ). Begin your meditation of the past year on Mother night. Consider and swear oaths on Yule. Don’t forget to set a place for the Ancestors.

I remain in service to the Gods and Folk of the HOLY NATION OF ODIN. Prosperous new Jera to you all. In Frith with thee...

To those of you in the SHU and control units, and those on Death Row, you are not forgotten and you are not alone… You are never alone! Heil Odin!

"Life does not render unto any man, greatness. A man's own noble character does." -- Dr. Casper Odinson Cröwell, Ph.D.