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Psychic Readings, Astrology and Counseling
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 Escape the crass commerciality of the holidays this year and return to the simple delights of a traditional Celtic Christmas or Yuletide. In the wintry northern climes of Ireland and Scotland, this was the time for a joyous gathering of the clans, who celebrated the return of the sun with feasting and merrymaking around a roaring fire. Here are a few customs that will add an authentic touch to your Christmas preparations: Deck the Halls Evergreens remind us that the green world cannot be conquered by winter, while red berries symbolize life. • Mingle holly boughs with ivy, bay, crimson-berried yew and fragrant bunches of rosemary. • Add sprigs of hazel to keep mischievous fairies away. • Mistletoe is known as the Druids' Herb, and it has always been highly prized as a powerful healing plant in Celtic countries. A mistletoe bough was hung just inside the front door long before the modern Christmas tree made its appearance in Victorian times. Leave it up during the coming year to protect the house. The Yule-Log The blazing yule-log was the crowning glory of the Scottish midwinter feast. In Ireland, the yule-log was called the bloc na Nollaig, or Christmas block. • Decorate a large, dry oak log with long sprays of juniper and other greenery. Sprinkle it with a libation of ale before setting light to it in your fireplace or outside. When it has almost burnt down, keep a little piece of it on which to place next year's log. This ensures an everlasting cycle of light and warmth for your home and family. • Practice an old Scottish ritual: Toss sprigs of holly into the fire as a symbolic way to burn away any bad feeling between family, friends or neighbors. Mulled Wine Irish chieftains in draughty castles kept the winter chills away with flagons of hot, spicy wine at the midwinter feasts. Here is a recipe to set your Christmas Eve aglow. 1 magnum of good quality red wine 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon whole allspice 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste. Simmer gently in a large saucepan for 1 hour, being careful not to boil. Strain through a cheesecloth and serve warm. The Christmas Candle In Ireland, those who could afford it had a one-week candle called coinneal mór na Nollaig, or great Christmas candle. It was also traditional to provide smaller ones for each member of the family, with little colored ones for the children. The candles were lit with great ceremony on Christmas Eve and set in the window. • Place a candle in your window this season. If you want to follow the traditional Irish custom, choose a large red one. Light it on Christmas Eve. • Give smaller candles to your friends and family, and let each person light theirs from the large candle while making a wish for the coming year. "May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas." - Irish Blessing  © Chalice
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