A bit of Yule Mythology

Merry Meet!
Yule is comming up December 22, 2011 (if you live in the northern hemisphere that is).
And so, I just thought I would blog on some mythology/symbols/herbs and plants on Yule that I fount on the net!!
Enjoy!

In mythology, the Winter Solstice symbolizes the end of the reign of the Holly-King. As the sun reaches the end of its decline at the Winter Solstice (represented by the Holly-King) and once again begins its ascent back to summer (represented by the Oak King) the two engage in battle. This time the Holly-King is defeated by the Oak-King who then rules over the first half of the new year until they meet again and do battle at the Summer Solstice. This in essence is an enactment of the annual cycle of life, growth and death in nature. The Oak King is the growing youth whose life and strength reaches its peak in Mid-summer, while the Holly King is the mature man whose life and strength declines in Mid-winter, from where he is again re-born of the Goddess.

This change from one King to the other is a common theme for ritual re-enactments at Mid-summer and Mid-winter festivals. In theory, the Kings are brothers and both exist as different aspect of the same Sun God, but each has varying levels of influence throughout the year. The youthful time of the Oak King is for growth, development, health, healing and new projects, while the time of the mature Holly King is for deliberating, reflecting, contemplation and learning.
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Symbols of Yule:
Yule log, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove-studded fruit, a poinsettia or Christmas cactus.
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Herbs & Plants:
Bayberry, evergreen, frankincense, holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar, rosemary, ginger, valerian and myrrh.
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^^I fount all of the above from a site, had good info on it!!^^

Until next time...
Brightest blessings to all... blessed be;
Amorel