Yule Calendar Day 23: The Wild Hunt & Mourning of Mourning
The Wild Hunt is an ancient and evocative tradition steeped in mythology, appearing across many European cultures. December 23rd, as part of modern Yule practices, is a day dedicated to the Mourning of Mourning, an introspective time to honor the spirits of the lost, confront the cycles of life and death, and acknowledge the fleeting nature of existence.
The Legend of the Wild Hunt
The Wild Hunt is often depicted as a ghostly procession of spirits or deities, riding through the skies during the dark winter months. Led by figures such as Odin, Frau Holle, or other divine or spectral beings, the hunt symbolizes the restless energies of winter. In myth, encountering the Wild Hunt was seen as an omen of death or great change. However, for those aligned with its energy, it offers an opportunity to reflect on life’s impermanence and find wisdom in the chaos.
The Mourning of Mourning
On this day, modern practitioners turn inward to process grief, remember the departed, and honor the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Winter’s stillness creates a space to mourn losses, both personal and collective, while also embracing the lessons they bring.
Ways to Honor the Mourning of Mourning
1. Build an Altar for the LostCreate a small, sacred space to honor those who have passed. Include:
Candles: Symbolizing the light they brought into your life.
Photos or Mementos: To connect with their memory.
Natural Elements: Evergreen sprigs or stones, grounding the altar in the cycles of nature.
Take time to meditate or sit quietly before the altar, offering gratitude for their presence in your life.
2. Reflect on Loss and RenewalWrite in a journal about the things or people you’ve lost this year. Reflect on the ways they shaped your journey and the lessons they taught. You might also write a letter to a departed loved one, expressing words left unsaid.3. Observe the Night SkyStep outside to gaze at the stars, imagining the Wild Hunt sweeping across the heavens. Reflect on the mysteries of life and the unseen forces that shape our existence.4. Offerings to the HuntIn some traditions, it’s customary to leave offerings, such as bread, wine, or seasonal fruits, outside as a gesture of respect to the spirits of the Wild Hunt.
The Magic of the Hunt
The Wild Hunt and the Mourning of Mourning remind us of the cyclical nature of existence. Just as the sun returns after the solstice, life springs anew after the cold grip of winter. Honoring the Mourning of Mourning provides a moment to face life’s fragility with courage and embrace the transformative power of loss.