The 3rd Day of Yuletide 2021

Dec 22 Written By Bettina Essert

Mani, darkness, moon
Troth
Holly

Holly is used as a symbol of the Winter Solstice for many reasons. As an evergreen it is bright, even in winter. The berries turn red just before the Winter Solstice and the shining crimson set in the deep green leaves is gorgeous.

Holly bears spines on it’s leaves and because of that is known to be a plant of protection. Much like the rose, the holly tree will protect itself. A hedge of holly can create a protective barrier around any home, barn, or piece of property. It is hard to penetrate a holly hedge!

Holly wood (haha) can be burned as soon as the tree is harvested. This is rare as most green wood only smokes and doesn’t burn well. When there’s a cold winter and heat comes from wood, holly is a blessing for this ability.

In Pagan stories the Holly King rules over the waning year. At the solstice he is defeated in battle by the Oak King who rules the waxing half of the year. The Oak King is still in bed, sound asleep at the Solstice though. Maybe nursing a hangover from last night’s revels.

Holly is also known to be used as a charm for good luck.

Mani, Norse God of the Moon

Mani, god of the moon, being chased by a giant wolf. His twin sister, Sol, goddess of the sun, being chased by another giant wolf.

I do not know the name of the artist though I’ve searched. Please share so that I may properly link and credit if you know her/his name.

Mani, the personification of the Moon, is the twin brother of Sol, the personification of the Sun who was shared in the Yule (or 2nd day) edition of this series.

Mani is the Norse god who rides through the heavens chased by a giant wolf.

As woman who facilitates a process calling in the Solar Feminine, this personification of the Lunar masculine is deeply appealing. I love that this god rides the dark night skies, lighting and then darkening, commanding the lunar cycles and the tides. This is not the Sun God, but the Moon God and thank Mani in the heavens for this model.

Wikipedia shares this about Mani:

Henry Adams Bellows translation:

The sun, the sister of the moon, from the south

Her right hand cast over heaven's rim;

No knowledge she had where her home should be,

The moon knew not what might was his,

The stars knew not where their stations were.[3]

There is a great deal shared about Sol and Mani. Please refer back to the 2nd day of Yule for more links.

Troth

Fealty, faith, fidelity. Loyalty to one's tribe, friends, and family.

Faith or loyalty when pledged in a solemn agreement or undertaking.