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The Norse Yule Goat 🎄🐐

Today we’re digging into another fascinating Christmas tradition that may have Pagan origins.  I am of course talking about the Yule goat that is a popular tradition in Nordic countries this time of year. You can find the Yule goat just about everywhere in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.  He appears in Christmas ornaments, holiday decor, and most famously as a giant effigy in the town of Gävle, Sweden.  This giant Yule goat is really fascinating as people try to burn it down every year.  The giant goat consists of a large metal frame that’s covered in straw so it’s pretty easy to light on fire and in the past 50 years the goat has been destroyed around 35 times. The town has tried lots of different ways to protect the goat - they’ve set up a fence, security cameras, and have even had guards stationed but often someone still finds a way to light the goat on fire. So how did a goat end up becoming the symbol of Yule?  Well, it possibly goes back to Pagan times.  Thor happened to have a chariot that was led by two large goats. These goats are mentioned several times in the Norse sagas and they were kind of immortal magical goats. Repeatedly in the tales Thor would butcher and eat the two goats but they would miraculously return to life the next morning.   There is also an interesting ancient tradition called the juleoffer or “Yule sacrifice” where a man dressed in goatskins and carrying a goat-head effigy would be symbolically killed and returned to life the next day, just like Thor’s goats. This rebirth metaphor also fits in really well with the winter solstice as on solstice night the sun goes through its own rebirth. Early Christians, were obviously not happy with this pagan tradition and in true Christian fashion they proclaimed the Yule Goat as a demon.  This fear of the Yule goat continued well into the 17th century and there were many tales featuring a demonic Yule goat roaming the countryside demanding food and scaring children.  Over time the Yule Goat eventually lost its bad reputation and became a benevolent symbol of Christmas.   In folk art you’ll often see the Yule goat caring Santa’s holiday presents as they go from house to house.  Or, sometimes you’ll even see Santa riding the Yule Goat. I don’t know about you but I really feel that each year more and more people are starting to discover and appreciate Pagan Yule traditions.  And I find it so fun that I could share the story of the Yule goat with you today.  

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Misty dawn in the forest by Anton Petrus

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⭐🌛𝓢𝓮𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱🌜⭐

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Hello~✨

Hi my lovelies! Just a reminder that my inbox is always open for questions, or even just to talk. My page is a safe space for everyone! Blessed be❤️

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And that’s on ✨manifestation✨

I want to know how to make this work tbh

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two coexistent truths: it’s important to grow up in a home where physical affection is available, and where boundaries are respected. 

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Albrecht Dürer, Adam and Eve (detail), 1507. Oil on panel, 209 × 81 cm. Museo del Prado, Madrid.

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celestial beauty by @cocorrina.co

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Daria Hlazatova

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My Response to COVID-19

Hi Lovelies!! It’s been a while, I know, but I’ve been busy with My nurses aide classes, but since they’ve been postponed due to this devastating virus, I’m back for a while. It’s terrible how this virus has taken over the things we love, but it’s best to social distance for now to protect our loved ones who are at risk. My Messages are open to anyone who needs to talk during these trying times. Stay safe and healthy!

-Hailey🌱✨

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The Gods want you to love yourself as much as they love you

Even on your darkest days, they will do small things to help you lift yourself up

Their power runs through your veins

Channel it into your inner strength

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Looking for more Witchblrs to follow!

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I post stuff about tarot, astragalomancy, and hearth/home witchery.