So, this time of year can be a cluster-eff for many different reasons. Some Pagans only celebrate Yule, some do double-duty honouring Yule as well as Santa Clause's Christmas (which is what I usually do) and there are some Christian-Pagans out there (or so I've heard).
Regardless of who you worship and what you believe in, there IS music out there to celebrate the holiday season, and the Winter Solstice, that's not so affiliated with Santa or Jesus.
So here for you is my TOP Ten list of Pagan inspired music to fill your home with warmth and love through the chill of the winter season.
1. Lisa Thiel - Yule (Winter Solstice)
The first song is by an amazing vocalist/songwriter. I had the pleasure of conversing with Lisa Thiel years ago and found her to be a wonderful and down to earth woman. I was truly honoured to have that time to get to know her and was even given new music and asked to review and critique it for her. I can't imagine NOT liking anything she's created. Truly a beautiful Pagan Songstress indeed. Here is "Yule (Winter Solstice) from the CD, Circle of the Seasons. You can find more about Lisa at this site: Sacred Dream Productions.
2. Jewel - Hands (Christmas version)
I love Jewel, I'm not ashamed to admit it. She's got one of the most BEAUTIFUL voices I've ever heard. It's sweet and comforting, much like the smells and sounds of this time of year. This song is found on "Joy: The Holiday Collection". One could argue that she's singing about the Christian God and shouldn't be admitted to this list, but I completely disagree. Deity is in the eye, or in this case, ear of the beholder. God, Jesus, Holly King, Oak King, whomever. The God here isn't what draws me to this song anyways, you can think about whatever God you want when you hear this song. When I hear it, deity is an afterthought for me. "In the end, only kindness matters". That's what this year should be about. It's not about gifts or decorations or any of that... it's about showing kindness to others. Remembering that no matter how big your hands are, or your heart, or your intentions - they're always big enough to do good for someone. No deed is too small. Remember that during the dark times of the Wheel of the Year, it's cold outside; so do something to warm someone's spirits. That is all.
3. T Thorn Coyle and Sharon Knight - Solstice Prayer
Ok, I gotta say. I've known about Sharon Knight and T Thorn Coyle for a long time. I've gone to Pantheacon for quite a few years now, and Thorn has been a staple of the con for as long as I can remember. This year, Pandemoneaon was there pre-selling their newest work, Dangerous Beauty. I happened to pick up a CD with Thorn and Sharon from Serpentine Music, and had both autograph it for me (since I am a signature hound) Little did I know how incredible this music was. It's truly a beauty to behold when these two amazing songstresses come together. I HIGHLY recommend getting their collaborations if you can. This track can be found on the CD, Songs for the Waning Year.
Sadly, I couldn't find a video for this track, but take my word for it.. it's WELL worth it. All of their music is. Since I couldn't find a video, here's the pic of my CD they signed.. One of my prized possessions. :)
4. Dar Williams - The Christians and the Pagans
Ok, when you think of Christmas Music there's staples you always go to. Silver Bells, O Holy Night, Santa Clause is Coming to Town.. This one should be a Yule staple. I can't think of anyone who doesn't love this song. It's perky, it's witty, it's funny and has a great message. Add this one to your holiday rotation, you wont be sorry. You can find this song on her CD, Mortal City.
5. Pus-Cavern All Stars - Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Ok, here's another not traditionally a Yule song. It's also not so traditional because this version has a little bit of balls in it. I absolutely LOVE this song, I think it's one of my all time favourite Holiday songs (Christmas or Yule). It was written by a beautiful human being named John Lennon. This song has been covered many times over and you should seek out the singers who you like. I like this one, mostly because it's local. This group is a bunch of musicians from Sacramento who all got together to do a not-so traditional holiday CD. In it are members of Tesla, Far, Papa Roach, The Secretions, and my personal favourite Sacramento band AROARAH. :) If you have the means, download the whole CD, it's well worth it.
6. Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon
This song is effing amazing. Another one where the beauty of it all is in the interpretation of who you think they're singing to, or about. I imagine it's the Mother, who keeps us warm and protected and comforted during this time of year when it's so easy to get distracted by all that's going on and how much you do for others, you forget that you are loved. This song is just beauty personified. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is amazing in ALL they do, but this one is their best (IMHO). You can find this one on the CD, The Christmas Attic.
7. Kelly Clarkson - My Grown-Up Christmas List
Here's another one that's not necessarily Yule music, but it's the message of the song. It's beautiful. There are, like the Happy Christmas song, a LOT of different versions of this song.. I'm partial to this one and the Micheal Buble' verstion, those are about the only two I listen to. It has an amazing message within its thoughtful lyrics. Hopefully one day, it will come true. Until then, we can only wish and hope.
8. Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Wizard In Winter
Here's another TSO song for you. A little something to brighten your spirits and give you a chance to do a little head-banging as you decorate the Yule Tree or chop wood for the fire. You can find this one on The Lost Christmas Eve.
9. Blackmore's Night - Christmas Eve
Here's another one I think should be a staple. The whole album, Winter Carols is amazing, but there are a lot of traditional songs on there. Still, I think this one should be a considered a classic for the new era. It's so sweet and catchy and who can resist Candice Night's voice or Richie Blackmore's brilliant guitar mastery. Enjoy.
10. Spinal Tap - We Three Kings
I had to add this. It's brilliant. A great laugh to lighten up the day and fill you with mirth and joy - and that's exactly what this song does! enjoy! (Note: You have to forgive the "Christmas with the Devil" part of it.. I couldn't find a video that was just the WTK by itself. Consider it a bonus track). :)
So there you have it. It's almost December, so there's plenty of time for you to go out and get these songs to add that touch of Yule sounds to an already beautifully decorated home. Each individual listing should have a clickable link that will take you to a site where you can buy the music you hear here. You can also look on iTunes or Amazon and I'm sure you'll find just about all of them. I hope you like them as much as I do. Merry Yule.
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Songs of the Goddess by Draeden is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at songsofthegoddess.blogspot.com.
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