Winter Witch
A Yule playlist for withes embracing hibernation
I have a confession— I am not ready for spooky season to be over, but I work a holiday show, which means I am in full Christmas mode as soon as November 1 hits. I am dragging my feet while putting my witchy things away for the season. I want to linger in the magic, and yet, I’m bombarded with Christmas carols for multiple hours a day. Life continued to move forward, and I wasn’t ready to move forward, so I thought, why not do both?! It was in this headspace that I hatched the “Winter Witch” playlist.
The Playlist
What would a modern winter witchy playlist sound like? Great question! To me, it would have crisp harmonies, acoustic guitar, ethereal harp strings, drums that put you in a trance, Medieval flutes, and even some ambient sounds of winter animals like wolves and owls. The lyrics would note the themes of Yule, winter mythology, and the experience of being a witch during the wintertime. I wanted it to be cozy, like you were sitting next to a warm hearth— a little magical, a little hibernation forward.
I wanted the playlist to sound like “All is Found” by Kacey Musgraves and like how the “Willow” music video by Taylor Swift looks— snow on the ground, a blazing hot bonfire to keep you warm, surrounded by pine trees, your coven by your side. Of course, it would feature the musician witches (Florence + the Machine and Stevie Nicks) and winter nymph AURORA.
The lyrics touch on themes of Yule traditions; the process of the days getting shorter and the darkness surrounding us; honoring nature; the mythology of Persephone as she ventures to hell, and Artemis engulfed in a pine tree forest as she hunts (this one might also tie in with astrology, as both Artemis and Sagittarius are often seen with a bow and arrows). Similar to my WITCH playlist, I wanted this one to convey that being a witch is empowering, but this one is softer and much cozier.
Listen When
This playlist is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit, so anything like winter drives in search of beautifully decorated homes or decorating your own home for the holidays will be a perfect companion activity for this playlist. I also recommend it for crafting DIY Christmas gifts or decorations, exchanging gifts with your coven, and any kitchen witch activities like making simmer pots, drinking tea made from loose leaves (the loose leaves and spices really make it witchier), or baking holiday treats. I think it’s also perfect for journaling and reflecting on the past year, and making plans for the upcoming year.
Happy listening, and let me know if there are any other end of year playlists that you’d like to hear!
