Theological musing: Oak and Holly Kings story at Yule

I find the tale of the Oak and Holly kings problematic as it seems to support agression among male humans and makes battle a spiritual value. While some may see a battle metaphor useful in their personal spiritual practice, we do need to be mindful of the symbols we employ, especially in our spiritual understandings. Religious and spiritual symbols are very powerful, particularly in ritual. (see Clifford Geertz's article on Religion as a Cultural System.)

Could we re-imagine this story? Could the Holly King be born at Yule? Could he turn into the Oak King at Lammas, entering the underworld and preparing for rebirth at Yule? It makes more sense to me to affirm that light returns at Yule and the light starts to diminish after Midsummer. The Sun is not fighting anyone. The Earth is only titling on its axis to change the sun's appearance in the sky. It is just a natural process of the planet. So too is the human life cycle a natural process. For the Goddess, we have the maiden, mother and crone. For the God, this re-working of the Oak and Holly king could provide a lifecycle for him. He is born at Yule, becomes sexual at Beltaine, marries at Midsummer, grows old and offers his life to the community at Lammas, goes underground, affirming what he is grateful for from his life at Mabon, conferring with his ancestors at Samhain and preparing for rebirth at Yule. These are shorthand ideas. As with maiden, mother and crone, there are many interpretations of the varies states of being. For example not all women want to be mothers, but all women can affirm their creative impulses. Not all men want to marry, but they can affirm their commitment to their passions, etc. Perhaps this had already been done and I'm not aware?

Maybe the image of Santa Claus could be the one who brings forward the reborn Holly King and presents him to the community once again. A play on the word "presents" which is linked to secular Christmas. All the greenery we use at Yule would be our welcome. Our feasting and singing would praise his return and revere the Goddess as bringing him to life again. There are probably many other ways to see this idea in ritual or in our households. Wouldn't it be better to tell our children that Santa is bringing the reborn Holly King rather than the Oak and Holly king are fighting? To have a conversation about rebirth? Our Wheel is affirming some sort of reincarnation, whether one belives our being returns in another body or that our dead bodies give nourishment to the Earth and we are reborn in another form. This type of spiritual imagery seems full of potential, whereas battle is limited, even though it has a few different meanings and may be potent for specific individuals.

Something to consider at this time as we ponder our own meanings for Yule.

Blessed be.