The Lunar Alchemist

24/11/2025

Yule – The Winter Solstice Celebration

What is Yule?

Yule is an ancient festival that celebrates the Winter Solstice, the moment when the days begin to grow longer and the sun is “reborn.” It is one of the most important festivals in ancient European traditions, especially among the peoples of Northern Europe.

What does it symbolize?
• Rebirth and light: The sun returns after the dark period of winter.
• Renewal and hope: A time to leave behind difficulties and welcome new life.
• Family and community: People gathered around fires and celebrations to honor the light and share gifts.

Yule – The Tree, the God and the Goddess
• The evergreen tree (fir, pine, or holly) is central to Yule celebrations. It remains green even in the depths of winter, symbolizing eternal life and the cycle of death and rebirth.
• The Yule tree is often considered the Tree of Life, connecting the heavens, the earth, and the underworld.
• During Yule, many celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God, who is born again at the Winter Solstice.
• The Goddess or Mother Earth plays a central role, giving birth to the young Sun God, symbolizing fertility, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life.
• The Yule log, traditionally cut from oak or ash, is decorated with holly, ivy, and mistletoe to represent the union of the God and the Goddess.
• Mistletoe symbolizes aspects of the Sun God through its white berries, while its evergreen nature represents the Goddess.

When is it celebrated?

Yule is celebrated around the Winter Solstice, usually between December 20–23, depending on the year and tradition.

What do we celebrate?
• The birth of the Sun, symbolizing the return of light.
• The renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life cycle.
• Unity and love within family and community.

How is it celebrated?
• Lighting fires or candles to honor the light.
• Decorating with evergreen branches, holly, or mistletoe inside homes for protection, fertility, and connection to nature.
• Giving gifts or offerings to friends and family.
• Performing rituals or blessings for the new cycle of life.

Important Message

Yule is not just a date on the calendar. It is a spiritual journey toward light, hope, and renewal, which everyone can celebrate in their own way—whether as an ancient tradition, part of the Christmas season, or a personal ritual of connection to nature.

22/11/2025

All set up at Llantony Priory Gloucester. Such amazing stalls. 🖤 come and say hello! 🖤

12/11/2025

The shop smells LUSH!! 🖤
Gingerbread is back!!
Candles, wax melts & reed diffusers in stock now!! 🎄

16/10/2025

Introducing a brand new fragrance to The Lunar Alchemist - 🌫 After the Storm🌫

This alluring scent captures the calm and clarity felt as the storm subsides, and tranquility returns. Opening with hints of Rosemary's, it mirrors the freshness that follows rain, washing away tension and turmoil.
At its heart, Cedarwood and Amber blend with leaf notes, evoking feelings of peace, renewal and optimism. Settling into Moss, Patchouli and earth tones, offering grounding and reassurance.

🖤The candles are topped with Amethyst, Aquamarine and lavender botanicals 🖤

🖤Remember - just as nature restores itself after turmoil, you too possess the resilience to rise, heal and flourish again 🖤

Available to post or why not pop down to Nanny B's at 2 Cross Bank Chambers, Lydney (opposite the Town Hall).

Available in Tealights, Amber Glass Jar Candles, Wax Melts and Reed Diffusers.
Prices are on the individual photos.

06/10/2025

🖤I have an array of new scents that I have concocted recently.🖤
Come down to Nanny B's at Cross Bank Chambers, Lydney to have a look and a sniff!
If you're a little further afield, I will be introducing each scent with a little more detail tomorrow. Watch this space! 🖤🖤

06/10/2025

This is coming up next month! Such a beautiful building. I'm looking forward to doing my own Christmas shopping as well as having a stall here. Hopefully see some of you there! 🖤🖤

06/10/2025

** Reed Diffusers**

Reed Diffusers are back and better than ever!
Room filling scents that last on average at least 6 months.
Perfect for areas that don't have a power source or where naked flames aren't an option.

These make amazing gifts as they come gorgeously gift boxed.

I do refills too! If you fancied a change of scent when yours runs out, just wash out the glass container and come back for a bottle of refill and some fresh reeds. Good for the pocket and the environment. Win win!

These will increase in price, but for now, as an introductory offer - I am offering them at £25 each or buy 2 for £40. Perfect for birthday or Christmas gifts.
Scents available are -

After The Storm
Wild Rhubarb & Cinnamon
Enchanted Forest
Salted Caramel
Cleanse & Protect
Through the Veil

Order through the page - I can deliver locally or come and collect from the Shop - Cross Bank Chambers, High Street, Lydney GL15 5DL.
Will be lush to see you!

09/09/2025

Find us at Cross Bank Chambers, 2 High St, Lydney GL15 5DL opposite the Town Hall. Plenty of parking around. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm 🖤🖤

09/09/2025

Such a lovely write up!! Its lush to see Nanny B's open again after such a long struggle for Kelly Davey and im so happy to have my workshop and creations for sale in there. Onwards and upwards and we are so excited to welcome everyone to our wellness hub! 🖤

Great news to all you crafters out there, Nanny B's and Creative Needles are both now reopen!

Kelly at Nanny B's has had a horrible time, being forced to close due to the floods in Lydney back in the Spring. She now has fabulous new premises in Lydney, opposite the town hall in Cross Bank House. Kelly stocks a lovely range of yarn, haberdashery in addition to some handmade gifts.

At Creative Needles , following Naomi's retirement, her daughter Shez has now taken on the business and has a host of goodies to tempt you, from hand embroidery to craft kits and haberdashery.

Please give these small businesses your support if you can, if we don't use them, we'll lose them forever!

Congratulations Kelly and Shez - I'll be in to see you both shortly 😊