The Wheel of the Year is often symbolized by the wreath. Its circle has no beginning and no end, thus illustrating that the Wheel of the Year is also like this, with everything in its time coming back to its point of origin and traveling onward, over and over again.

Though they can be bought ready-made, enjoy some Yule fun by making your own unique Yule wreath out of wire, pinecones, and artificial fruit.

To make this wreath you will need to gather as many unbroken pinecones as you can find. You may even want to begin gathering them at Midsummer when they are plentiful in most of North America. Estimate how big a wreath you can construct with what you have gathered. Four dozen average-sized cones will make a wreath about eighteen inches in diameter. Then go to a craft store and purchase a sturdy wire wreath frame in the size you need, and also some wire twist ties or florist's wire, and the artificial fruit. You may also want to get velvet ribbons and bows to add an extra splash of color to your wreath.

Give yourself a large workspace, such as a kitchen table, and set all your materials in front of you. Beginning with the largest of your pinecones, tie them onto the wire frame by using the twist ties or florist's wire. You can attach the wire to either the center of the pinecone or wrap it tightly around one individual prong.

Keep adding the largest cones until you have filled in most of the wreath, then go back and fill in any gaps and thin spots with the smaller cones.

The natural look of the wreath is attractive, but because pinecones are organic, they will not last forever unless some effort is made to preserve them. When you are satisfied with the way the pinecones are tied onto your wreath, you can either paint or spray on shellac or varnish to preserve your wreath and give it a smooth finish. When it has dried, you can add your artificial fruit, ribbons, or any other seasonal decorations.

Excerpted from Sabbats, by Edain McCoy