For millennia winter has been a time for festivals and meaningful celebrations, so "happy holidays" encompasses multiple traditions. This year I was invited to join in a different holiday tradition - the yule log in celebration of winter solstice, when the sun slowly lengthens its daily presence.

After an offering was given for its gift, this locally harvested log had little holes drilled in it to receive slips of paper with the participants' hopes for the coming year. Once filled, the log is burned and voices lift in song. My invitation came from a kind-eyed Wicca priestess with a warm home and lovely holiday tree topped with a pointy hat, although Yule isn't restricted to Wiccan tradition.

Wicca's roots are hard to pin down. Once called simply "the Old Religion," Wicca has been translated as "soothsayer" and "craft of the wise" in Old English. Wisdom in old times was associated with a deep understanding of nature. With Celtic connections to the fall festival of Samhain and other ancient rites, Wicca has piecemeal spiritual origins in other nature-based, pagan religions and rituals throughout the centuries, but gained momentum in the 20th. The first Wiccan church in the U.S. was established in 1968; Wicca was federally recognized as a religion in 1972.

Yes, there is magic, but not the kind you're thinking of. Wiccans believe all of nature is divine, and that every living thing is spiritually and in a way, physically connected to every other. The more connected one is to this divinity, to this energy, the more of its power one can harness. While Wiccan beliefs can vary, one idea is universal: "And it harm none, do as ye will."

The harnessed energy, the connection of all life, is not so different from a concept of super-karma.

Wiccans also believe in a law of attraction:

"The threefold law says that whatever we put out into the universe comes back to us three times," said Keryn Richards, a priestess and coven leader in Coeur d'Alene. She's also a massage therapist and Reiki practitioner.

Richards grew up in a Christian evangelical household and always felt something was missing. She respects her parents' and others' religions, but Wicca's respect for women and "the goddess aspect" are what first drew her; the emphasis on balance and nature cemented the change.

"The Wiccan path gives my life meaning because if we live as the Earth does then life flows much easier. For example, I follow the cycles of the Earth called Sabbats. In spring the Earth is budding with new life; therefore I am budding with new ideas for plans in my life. In winter the Earth has withdrawn; therefore in my life I withdraw and look back on all that I have done over the year."

For Wiccans there is no heaven or hell, other than what we create for ourselves in life. Some practitioners refer to gods and goddesses, but these are more manifestations of nature and seasons than commonly understood deities. There are not sins, but there are life lessons attained through harmful and beneficial behaviors. As one reforms oneself by these lessons, it is a form of reincarnation.

One can observe Wiccan beliefs and traditions alone or in a coven - a close-knit group who study and practice the craft together and become like a family. Richards leads a newly formed coven of seven men and women, ranging in age from 9 to 50. It's something of a rainbow coalition; Wicca knows no prejudices.

"Variety is definitely welcome. One of the growing reasons for people practicing Wicca is that it accepts everyone as they are," said Richards.

Because covens are family-style, fit and mutual comfort are important and inclusion comes in steps. Those interested in learning more may contact Richards at gaiagoddess13@yahoo.com

My hope for the yule log? That all people, regardless of chosen spiritual path, are guided in thought and action by compassion and respect the same in others.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholehjo@hotmail.com.