As pagans worldwide prepare to celebrate Yule, a nod to the looming new year, Ami Lahoff, a ceremonial magician and owner of Star + Splendor in Troy, will celebrate a rebirth of her own.
As Lahoff observes the beginnings of winter, she will wind down the operation of her shop in Troy at the end of December in preparation for a move to Altamont, where a tea and espresso bar will be added. The store will reopen at its new location in February.
What is Yule?
Yule is a celebration of the winter solstice, or the longest night of the year. Falling on Dec. 21, it signifies a new solar cycle and the year to come. Today, it is mostly celebrated by people of pagan faiths. Its origins are most widely believed to be Norse, tracing back to the ancient festival of jól, according to Britannica.
“Even though there are some bitterly cold days to come, this is the turning point. Things only get better from here on out,” said Viktoria Whittaker, who lives south of Albany and has practiced witchcraft for about 40 years…