Winter Solstice (21st - 22nd December)
In astronomy, the solstice is either of the two times a year when
the Sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator,
the great circle on the celestial sphere that is on the same plane
as the earth's equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice
occurs either December 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over
the tropic of Capricorn; the summer solstice occurs either June
21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Cancer.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter and summer solstices are
reversed.
Reason for the Seasons
The reason for the different seasons at opposite times of the
year in the two hemispheres is that while the earth rotates about
the sun, it also spins on its axis, which is tilted some 23.5 degrees
towards the plane of its rotation. Because of this tilt, the Northern
Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight (creating winter) while
the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight (creating
summer). As the Earth continues its orbit the hemisphere that is
angled closest to the sun changes and the seasons are reversed.
Longest Night of the Year
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night
of the year. The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and
its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before
and after the solstice. Hence the origin of the word solstice, which
comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, "sun" and stitium,
"a stoppage." Following the winter solstice, the days
begin to grow longer and the nights shorter
Winter solstice was overlaid with Christmas, and the observance
of Christmas spread throughout the globe. Along the way, we lost
some of the deep connection of our celebrations to a fundamental
seasonal, hemispheric event. Many people, of many beliefs, are looking
to regain that connection now.
Newgrange
Newgrange is a beautiful megalithic site in Ireland. This huge
circular stone structure is estimated to be 5,000 years old, older
by centuries than Stonehenge, older than the Egyptian pyramids!
It was built to receive a shaft of sunlight deep into its central
chamber at dawn on winter solstice.
The light illuminates a stone basin below intricate carvings --
spirals, eye shapes, solar discs. Although not much is known about
how Newgrange was used by its builders, marking the solstice was
obviously of tremendous spiritual import to them.
To read more about Newgrange you can view their website by clicking
on www.knowth.com/newgrange.htm
Celtic Tree Calendar's Sacred Trees of Winter Solstice
Yew: Last Day of Solar Year; Death.
Silver Fir: Winter Solstice Day; Birth.
Birch: Month following Winter Solstice; Beginning.
Caroling
While the tradition of "caroling" and going door to
door to sing for ones neighbors is only done during the Holiday
Season in recent years. In times gone by, it was common to carol
from door to door for many of the major festivals. It is thought
that certain tunes were found particularly useful for this tradition.
Celtic blessings for the season
"May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on
your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of
Christmas."
Alban Arthuan
Alban Arthuan is one of the ancient Druidic fire festivals.
Taking place on December 21st through 22nd, Alban Arthuan coincides
with the Winter Solstice. Translated, it means "The Light of
Arthur," in reference to the Arthurian legend that states King
Arthur was born on the Winter Solstice. Alban Arthuan is also known
as Yule, derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Yula," or "Wheel
of the Year" and marked the celebration of both the shortest
day of the year and the rebirth of the sun. Alban Arthuan was also
believed to be a time of increased fertility. Early Celtic calendars
measured the months according to the moon's revolution of the earth.
Present Traditions
Today Christmas is celebrated at this time of year. Many of
the symbology that is used is deeply rooted in Pagan traditions.
The Christmas tree was used by the Norse at Jul, which they hung
offerings to the Gods, and the tree itself being evergreen symbolises
hope through the year. The star on top represented the newborn Sun
(the sun, of course, being a star that we orbit). The mistletoe
was seen to be magically an aphrodisiac by the Druids, and the Yule
log was burned, but was exchanged with candles on the tree, by the
Norse as well.
The custom of burning the Yule Log, the Yule-associated tradition
that is most familiar to people today, was performed to honour the
Great Mother Goddess. The log would be lit on the eve of the solstice,
using the remains of the log from the previous year, and would be
burned for twelve hours for good luck.
Decorating the Yule tree was also originally a Pagan custom; brightly
colored decorations would be hung on the tree, usually a pine, to
symbolize the various stellar objects which were of significance
to the Pagans, the sun, moon, and stars, and also to represent the
souls of those who had died in the previous year. The modern practice
of gift giving evolved from the Pagan tradition of hanging gifts
on the Yule tree as offerings to the various Pagan Gods and Goddesses.
Some of the current traditions surrounding "Father Christmas"
or Santa Claus can also be traced back to Celtic roots. His "elves"
are the modernization of the "Nature folk" of the Pagan
religions, and his reindeer are associated with the "Horned
God" (one of the Pagan deities).
Advent Wreath
The origins of the Advent Wreath are obscure but it is said that
it was a family custom widely practised in the northern countries
of Europe during the 19th century. It is a simple way to start a
family tradition of prayer in the home. Those who participate will
cherish the experience all their life. The wreath is in the shape
of a circle, made of evergreen or holly, it represents eternity
since a circle has no beginning or end. This is like God's life,
which is everlasting. The evergreen, which stays green, symbolises
life, growth and the 'never changingness' of God. The four outer
candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Three candles are purple,
signifying a time of preparation, of opening our heart to the coming
of the Lord; one candle is pink to mark the third or 'Gaudete' Sunday
('gaudete' is 'rejoice' in Latin). It represents the joy we know
because God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus into the
world. The last remaining candle is white. It is in the centre of
the wreath and it is lit on Christmas Eve. It represents the birth
of Christ in our midst. Advent is the beginning of the Liturgical
Year.
| Wreaths are used in the home today, to decorate
doors or windows. They can be made of evergreens, pine or holly,
with berries and fruit. You can buy them or make them yourself.
Artificial wreaths are very popular, but they don't have the
smell of the real wreath. |
 |
The Winter Solstice is considered the most holy time of the Pagan
year. This season marks the death and rebirth of the Sun-God conceived
at Shadowfest. The Goddess shows Her life-in-death aspect, as She
labours through the night. The God, representing the Sun, is reborn
at the Winter Solstice, bringing light, hope and renewal. In Celtic
tradition, it is the night that the Holly King, the God of the Waning
Year, is slain by the the Oak King, the God of the Waxing Year.
The Stag God of the Forest overcomes the Wolf God of the Forest.
The Goddess is seen as the great Ice Queen of Darkness, but even
now, in this time death and darkness, she renews hope by giving
birth to the Child of Promise, the hero-king, and the Son-Lover,
who will refertilize Her at spring, to bring back the light and
warmth. It is therefore a time of great celebration, and great holiness.
This night is the longest night of the year, where the Gods of
the Oak and Holly do battle, and the Goddess gives birth to the
Sun. The Goddess turns the Wheel of the Year to its starting point
for the morning after the longest night, Pagans greet the new Sun
and celebrate the waxing year. The rising Sun brings the promise
of Spring. It is still a long time before the Sun will be strong.
It is a time of making wishes and hopes for the coming year, and
of setting resolutions. From the darkness comes light.
Winter Solstice Faerie
By Mickie Mueller
This is the faerie of the Winter Solstice, an Ice elemental.
She is the one that make designs on you windows, patterns on the
water, and coats the trees with a thin layer of ice so that they
glitter in the sunlight. But treat her with respect, because she
is also the one who freezes your car door shut, and when she comes
early you better cover your plants. None of this is done out of
malice, this is just as natural as faeries that make things grow.
Without the ice and cold, nature would get no rest and couldn't
grow in the spring when the ice faeries sisters awaken them.
Recent metaphysical research has been done involving freezing water.
When kind words and positive emotions were spoken over water before
it was frozen the patterns appeared lovely, and symetrical. When
harsh words and negative emotions were given to the water the ice
patterns were unattractive and skewed. Is this evidence of the ice
elementals and the effect of our energies on our environment? A
great experiment to try at home, but it may be wise to thank and
apologize to the ice elementals afterwards.
Appreciate the ice faeries work in the beauty of a delicate snowflake,
and her amazing formations. Thank her for her work by feeding the
birds that have trouble finding food beneath her lovely works of
icey art. Ask her for assistance to help you keep sure footing while
traversing an icey path or attempting not to slide off the road.
She means no harm and will assist if you request it. Take a little
time to stop and admire her.
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