Happy Winter Solstice

[Aaron]

Happy Winter Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere)!!

Looking forward to more Light every day!

[CeCee]

Happy Solstice!!!

A few years ago a friend invited me to join with her and other friends and family to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
She has a home in the country and we always have a big bomb fire and celebrate the lights return.
After reading your post, Aaron, I thought I would write a short poem about the celebration of the light returning.

Winter Solstice ` And the light returns

As winds blew cold north kisses upon our cheeks
We gathered round the blazing fire
Mesmerized by the dancing of colorful flame
To share the rituals of long ages past
We celebrate and the light returns

Icicle candles glimmered in the near full moon
Lighting the path to the cedar boughs
As each was placed upon the flame
Releasing what no longer serves
We celebrate and the light returns

Firelight rising up to greet the sky
In a rainbow dance of joy
Children smiling, quietly watching
Their fears and frights fly by
We celebrate and the light returns

Hot apple cider, chocolate and chai
Oranges, grapes and cheese
We gathered round the family table
Humming a remembered melody
We celebrate and the light returns

And when the festivities came to an end
As we wished each other well
With a hug of friendship to keep us warm
We went our separate ways until we meet again
We celebrate and the light returns.


Happy Winter Solstice!

[Keoi]

Yule also know as the Winter Solstice is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice had been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess and a promise of a fruitful New Year!




Maggie, Your poem is Brilliant as always!!!

[zartgirl]

Ahhhh Maggie

Maggie as usual your poem is absolutely fabulous!!! I truly did enjoy it!

You know until you live in the Northern Hemisphere you really never understand what the "longest day of the year" is! Growing up in California even the short days were long! Now that I live up in Washington State though, I now know what it means to have the light return! It is so strange to have it getting dark as the kids get home from school! I have really struggled with the darkness here in the winter, and that is one reason I do long to go home to California! Hmmm... Maybe next year if the kids and I are still here we will have to have a special celebration of the return of the light! Maybe it will make living here a little more fun and enjoyable!

Happy Winter Solstice
Sallyjane zartgirl