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It is out of the darkness that flowers eventually emerge, babies are born, and inspiration for poetry and ideas are nurtured on the page and through our voices. Surrender to your dreaming and celebrate the dark where your inner life is honored and nurtured. Re-light your inner light. What dreams do you carry inside? What are you visioning or hoping for?"~Ruth Barrett
21st December-It is the depth of winter and the start of the season of Yule. The ground is frozen, and nature is sleeping under a thick blanket of snow. But deep within the womb of the earth life is stirring - the sun is reborn.
At the Winter Solstice, when we have reached the longest night the flame of hope is born and carries us through the rest of the winter. Solstice is derived from two Latin words, "sol" meaning sun and "sistere" meaning to stand still. The Winter Solstice is unique among the days of the year-it is the time of the longest night (for those of us who live north of the equatorial zones) and the shortest day. And while this sabbat is meant to ring in the returning of the light, it's important to remember that with this being the longest, darkest day of the year, sometime should be spent in contemplation of that darker side. For without the dark there cannot be light. And without introspection there cannot be inspiration. It’s a quietness I look forward to each winter—like the world is inviting us to mirror Mother Nature.
Now is the time to reflect on the year behind us. To look at the fears we had...to look at all the chances we took....to see all that we lost...and look at the joy we gave. Know in your heart that you are strong enough...fearless enough to walk through the gate (or the fire, are you listening Kali?) into the next year. So, stand still for a moment today & reflect. Welcome the turning of the Wheel and step into the light as your best self. Be fearless-for you are your own sun...and you shine so bright.
This solstice give yourself the gift of tenderness and release…gather with others, light lanterns, set intentions that will grow with the warmth of the sun’s increasing light (much like the new moon on Dec. 23rd), and celebrate the healing powers of the dark. May Iris, Rhiannon, Hera, Lucina, Bona Dea, Frigga, Lucia and Freya show you the beauty of the season and bless you many times over.
Happy Winter Solstice & a most Blessed Yule...may it truly bring Peace & Healing…Love to all of you...
2 parts Fir needles
1 part clove
1 part frankincense tears
1 part myrrh resin
5 star anise seeds
½ part amber resin
Mix all together. If frankincense, myrrh and the amber are not moist enough to stick add a bit of honey to the mix. This will definitely bind your loose incense. Make sure to dry completely. Use in incense warmer or burn on a charcoal disk set in fireproof bowl.
1 bottle good-quality dry red wine (pinot noir or merlot work well)
¼ cup good brandy
½ small orange, sliced
2” piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
13 whole cloves
6 star anise, whole
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon black peppercorn
¼ cup coconut sugar, optional
Uncork the wine and pour it into a cauldron. With intent, add in each of the remaining ingredients. Give the brew a good, clockwise swirl to mingle all the flavors. Now light your fire on very low, cover, and allow the blend to heat up slowly, at least 20 minutes. Take care not to let it boil. When you are ready, take the lid off, revealing the fragrance and splendor of it all! Ladle into heat-safe glasses or earthen mugs. Serves 8
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