Winter Solstice

Today is the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice. Tomorrow we begin to see an increase in light, the rebirth of the sun. The following description of the solstices was taken from the Spelwerxs website. 

"The seasons of the year are caused by the 23.5º tilt of the earth's axis. Because the earth is rotating like a top, it points in a fixed direction continuously - towards a point in space near the North Star. But the earth is also revolving around the sun. During half of the year, the southern hemisphere is more exposed to the sun than is the northern hemisphere. During the rest of the year, the reverse is true. At noontime in the northern hemisphere the sun appears high in the sky during summertime and low in the sky during the winter. The time of the year when the sun reaches its maximum elevation occurs on the day with the greatest number of daylight hours. This is called the summer solstice, and is typically on June 21st. the first day of summer. "Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere," to cause to stand still. The lowest elevation occurs about December 21st and is the winter solstice - the first day of winter, when the night time hours are maximum. 

In pre-historic times, winter was a very difficult time for Aboriginal people in the northern lattitudes. The growing season had ended and the tribe had to live off of stored food and whatever animals they could catch. The people would be troubled as the life-giving sun sank lower in the sky each noon. They feared that it would eventually disappear and leave them in permanent darkness and extreme cold. After the winter solstice, they would have reason to celebrate as they saw the sun rising and strengthening once more. Although many months of cold weather remained before spring, they took heart that the return of the warm season was inevitable. The concept of birth and or death/rebirth became associated with the winter solstice. The Aboriginal people had no elaborate instruments to detect the solstice. But they were able to notice a slight elevation of the sun's path within a few days after the solstice - perhaps by December 25th. Celebrations were often timed for around the 25th." 

The winter solstice is a time for reflection, resolutions, and renewal. Fires are lit to give strength to the sun and encourage it to return. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, cherishing the past and welcoming the future. 

We hosted our family Christmas party last night and had a great time! I ran out of time to make the Chocolate-Dipped Ball Cookies but hope to make some for our family party at my mother's house this Christmas Eve. We still had more food and sweet treats than we could possibly eat and everyone was joyful and in good spirits. Phil made a very special gift for Mark and I as well. If you have never watched the TV series Lost, you might not understand but it is funny either way. :)

Framed photo of the Dharma Initiative 1977 (with a few additions)

Do you see what is going on here? What a fun gift! Thanks, Phil! 

Enjoy your winter solstice evening, friends. Burn the Yule log, sip a hot beverage, and give thanks for the closing year and gratitude for the year to come.

~ Love & Light ~