Celebrating my Namesake · 5:55am Dec 22nd, 2017
Today is the Winter Solstice, and I must say it's been quite a year. Here's a short description of the day:
When the sun directly hits the Tropic of Capricorn on December 21 at 11:28 am EST, it will mark the deepest and longest part of winter. The winter solstice, in a literal sense, marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. But it’s a scientific phenomenonsteeped in cultural context. Historically, the solstice’s significance has been tied most intimately to witches, pagans, and druid communities who draw their beliefs and rituals from Norse, Celtic, Welsh, Icelandic cultures, or from indigenous people in what is now Canada.
Long ago, the winter solstice was an extreme enough shift in weather and lifestyle that it merited a spiritual explanation, and the stories written by our ancestors birthed rituals still practiced today.
Now, I'm not witch, pagan or Druid, but I may have some Welsh blood. At least I identify with the Welsh and their long struggle against English domination. ( But that's another story ). Anyway, I decided to celebrate the day with a lantern walk. It's a simple tradition, but one with great significance. My neighbors think I'm weird anyway, so this wasn't too far out of the ordinary for me. Next year I'll think of something more profound.
So Happy Winter Solstice to all, and it is my wish that though this is the darkest night of the year, you will all find it to be the harbinger of a brighter year.
W_S
Just read The Encounter and i really enjoyed it, so Happy Winter Solstice in arrears and Merry Christmas
4758012
Why, thank you! I worked hard on it and I always appreciate it when someone likes my work.
And Merry Christmas to you as well!