Happy Winter Solstice To All, 

Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, Alban and Midwinter represents the darkest  and shortest day of the year. The Sun is at its lowest point shortening our daylight hours. As I sit here at my desk on this very special date, 21st of December, it is but 2.00pm in the afternoon and already the darkness is beginning to fall. I have just put the lights on in the room so that I find my way around. The heavy dark sky and torrential rain cover my environment like a wet sodden grey wool cloak. The Sun has sunk to its lowest point, is weak and lacks warmth. Ancient Pagans believed that on this night, The Holly King went into headlong battle with the Oak King to retain his Reign over the Waning part of the Year. The Holly King battled the same Oak King on the eve of 21st of June, Midsummer’s Eve and prevailed, becoming Champion and ruler of The Natural World since then. However, as December 21st began to draw near, The Holly King could feel his powers and strength increasing. He would begin the day as the Supreme Ruler but just like The Wheel of Fortune in The Tarot reminds us that once the Wheel has reached it highest point of its rotation, it must by the laws of Nature and the Universe, begin once more its downward turn. As the Holly King would reach the upper most point, The Sun would reach its lowest.

The Holly King today finds himself in this exalted position but he knows the cycle of things, and must revel in this day for he has reached the ultimate point of his power. The Wheel, The Cycle of the Year is forever turning, never standing still and sure enough, as night follows day, the Wheel will make that very important move that will topple the Holly King from his Throne. Regardless of his ancient knowledge, The Holly King will relentlessly endeavour to retain his Reign by going into mortal battle with The Oak King, The Lord of the Waxing part of the year. The Battle happens every year on the 21st, and this eve, The Holly King will lose, just like he loses every year. The Oak King will Slay him just as he does every year. It is now time for The Lord of The waxing year to Reign, but to do so, The Holly King must die. To the ancient Celts, this was a constant reminder of the cyclical nature of all things. After Death, comes Rebirth.

As The Oak King stands victorious over the slain Holly King, the slumbering Goddess in the underworld gives birth to a new son, the Sun, and hope returns to the land with the promise of growth and abundance once more. The nights remain dark and cold but the Sun, still young and weak, gains strength with each passing day, stretching the daylight hours minute by minute until suddenly we notice a real difference as darkness and nightfall come later and later. The Waxing Sun and the Goddess breathe life back into the Earth, and soon we shall see the first signs of growth once more. The Wheel is turning and The Oak King sits proud on its upward turn. He too knows that his Reign will come to an end, but he accepts that is how the laws of nature work. He will enjoy his time on the bright side of The Wheel and all around will hail and welcome his return to power. He has much work to do during his Reign: trees to bud, grass to grow, crops to flourish, fruit to ripen, bodies to heat. He will struggle during his early Reign to protect the ewes during the lambing season from the harshness of snow and driving winds. It will take time for the newborn Sun to be fully effective, but all now look towards the sky and salute it as it rises higher and higher and the first signs of growth become noticeable once more. There is much to rejoice at this time of the year. Yes, there are still hard days to come but from here on in the days will become brighter and longer, lifting our mood and re-energising our spirit. The darkest days are over and it is a time to let go of anything negative in our lives so that we can move positively forward into the light with a renewed faith and strengthened resolve.

Winter Solstice is symbolised by Wreaths, Yule Logs, Holly and Evergreen Trees (Christmas trees)

A little Winter Solstice Ritual

(This involves candles so please take every precaution necessary to ensure safety. This is a great ritual for all the family to take part in)

Take some time today to write down a list of all the things you wish to leave behind in the dark, waning part of the year and your life. Write a second list of all the good things you are determined to work towards in the coming Spring and year. Have two candles prepared, one dark in colour, black would be good, and the other a pale colour, especially white. Now light the black candle and set it in a fireproof container. Meditate on those things that you wish to leave behind  for a few minutes. When you are ready, take the list of all the negative things you wish to let go of and hold it in the flame until it catches fire. Now set it down in the fireproof container or throw it into the fireplace. Blow out the Black Candle which will represent The Death of The Holly King. Watch the list burn,setting  the intention that as it burns, so too do all the negative things you wish to release. Sit for a moment and meditate on this.

Now take your pale coloured candle and light it. This represents the new-born Sun and the Victory of Light over Darkness with the Reign of The Oak King. Place your list of the positive things you wish to achieve beside it. Meditate on its contents and set the intention that it is done. Roll up the list neatly and taking the candle drip some wax onto the edge of the paper. Let it cool and set. Your list is now sealed with your intention. Leave the candle burning in a safe place for the evening but do not leave it unattended. Place the sealed list in a place that is close to where you sleep.

On next Winter Solstice you can break the seal and read your list which will now be a year old. Compare it to how the year has turned out for you. Did you hold hard and fast to your intentions, or did you let some of the old negativity back into your life? There is always time to start again.

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Newgrange, Ireland

Newgrange in Ireland was constructed over 5,000 years ago. It was built during the Neolithic period in the Boyne Valley of Ireland. Newgrange is a passage tomb and temple which has strong astrological and spiritual associations. Very special spiritual and religious ceremonies were held there, but there is something very important about Newgrange. At dawn, from the 19th to the 23rd of December each year, the rising sun enters the passage way and illuminates the inner-chamber. Just above the entrance to the passage way is a small opening and it appears to have been specially built to allow the rising sun to enter on the shortest day of the year. As the sun rises, the rays  push further into the inner chamber and dramatically light its interior. This only last a matter of minutes but for the ancient peoples of the time it must have been very spectacular and of immense importance. It meant that all was in Divine Order and the Universe was working as it should. The range of dates from the 19th to the 23rd show us that their calculations were not exact and precise but they knew that it would be within that time frame. For them it would have marked the rebirth of life after death.

Hundreds gather every year to witness this spectacular event. They stand in the darkness and wait for the sun to rise. The feeling must be incredible as the inner chamber becomes alive, and for those lucky people who are allowed access on this special day, they must be aware of the spirits of all those who have stood there before them so long ago ,waiting as they did today for the sign from the Gods that the Sun had been reborn once more.

Here is a link to one of our National TV Stations RTE who covered the wonderful event at Newgrange this morning. 

Newgrange 21st of December 2013, Sunrise and the Illumination of The Inner Chamber – RTE Coverage

The Goddess has given birth to the New Sun. Let us all rejoice,

Winter Solstice Blessings to All,

Vivien (your Tarot Teacher)

Copyright © 2006-2013 Vivien Ní Dhuinn