Winter Solstice, 2021

Dear, Thoughtful and Caring Children of the Earth,

The Winter Solstice is here! The longest night of the year is upon us.

This ancient observance of mystery and magic was known by many Pagans as Yule and is one of the oldest celebrations in the world.

The longest night brings the return of the Sun, beginning 6 months of increasing daylight. Symbolically, Yule is associated with the idea that "it's always darkest before the Dawn" and that life happens in cycles, not endings.

Bonfires and feasts, gatherings to dance and make merry, gift-giving and being kind to everyone around us have always been a part of this sacred time.

Solstice may also be a time for solitude and reflection. Some spend this night in prayer or meditation or visioning for the coming year. Some just like to curl up and get cozy.

In the language of Astrology, Winter Solstice 2021 is taking place as Saturn (Structure, Responsibilities) and Uranus (Revolutionary Changes) are moving into a square aspect for the third time this year. 

The last waning square between these two planets happened in 1976-77.  That was a time of the Soweto riots against Apartheid, the death of Mao, Apple Computer Co. was established and Fluorocarbons were identified as causing the hole in the ozone layer.   

Square aspects between planets point to a need for understanding both sides. With Saturn and Uranus, tension exists between the side that wants things to stay the same (Saturn) and the side that understands change is needed in order to grow (Uranus).

At the personal level, whatever structures need to change in our own lives: our homes, our jobs, our relationships or our beliefs, we can step into the returning Sun of Solstice knowing change doesn't mean chaos and we never have to give up anything other than what is holding us back.

This Solstice, take a moment to go outside and breathe. All around us, Mother Nature is doing what she needs to do to create a sustainable future for life on this planet. We can all do our part by letting go of unsustainable structures and bringing in the changes that will create stronger connections. 

In deep appreciation for all you do,

Mary

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I Worried

I worried a lot.  Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not how shall
I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going t get rheumatism,
lockjaw, demetia?

Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing
and gave it up.  And took my old body
and went out into the morning,
and sang.
                                          ...by Mary Oliver

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I recently did an interview with my daughter Justine Kessler, on her podcast In a Time of Ancient Gods!

You can listen through the link HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts! 
 

and if you'd like to find out more about Solstice or Solstice celebrations, please check out these links:

www.almanac.com/content/first-day-winter-winter-solstice

www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/holydays/

www.learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals

www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a38039639/how-to-celebrate-yule/

photo by John Brett