Winter Solstice '05 Dec - 21 @ 12:35PM (MST)

Boring Science Part:

The Earth is nearer to the sun in January than it is in June (3 million miles nearer).

What causes the seasons?

The Earth leans slightly on its axis like a spinning top frozen in one off-kilter position. This angle as stated by astronomers is precisely 23 degrees and 27 minutes off the perpendicular to the plane of orbit. Its facinating to me that all of our seasonal beauty (and destruction ) is because of the variances in the hours and minutes each hemisphere receives precious sunlight.

What does the world Solstice mean?

It means standing still sun. SOooo..... The winter solstice occurs when your (dont think winter ='s cold and snowy...its still the winter solstice in other hemispheres) leaning farthest from the sun, thus causing the shortest daylight...and the sun will be at its lowest arc in the sky.

Cultures all over the world celebrate the winter solstice.....with dance, and cermeonies. It started in ancient times due to fear that the sun wouldnt return to the sky unless there was a party.

Some ancient cultures built - tombs, temples, cairns and sacred observatories -- to align with the solstices and equinoxes. Stonehenge (Scotland), NewGrange(Ireland). Stonehenge is a perfect marker of both winter and summer solstices.

Newgrange, is a huge circular stone structure is estimated to be 5,000 years old, older by centuries than Stonehenge, older than the Egyptian pyramids! It was built to receive a shaft of sunlight deep into its central chamber at dawn on winter solstice.

Maeshowe, North of Scotland, on the Orkney Islands admits the winter solstice setting sun. Historians have documented it as "one of the greatest architectural achievements of the prehistoric peoples of Scotland."

and the list goes on..............but now the fun stuff:

The rebirth of the Sun.....the birth of the SON....mmm??? interesting coincidink?? I think NOT!! Christmas was established some 1600 yrs ago. Perhaps somewhere during our 1600 yr journey.......the deep connection of our celebrations to a fundamental seasonal, hemispheric event has been lost and replaced by retail!!! UGH!

Activities for the Winter Solstice:

Four days out of the year that mark the turning of the seasons are especially magical times-- so dvination of the events of the coming year is a prominent feature of Winter Solstice. Tarot, Rune or I Ching readings can be especially significant at this time as can dreams or visions seen in meditation. Winter Solstice is also an excellent time for banishing rituals to eliminate disease, bad habits & addictions.

Winter Solstice is a time of new beginnings. Rebirth from death, light from darkness! Spells and rituals dedicated to the blessing of a new endeavor or the growth of personal skills, loving relationships, business ventures, etc. are especially powerful at this time. Spend some time cleaning and clearing out the old to make room for the new ideas, plans, relationships and good fortune you hope to draw to you in the coming year.

Burn a pair of bayberry candles on Yule as a charm to insure growth and prosperity for the new year.

Blessed BE ...peace out my peeps......oh...I forgot the best part......clothing is always optional at these celebrations........skyclad! whoo--hoo!!