Happy Solstice

[FourChimneys]

It's the shortest day of the year. Whether you are celebrating the solstice, or are just glad that the darkest days will be behind us, have a wonderful day.

If you are celebrating, what are you doing? A lot of time spent outside and a nice meal here. I always find the winter solstice far more relevant and meaningful than Christmas.

I always like the solstice... sort of makes me feel connected to people of many years, decades and even millennia ago, all looking forward.

Will definitely light a candle and listen to Ring Out Solstice Bells tonight!

garlicandsapphires I've never been to Stonehenge for a solstice but I imagine it would be very inspiring. I don't think the forecast is great for tomorrow unfortunately, possibly too overcast to get a good sunrise.

That artwork is beautiful - so evocative!

Loving this thread. Will be tuning into Stonehenge and rejoicing in the light.

Anyone come across Lia Leendertz? She makes an almanac and has a podcast, As the Season Turns, with lots of lovely tips and info based on nature and ancient traditions.

We are making lots of Yule logs with greenery from around the farm and will give them to friends, we are going to light some candles we made at Litha and also some ice candles (if they work!) later. We are also going make some herb bundles for the bonfire and dry and keep them for Litha.

Solitary witch here, thank you for the solstice blessings. I'll be doing a little ritual later, lighting candles and setting my intentions for the year ahead.

There are those that incorporate legends and mythology, others where fire, candles and lights are the central elements. You can be as creative as you like, with elaborate drama and poetry or very make it simple and heartfelt.

The Oak and the Holly King sometimes have a battle for dominion over the year, or the Old God can ask the Goddess for rest and hand the light to the New God, the Golden Child. The Goddess sometimes gives birth to the Child of Light, etc.
Sometimes we are in the darkness, awaiting the spark of light and we each have a candle, which we light from the Source. 🌞

TodayInahurry * *I'm with you! Can't wait for longer evenings. Even sunset at 5 pm will be a great improvement on it being pitch black at 4.

The Oak and Holly King doing battle sounds spectacular. I always imagine the Pagan religion being steeped in symbolism.

Happy Solstice everyone! Here’s to the light and warmth to come 😊

I just had a solstice ceremony with my two eldest.

They made an alter from greenery out the garden/cinnamon sticks etc, then they turned all the lights off leaving the master candle. We blew that out together and made a wish, then takes about why the darkness was important. Then we relit the master candle and everyone lit a small candle from it. Was very peaceful.

I feel more optimistic now the year has turned. Onwards!

btw Huberman Lab on Insta has some interesting things to say about the effect of light on us (circadian rhythm, sleep, energy, etc) and how it varies by season - Winter to Summer solstice is recognised as a time of growing energy in the neuroscience - because we have evolved to be in tune with the planet’s position relative to the Sun. Fascinating stuff.