we know our readers walk a myriad of paths, worship in all forms and fashions, and love abundantly. so why just be confined to carols and egg nog--not to mention the deadly black friday crowds--when you can enjoy a variety of solstice celebrations?
our good friend at incredible juju cited some interesting reflections on this year's solstice.
the wonderful women of casa atabex ache have also offered some lovely alternatives:
Convey love to family, friends, and everyone in your world, feasting together and exchanging home made presents. Continue this custom by visiting, entertaining, giving gifts, and sending greetings by mail and/or phone. Consider those who are and/or have been important in your life and share appreciation.
Reclaim the holidays, celebrate life. Honor the Goddess as Great Mother. Place Mother Goddess images around your home. You may also want to include one with a Sun child, such as Isis with Horus. Goddess forms traditionally linked with this time of year include Atabex (Puerto Rico, mother of creation), Yemaya,(African goddess of home, fertility, love, family and the New Year), Tonantzin (Native Mexican corn mother), Holda (Teutonic earth goddess of good fortune), Bona Dea (Roman women's goddess of abundance and prophecy), Ops (Roman goddess of plenty), Au Set/Isis (Egyptian/multicultural All Goddess whose worship continued in Christian times under the name Mary), Lucina/St. Lucy (Roman/Swedish goddess/saint of light), and Befana (Italian Witch who gives gifts to children at this season).
Honor the new solar year with light. Do a Solstice Eve ritual in which you meditate in darkness and then welcome the birth of the sun by lighting candles and singing chants and women power songs. If you have a indoor fireplace or an outdoor fire circle, burn an oak log as a Yule log and save a bit to start next year's fire. Decorate the inside and/or outside of your home with electric colored lights. Because of the popularity of five pointed stars as holiday symbols, this is a good time to display a pentagram of blue or white lights.
Contribute to the manifestation of more wellness on Planet Earth. Donate food and clothing to poor in your area. Volunteer time at a social service agency. Put up bird feeders and keep them filled throughout the winter to supplement the diets of wild birds. Donate funds and items to non-profit groups, such as women healing spaces and environmental organizations. Meditate for world peace. Work magic for a healthier planet. Make a pledge to do some form of good works in the new solar year.
for you history honeys out there, here are a few links discussing the origin of christmas, from the christian, pagan, and scholarly points of view.
however you choose to celebrate this time of year, may the season and the new year bring you peace, joy, and all your heart's desires.
in bliss,
your devoted proprietress
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