Monday, December 20, 2010

Winter Solstice


Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. 
It marks the return of the sun, when the days begin to get a little longer.

When Mr. Dragon and I first married, on the winter solstice we made a big pot of posole, invited friends over, decorated the tree, and shared a special ornament -- usually in the shape of an animal.

When we moved to Texas, we still made the big pot of posole, but didn't invite friends over.
I often wonder why we didn't continue that tradition.
We still share an animal ornament and our tree has been slowly over run with birds!




This year the excitement has been building for the winter solstice as there will also be a lunar eclipse.
It is a rare event. Historians at the US Naval Observatory only found one previous instance of a lunar eclipse matching the same calendar date as that of the solstice and that was December 21, 1638.


Image from Space Weather


We will feast and make merry this evening.
There is a wonderful stew simmering on the stove and a warm glass of cider has our name on it.
We'll also make sure our feathered friends have plenty of food and water
as we make a conscious connection with Mother Earth.



Image from jksalescompany.com


Have a cool Yule!


15 comments:

Janet said...

Happy Winter Solstice to you! Enjoy the stew and the warm cider. It's rainy and chilly here today so both of those sound really good.

Theresa said...

Dear Snap, Wishing you a lovely winter solstice & Happy Holidays!
~Theresa

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Solstice blessings to you both!

Diva Kreszl said...

I just restocked my supply of bird seed and suet today! thanks for sharing your lovely traditions with us and the recipe for wassail punch!

Natasha in Oz said...

I have been reading all about this amazing event too. Apparently some parts of Australia will even get to see something but it won't be very significant. I hope that your Yule celebrations are spectacular.

Perhaps you could send a positive thought to the moon for a sweet blogging friend, Jane, from Australia. You can read about our prayers to the moon on my main blog, 5 minutes just for me. I hope you will join us.

Blessings and best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and I hope you have a very happy 2011.

Natasha.

Jacoba said...

Hi Snap,

How interesting to read! I was fascinated by the moon in my garden and just placed a post, mentioning the eclipse as well. It will be difficult for us to see, it is early in the morning and the moon will not be high. Fascinating though.
Hope things are better with your husband?
Seasons greetings from a snowy Holland,
Jacoba

Dorothy Borders said...

A wonderful winter soltice to you and may the coming year be kind.

Pretty Things said...

Have a wonderful time watching the eclipse!

Cezar and Léia said...

It's a beautiful story dear Snap, thanks for sharing!
I think in Japan today is the day to exchange gifts (?) it's about the solstice I think.
Anyway, this post is beautiful and very interesting.
purrs and always love, good energies and lights!
Léia and little LUNA - WE LOVE LUNA

Kim Mailhot said...

Happy Solistice to you and Mr. Dragon, Lovely Snap ! May your holidays be filled with the light and love of the season!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy Solstice! My husabnd and I visited the large buriel mound in Newgrange, Ireland, a few years ago, whose inner chamber lights up with the rise of the Solistice sun's rays . It was very enchanting!

My daughter awoke at 3 AM to see the moon last night...I could not wake up. The difference of age? :)

Carol said...

Happy Winter and a very Merry Christmas! What a wonderful tradition you and Mr. Dragon have!

LissaL said...

I had leftover pizza and tried to take pics of the eclipse but they didn't turn out so well. I would have preferred to be with you, your hubby & the stew & cider:)Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!

Anonymous said...

Your solstice celebration sounds perfectly lovely, Snap. I went to bed early and missed the whole thing, but I suppose rest is something we benefit from this time of year too!

Wishing you and Mr. Dragon a joyful holiday!!

Lorrie said...

Hi Snap!

Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday season full of brightness and love.