The Winter Solstice is officially tomorrow at 4:47 PM EST in the Northern Hemisphere where I live. It marks the longest night of the year, but it’s also on a school and work night! How can we mark the occasion? Like other religious minorities in the US, I weigh my options each year. Honestly, it’sContinue reading “How I’m Observing the Winter Solstice this Year”
Tag Archives: Winter Solstice
Rethinking Holiday Gifts (AKA – The Gift I Want More Than Anything This Year)
It’s been too long since I last posted on my blog. I spent much of October sick or helping take care of sick family members. I thought we were all doing okay for Samhain, and I enjoyed a lovely celebration with my grove, but then the crud crept back up on us and extended aContinue reading “Rethinking Holiday Gifts (AKA – The Gift I Want More Than Anything This Year)”
Book Review: The Return of the Light
While browsing my favorite local bookshop during “Shop Local Saturday,” I came across this little gem tucked among the various winter holiday selections. I was so delighted by the inclusion, I simply had to bring home The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards.Continue reading “Book Review: The Return of the Light”
Turning Inward on the Winter Solstice
Today my family welcomed the reborn sun following the longest night. It’s always a joyous occasion. We rose before the sun, drummed, and cheered for its ascension. Then I made waffles because they’re golden and round! We would have celebrated with our grove last night, but many of us are ill so we decided toContinue reading “Turning Inward on the Winter Solstice”
Pagan Parenting: Today I Talked to my Daughter About Krampus.
My child has been a bit of a handful lately, especially in the evenings. It’s probably a result of too many things packed into a week, fatigue, and the excitement of the holidays. The last couple evenings have been particularly trying. In our home, we talk about Santa as a spirit of generosity and giving;Continue reading “Pagan Parenting: Today I Talked to my Daughter About Krampus.”
Keeping Solstice, Hailing the Sun, and Honoring Nature
Even though I had to work during the Winter Solstice, I made the most of it by greeting the sun from my darkened office. I put on “Here Comes the Sun” and sang along. It was an offering and a devotional. When the song ended, I stood in quiet contemplation at the blue sky streakedContinue reading “Keeping Solstice, Hailing the Sun, and Honoring Nature”
Winter Solstice Eve
Last year, I took a personal day on the Winter Solstice. This year, I used one for Samhain and don’t feel right asking for tomorrow given various things happening at work. I’m mildly resentful tonight as I work myself exhausted trying to make tomorrow a fun and memorable day for my family. I still haveContinue reading “Winter Solstice Eve”
Pagan Parenting: 12 Days of Solstice Chain
Three Cranes Grove is doing their annual 12 Days of Solstice-Along starting tomorrow! Like other ADF Druids, I try to follow along in some capacity each year. Now that my daughter is a little older and more aware, I wanted to do something different to make it very kid-friendly and also help us keep track ofContinue reading “Pagan Parenting: 12 Days of Solstice Chain”
Solstice Countdown
I’ve had a lovely weekend, and a great beginning to December. I ended November by fulfilling a personal achievement – reaching my NaNoWriMo goal! Between that and the busy holiday week previously, I needed this weekend to rest. I’ve put my creative writing to the side for now, however a full moon meditation last nightContinue reading “Solstice Countdown “
Preparing is a Type of Ritual
We put up our Winter Solstice tree last night. My daughter was so excited. This is the first time in many years that we’ve had a large tree or used lights. The new LEDs are supposed to be better… Having a young child made us nostalgic, so my husband and I felt the tug toContinue reading “Preparing is a Type of Ritual”
Author M. A. Phillips 