December 2009 Issue

Winter Solstice is upon us again, marking the passing from this year into next. Have you noticed time seems to be moving more quickly? Is it a quickening? Solstice is a good time to take a moment or two, to pause and reflect on the year past.

It is also the season to ponder magic and the rebirth of the coming year. Take a cue from bear; hibernate and incubate, then bring forth new life in emerging spring.

Historically, many ancient gods and goddesses were born during Winter Solstice. Egyptian goddess Isis delivered Horus, whose symbol was the winged Sun. Mithras, the Unconquered Sun of Persia, was born during the Solstice, as was Ameratsu, the Japanese Goddess of the Sun, and Sarasvati, Queen of Heaven in India.

It is no coincidence that the birth of Christ occurs in the Yule season. Christmas had been a moveable date until the fourth century when Pope Julius I made December 25 the "official" date.

Numerous other holiday traditions come from the earlier pagan traditions. In ancient Europe, the Norse goddess Freya sat at her spinning wheel weaving the wheel of fate. Freya's "Wheel of Fate" signified the cycle of the seasons and the continuity of life, and became represented by the Christmas wreath. Wood spirits were treated to warmth when live trees were brought into the house. Bells and treats were hung on the branches and thankful nature fairies would make their presence known. Five-pointed stars, symbols of the five elements, were placed on top.

Winter Solstice was a time for visions. Rhiannon, the Welsh incarnation of the Celtic Mare Goddess, rode through the dreams of her people, transporting them between the worlds where they could create their own visions, helping them to make their dreams come true. In Scottish tradition, the last night of the year was Wish Night, a holiday when wishes made are at their most powerful.

So, while we ponder the long shadows of the coming darkness, we can reflect on the light within, and the coming light of the next cycle of the wheel of life. We can set intentions on what we want to bring into our reality and make our own dreams come true.