Winter Solstice

I used to actively delve into the alternative forms of religion. What seems long ago, in reality, is just five years ago. It began with an All Hallow's Eve ritual here in Seattle and then a Yule ritual that same year. I bought books, I read on all alternative religions and finally came to the realization that I am too much of an individual to follow any one doctrine. I like to "customize" my belief system and take from many, mostly from the old pagan traditions and the rest from Buddhism. So, my interest hasn't necessarily waned, just my practice of it has. In 2009, my goal is to celebrate all the sabbats and hopefully attend a solstice celebration next year. The solstice coming up; Winter Solstice. A beautiful time of year when we celebrate the darkness because without it, there would be no light. A time celebrated long before the birth of Jesus and in many different forms throughout the world. In Rome, for example, Saturnalia it was called and from them came the Mummers; people who would go from home to home singing the joys of the season and that is where Christmas Caroling came from. This December, I want to remember why we truly put up a tree, kiss under the mistletoe and burn the yule log in our fire, figuratively or literally. It is interesting to note the many symbols we take for granted and credit the Christian religion when it should really belong to our fore mothers and forefathers.

Yule: def. Wheel, or a symbol for the sun.
Symbolizes the pagan God Mithras in Northern Europe. Burning a yule log celebrates
the inevitable return of the sun because after Solstice, each day gets longer by the
minute.

Mistletoe: Sacred plant considered to be prosperous and used in early fertility rituals. Druid in
origin. Also a plant for love and peace.

Hollyberries: Thought to be good food to offer to the Gods.

The Tree: "Live evergreen trees were often brought into homes during the harsh winters as a reminder to inhabitants that soon their crops would grow again. Evergreen boughs were sometimes carried as totems of good luck and were often present at weddings, representing fertility. The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshiping huge trees."
-taken from http://www.essortment.com/all/christmaspagan_rece.htm

These are just a few. I remember one year, I celebrated the Winter Solstice by sitting on my kitchen floor, lighting the room by a few candles and decorating a wreathe in honor of the sun god. I placed it on my door. I celebrated alone that night and it was beautiful.

This year, I will try, (as my sister is begging me to do) to be calm, not let others annoy me or let me annoy myself! I will spend time with my daughter, shop online only and enjoy a quiet, relaxing Christmas with the people that really matter in my life. And for those who I can't see this Christmas, let them know they mean the world to me.