Alban Arthan

Alban Arthan is the Celtic and Druidic name for the Winter Solstice; it's Welsh for Light of Winter.

The Winter Solstice was never a one day festival - three days seems to be the minimum. The sun appears to stand still for three days, then days begin to noticeably increase in length (and we all sigh in relief). 

Alban Arthan is a celebration of the strengthening sun, and the central theme is renewal; we leave the past behind and greet the new. The world is undergoing constant change and we must change and adjust, too, in order to be able to survive.

From A Druid Way: "One link between the objective and the subjective is awen, inspiration, the flow of spirit, which lets us evoke in others an echo of our original experience. Let the echo be strong enough, let our understanding of this thing called being human, and our skill in working with it, run equal to the task, and music, image, voice, story, object of craft can all serve to unite us in the experience of mystery. An echo from outside awakens a resonance within us." 

Agenda today:

1. Read a novena

2. Druid peace prayer 

3. Light a candle for Integrity

4. Watch Hogfather

5. Hang our stockings with care

1. Read a novena:

I've been reading this Creation Novena from the Indian Catholic Matters site:

Day 7: A Prayer for the Climate

Creator God, we give thanks for the climate. Thank You for the interplay of land, water, and heat that gives rise to the weather patterns. Thank You for the complexity and beauty of all Your systems on Earth.

Thank You for the exquisite balance that has cradled humanity. Thank You for the steady predictability of rain and heat that has for centuries allowed us to grow crops, husband livestock, and thrive.

As we wreak havoc on Your climate, especially through our insistent burning of fossil fuels, give us wisdom. Help us find our rightful place in the great fabric of Your creation.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

2. Druid peace prayer:

Deep within the still center of my being, may I find peace.

Quietly, within the silence of this grove, may I share peace.

Gently, within the greater circle of humankind, may I radiate peace.

—The Druid’s Prayer for Peace

3. Light a candle for Integrity:

For the first part of Soyal I am meditating and writing about each of my core values, and making plans for the coming year based on guidance from the Spirits. Today I am giving attention to Integrity: Being honest and whole, and choosing actions and words that align me with my highest self, with that of God within me, and with who I truly am at my core.

I always work to have integrity by finishing things I start, being flexible and patient, and taking responsibility for things I say and do. This year I foresee that integrity will lead me to speak up when I'd rather not.

Today I light a red candle for integrity, and ask the Spirits to bring the rain of loving care down upon the whole world.

4. Watch Hogfather:

Watching the TV version of Terry Pratchett's classic Hogfather each year near the solstice has become a new tradition for me. The Hogfather is a mythical creature akin to Father Christmas, who grants children's wishes on Hogswatchnight (December 32) and brings them presents. Except, this year he gets kidnapped and Death fills in for him.

One review says, "As a first step in destroying humanity, evil men ... try to undermine belief in Hogfather by abducting him. The plot is ruined by Death who takes Hogfather's place in his sleigh drawn by pigs. Part parody of Christmas, part meditation on the role of faith."

The Hogfather highlights the benefits and drawbacks of believing in something.

5. Hang our stockings with care