Winter Solstice

The winter solstice occurred this morning at 1:19 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice happens during the coldest season of the year, when the sun is at its lowest angle and is seen for its shortest period. This is the turning point, the moment of new beginnings - the darkest time, with the brightest hope.

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). 

We need to believe in these little myths - that the sun is returning and hope is reborn - so that we can continue to believe in the Big Myths, like justice, mercy, democracy, freedom - "That sort of thing".

“Humans need fantasy to be human. To be the place where the falling angel meets the rising ape.” ~Terry Pratchett, Hogfather

 

Alban Arthan is the Celtic and Druidic name for the Winter Solstice, 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. Druid peace prayer 

2. Read a novena

3. Make candles

4. Make Irish Shortbread

1. 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

2. Read a novena:

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

Day 6: A Prayer for the Air

Creator God, we give thanks for the air. We thank you for our enjoyment of its caress. Thank You for the soft play of wind in the treetops and the warm touch of a breeze against our faces. Thank You for the air we breathe, for the breaths we draw every moment.

As we warm the air of Your Earth, help us understand its mighty power, its ability to not only caress but to destroy. As we pollute the air of Your Earth, help us understand how essential it is to breathe itself.

In this season of Advent, give us understanding, and give us the will to use our understanding well.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

3. Make candles:

Fire is central to the symbolism of this season. Our ancestors lit fires to remind the sun to return, and we light candles to recreate those ancient winter fire ceremonies. I find it satisfying to make a supply of my own candles each year, to use and to give as gifts.

4. Make Irish Shortbread Cookies:

Delicious and buttery!

Ingredients

• 1 c. butter
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 c. cornstarch
  

Makes 24 cookies-

1. Soften the butter to room temperature. Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease an 8 in x 10 in. baking pan with butter and line with a piece of parchment paper, leaving a 1-in overhang on 2 sides of the pan for easy removal.
2. Using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light, pale, and fluffy. Add the sifted flour and cornstarch and blend until the ingredients are combined and resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Tip the dough mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using floured hands, firmly press the mixture until level and firm. 
4. Use a sharp, pointy knife to cut the dough into fingers. Pierce the surface with the tines of a fork to keep the shortbread from bubbling up. 
5. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until a light golden color and the edges begin just to turn golden.
6. Remove the shortbread from the oven, and let it sit in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then carefully lift the shortbread out of the pan and re-slice the previous indents. Let cool completely.
7. Store cooled Irish butter shortbread cookies in an airtight container. They will last for 7 days at room temperature or 2 weeks in the refrigerator.