We are moving swiftly towards the Winter Solstice, known in olden times as yule, a time to celebrate the return of the light. From now onwards the hours of light lengthen every day!
At Monkeyshine, we have been reflecting, tidying up and putting to bed a very strange year. A year of constant shuffling trying to navigate the company and ourselves through an unusual, and at times, unfamiliar landscape before us.
In the natural landscape around us, all of nature has slowed down, waiting for the energy to change and for the warmth to return during this time between Samhain and Yule. Although it looks like there is very little outer growth in the world, it is when we take time to look closer and turn inwards, deep within the Earth, that we see that roots have been growing, holding the ground. Bringing stability to the land and nurturing the plants and trees. Seeds are safely sleeping waiting for the earth to warm, sparks of life in the darkness. I have been going out and gently lifting the cosy blanket of autumns leaves and saying hello to the first green shoots of the snowdrops that have started to appear. On still, bright, frosty mornings taking a moment to follow the robin, the wood pigeon and the blackbird busy looking for food, bringing colour and movement and a smile to my face. Feeling grateful for these fellow beings who travel with us through these hard times. Breathing in deeply that good, cool, fresh air, slowing down and listening to the earth.
As the great wheel of the year turns towards the Winter Solstice, it is a time of rebirth, a time of the Sun gaining strength. It is a moment when we can all move into another year reborn alongside the other beings that we share the planet with. It is a time to bring forth dreams and ideas that we want to bring into our lives. It is a time for positivity and determination and finding renewed purpose for our lives.
Here are a few ways you can mark the winter solstice this winter
Get out of bed and go outside
Get up before first light and watch the sunrise. It’s simple but beautiful and we humans have been doing it for millennia. If the sun appears it’s magical but even the act of taking the time to watch the sky turn slowly from black to grey to light grey is a grounding experience. A moment to consciously connect with the cycles of the Earth. Then you can head inside for a celebratory hot breakfast!
Visit a sacred site or create one in your own home or garden.
In Ireland, there are many ancient Megalithic sites aligned to catch the first solstice light. If you are lucky enough to live near one and you feel safe to do so, go and visit at sunrise or sunset on the solstice. Make sure you dress warmly and bring a flask of something warm and a little feast of snacks make it all the more special. It’s also good to note that it’s not recommended to touch the stones, particularly if they have ancient carvings on them as the oils and acids in our skin can add to the erosion.
You can also make your own sacred space to mark the solstice. Creating space where you can light a candle inside or outside. Look for space in the garden where you can safely make a small fire, to gather as a family to feel its warmth. It’s a wonderful time for singing, whittling wood or cooking around the fire.
Bring the outside in
At this time of the year, it is traditional to bring evergreens into the house. Small sprigs of evergreen placed around the doorways, windows and the making of a wreath was to represent everlasting life. Holly, Mistletoe, Yew and Ivy are some of the trees that have traditionally been used. Each of these having deep symbolic meanings.
N.B. All of the berries from the plants I have mentioned are poisonous: keep away from young children.
When going out into the countryside be conscious of where you are taking branches from and also to take a moment to ask the trees for permission to take a branch or sprig and tell them that it is for your Solstice decorations.
Decorate a tree for the birds and animals
On a winters evening, an enjoyable and thoughtful act of reciprocity is to make popcorn and cranberry berry chains for the birds and other animals that are travelling through the winter months alongside us.
Over the last few years, we have been going to a wood near where we live and finding a holly or fur tree, an evergreen tree amongst the deciduous trees. If you can’t find an evergreen, a tree of your choice is great. Placing the garlands over and around the branches of the tree. A further offering can be made by spreading some birdseed around the base of the tree for small ground-feeding animals.
Stay for a while and enjoy for a moment this beautiful gift you have all given to the wood.
Things you will need:
2 bags of fresh cranberries in a few small bowls
Big bowl of unsalted popcorn
Strong sewing thread ( white or bright colours is nice against the trees)
A few needles (can be a bit dull, so young helpers don’t spike themselves too often)
A few paper bags with some birdseed in them for the wood.
Some short sticks to rap the chains on after making.
Tie a loop in one end of a meter long length of thread. Thread needle onto the other end. Then skewer cranberries and popcorn onto the thread alternating as you build the chain. They can get tangled easily so take a stick and wrap the chains around them for easy keeping.
Tell a story
Gather books to read aloud. Choose seasonal stories or those that reflect the themes of the season. For instance light and darkness, warmth and home, hibernation or reciprocity.
Or even better, have a go at telling new and old stories to each other from your memory or imagination.
