Winter Solstice 2024
Our Solstice Spiral
We cozied up in community to honor the season at our Winter Solstice gathering. At a time of year that can feel rushed and overwhelming, we seek to create a space for slowness and connection, where we all walk away better nourished for the weeks to come.
Our evening began with the kindling song we have been working with since Imbolc and moved into a discussion based on the concept of “Being With” that we taught at our Ostara gathering. We listened to each other and shared ways that “Being With” has informed our relationships this year.
The Yule Goat
Around a candlelit table we sat to share an abundant meal of soups, breads and salads that had been generously brought and prepared by everyone.
With full bellies we bundled up to go outside for our solstice spiral ritual. We all enter the spiral with an unlit tealight in a glass jar until we reach the darkest depths at the center of the spiral and are able to light our candle from one of the pillar candles representing the Nourishing Kin pillars of “ancestors, land and community.”
This year we were able to offer an additional ritual for a member of our community who stands at the threshold of welcoming a new baby soon and to send her home with love notes and a candle infused with good wishes from our community.
We warmed ourselves by coming inside to make teas and cozy up for songs and stories. Candles kept vigil while we sang songs both old and new, jolly and gentle. The Mari Lwyd, of Welsh tradition, came to visit us and we all tried to learn some Welsh verse. As our singing ended, Madee shared a fun story of the Icelandic Yule Lads that left us all laughing and glad for all the wonderful ways that people have created myth and lore around wintertime creatures and beings of the land.
A table full of teas and cookies awaited us for our annual tea and cookie exchange. We all are able to go home with a bag full of goodies from everyone we shared the evening with to carry us through this first part of the winter season.
