Solstice literally means the 'sun stands still', and is a biannual astronomical event; for a few days around the time of the solstice the sun appears to stand still in the sky, in that its elevation at noon does not seem to change. The winter solstice marks days with the shortest daylight and longest nights, but it also marks when this starts to reverse and the daylight increases. This solstice is celebrated by many traditions and in many places- basically as the celebration of return of the sun at the darkest time of winter. Continue reading →
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Archive for the ‘Pagan’ Category http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yemaya-NewOrleans.jpg I went to my beach on the Atlantic today for the promised offering to Yemaya (the orisha mother of the oceans) since our recent move to the southeast US. I gave a necklace to the waves and then started walking back in the opposite direction. Often you don't get a direct answer right off after an offering or sacrifice. But then a little girl in a blue and white bathing suit was weaving between us, splashing and saying 'dancing in the waves'. It wasn't really warm enough to be in a bathing suit; seeing this beautiful little girl in Yemaya's colors dancing in the waves was a wonderful gift. Hail holy mother Yemaya- and may the blessings of the waters be yours in this new year! A happy winter solstice (or summer solstice in the southern hemisphere) to all!  A previous winter in a previous place... Read about the winter solstice in Wikipedia. This year there is a rare full moon, and total lunar eclipse at the winter solstice on late Dec. 20th /early Dec. 21st. For a great time chart and graphics go here, or to NASA.
My past post on the Hellenic pagan organization Ellinais has generated enough interest that I decided to provide information and links to Hellenic (and some Roman) religion and culture websites. The organizations listed tend to be based in Greece or Rome, though I'm sure there are others elsewhere. Enjoy, and let me know if there are other resources I should add.  Stonehenge 2003 Given the recent discovery of the remains of a wooden henge near Stonehenge, those in the know are saying that theories that the stone circle existed in "splendid isolation" can now be put to rest. I would say so given that there have been lots of recent discoveries in the area, proving that these sites are regional in nature. *** Archaeologists unearth Neolithic henge at Stonehenge, BBC News, 22 July 2010 The circular ditch surrounding a smaller circle of deep pits about a metre (3ft) wide has been unearthed at the world-famous site in Wiltshire. Archaeologists used radar imaging to find this circle, and believe timber posts were in the pits. Continue reading →  St. Brigit, Kildare, Ireland 2004 Even in the hardest part of winter the signs of spring approach- tree buds start to swell, and daylight is noticeably longer. Celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere around February 1st as Imbolc (the Feast of Brigit), Oimelc (ewes' milk), Candlemas (Feb. 2nd), St. Brigid's Day, or Groundhog Day, we know that the promise of new growth awaits. 'Brigit, excellent woman, sudden flame,
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There's concern in the United Kingdom in Dorset and surrounding counties about 20 horses that have