Welcome Yule!
"Solstice" comes from Latin, meaning 'sun stands still.' That was yesterday. But today is the day when for the first time since June 21st, the hours of daylight actually increase - by a whole 2 SECONDS! Doesn't seem like much and I certainly am not likely to notice the change, but it is the first time in six months that daylight has lengthened instead of shortened! And tomorrow it's +7 seconds. By January 1st it's FIVE minutes and that I will notice! The light is returning!
Our ancient Norse and Germanic ancestors marked the return of the sun with great fires on hilltops and in sacred places. They danced around the flames and chanted prayers. Their celebrations went on for twelve days - the season of Yule.
As it was and ever shall be, all is not merry and bright in this 2025 edition of the season of the heart, yet the circle of life assures us there will yet be a brighter day. An old cycle ends and a new one slowly, quietly begins. Honour the darkness. Welcome the light. Both are teachers.
When the leaves are gone, the light is reborn.
When the river is frozen, the light is reborn.
When the ground is hard, the light is
Warmth comes again, the light is reborn.
Plants will appear, the light is reborn.
Animals emerge, the light is reborn.
Green comes again, the light is reborn.
Life continues, the light is reborn."
©2025 April Hoeller
No comments:
Post a Comment