Winter Solstice
The
shortest day and longest night dawns... the
Druids called their celebration Alban Arthuan The Winter Solstice is the time of year when we in the Northern hemisphere experience our shortest day, and when the sun is lowest in the sky at noon. The earth's natural tilt brings our side of the world leaning the furthest away from the sun - which is at its most southerly point. Our ancestors celebrated the Winter Solstice as a homage to the gods, and to ensure the expulsion of the evil winter demons. They saw the sun strengthening and the return of the warmer season, and the concept of rebirth became associated with the Winter Solstice. Neolithic Chambered Long Barrows, such as Stoney Littleton, in the Cotswolds, are a wonderful place to experience a winter solstice, as the sun shines through to the end of the long passage, into the centre of the barrow. Our ancestors welcomed the sun bringing energy, fertility and rebirth to the earth. Sacred sites can revive feelings of oneness between the earth, sky and man. The solstice is the perfect moment to welcome back the sun and look forward to longer, golden days. Sun Times
December
22nd 2003, 8.15a.m. The sun is at its
most southerly point in its travels.
Time to celebrate the dawning of the shortest day and longest night at the midwinter sunrise. |
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