Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice (an excerpt from Earth Connections: A Guide to Celebrating Nature-based Holidays)

Joy to the world, the Sun is born, let Earth receive her king.  Winter Solstice is the birth day of the sun.  A time for joy and vibrant celebration even though the cold and darkest night holds forth.  On Winter Solstice eve the longest night of the year commences.  The next morning begets the shortest day of the year.  So why should we rejoice during this dark and chilly season?  Because the Winter Solstice honors the day when the sun touches its furthest point in the southern skies then begins its return journey north.  The rebirth of the sun.  Henceforth, during the next six months, every passing day spreads more and more light and warmth into our lives.  In almost every ancient culture on earth, Winter Solstice exemplified the promise of continued life.  For many, Winter Solstice is considered the first celestial holiday in the year-long seasonal cycle which encompasses the Earth’s journey around the Sun.  Christmas itself evolved from the Ancient’s recognition that the sun was reborn on the Solstice.  Now, however, Christmas for many has become a hyped up holiday aligned primarily with overconsumption: too much food, too much family, and far too much emphasis on presents.  All these activities occur for the most part without recognition of what is actually being celebrated.  In honoring the Winter Solstice we put character and soul back into the winter holiday festivities.  We connect through ritual with the earth and sun. We rejoice in the perpetuation of life; our own, our loved ones, and of course Nature.

In comparing the two parallel holidays of Christmas and Winter Solstice you will notice that the religious, symbolic, mythical and cultural traditions of Christmas descended directly from ancient pagan practices.  The important thing now is to reattach those traditional beliefs—rooted in Nature—and put spiritual meaning back into this most reverent of holidays.  By celebrating the Winter Solstice we honor Nature for giving birth to the sun once more.  With the recognition that solar light makes it possible for all life, comes genuine appreciation of our own energetic connection to Mother Earth and the cosmos.  As the sun gives us our life-force, so too must we return this gift skyward with sincere love and gratitude. The rituals and celebration surrounding Winter Solstice enable us to do this.  It might be comforting to note that we need only make subtle changes in our lifestyles and hearts to celebrate the Winter Solstice and that we need not step too far outside the cultural norm.  Children of all ages will still love and enjoy the Solstice holiday as the myths and traditions remain similar to those of Christmas.  To celebrate Winter Solstice instead of Christmas simply change the date of your festivities from December 25 to December 21 or 22 (varies each year) then imbue the day, rituals, decorations and activities with new spiritual meaning.  Focus on connecting with Mother Earth and celebrate joyously the return of the sun.

It is important to understand the physical phenomenon that occurs on the Winter Solstice.  The sun on this day is at its most southern point over the Tropic of Capricorn which means the rays of the sun will shine upon us at their most slanted angle resulting in the longest night and shortest day of the year.  Many calendars give the exact time of the Solstice.  This reflects the precise moment when the sun reaches its southern most apex then begins the journey back north.  The moment of rebirth.  Because of the way the earth orbits the sun the date of the Solstice changes slightly over the millennia.  For instance, thousands of years before Christianity the Winter Solstice actually fell on December 25.  By 300 A.C.E. (After Common Era) the actual Solstice had shifted to December 22.  However, the powerful Persian empire—having lost touch with the solar basis of their holidays—continued to hold their winter holiday on the 25th as ancient tradition dictated.  At this time (300 A.C.E.) the Persians were warring with Rome.  Concurrently, a new upstart religion calling itself Christianity, was pressing for more power and recognition and asked Rome to honor its prophet, Jesus.  In order to appease the Persians and the Christians, Rome declared December 25th as the day to celebrate Jesus.  This maneuver allowed the Persian Empire to continue celebrating one of its main holy days and it averted war with the Christians by recognizing the date as the birthday of the son of God.  However, pagan Europeans and aboriginal cultures throughout the world continued to celebrate the actual day of the sun’s rebirth for another thousand years or more.

The return of the fleeing sun rescues our souls and the soil from the permanence of darkness.  It gives balance to Nature and spirit.  In its most base interpretation the Winter Solstice symbolizes the origination of the Universe itself; the birth of the sun.  The Solstice holiday can therefore be seen as the birthday celebration of creation.  During this darkest day it is important to remember that our own spirits have turned inward, moved to the quiet, deeper realms of our souls.  Our bodies take time to rest and rejuvenate.  This hushed, melancholic feeling should not be perceived as depression.  Instead we should try to recognize that our physical energy has internalized, like the land itself, and shall be reborn along with the sun.  At this same time our spiritual aspect is supported by the energy of the cosmos allowing spirit to evolve at its most optimal pace if we choose to allow it.  Then as the sun turns northward once again so to will our life-force begin to move outward, back to the physical.  Embracing this transition enables us to understand our emotions and body rhythms better.  Seeing ourselves as calm and spirit centered, not sad and lethargic.  By celebrating this time of spirit we pay tribute to the cycles of Nature and our Oneness with it.

People have gathered together to rejoice the ascending light since humanities own birth.  Rituals have developed from culture to culture, continent to continent.  Surprisingly these rituals share many commonalities.  The burning of fires is the most universal tradition.  Light symbolizes the rekindling of the receding sun.  In northern climates where the weather was often too harsh for outdoor bonfires the Solstice fires were burned indoors.  The Yule log or burning of copious candles was the result. Hundreds of variations have since evolved.  Today colored lights on houses and evergreens should be lit in honor of the Sun.  By incorporating festive lights, candles and fires into our Winter Solstice celebrations we are expressing our faith in Nature and the rebirth of the sun by using light as a symbol of the sun itself. When you put up your holiday lights and arrange your Solstice candles do so with the awareness that you are performing a simple, yet significant vow honoring humanities connectedness with the Universe.  On Winter Solstice day we can infuse our homes with light and fire as we rejoice in the rebirth of the sun and reawakening of the body.

Feasting, gifting, singing and the gathering of family and friends have always been common features of Winter Solstice celebrations.  We feast and give presents not just in celebration of the sun’s return but to express our faith.  Until very recently the hardships of winter were a time of conserving food and most people had little to spare.  With scare material goods available, an abundance of heart was expressed.  To signify conviction and hope, our ancestors ate in abundance on the Solstice to impress the Universe with their confidence that the fullness of Spring would return once again.  The few resources people had were shared with others.  Giving gifts was a further recognition that soon there would be plenty.  We can take these same lessons and imbue our own giving and feasting with the joys of sharing, faith and celebration.  Because the days are dark and dreary and energies are turned inward, toward Spirit, the Solstice provides an opportunity to be physical, to externalize our energy.  For one or two days we can express our joy at the awakening of the sun with dancing, singing and play. 

Traditionally many Winter Solstice celebrations began on Solstice Eve when friends and family arrived.  Singing, game playing and eating commenced.  The Yule log, bonfire or Solstice candles were lit at sunset to brighten the path for the returning sun.  Everyone would rise at dawn, if they had slept at all, to watch the first sunrise of the new year.  As the peach and rose colors of early morn segued to hues of gold, this briefest of all days moved forward as gifts were opened and festivities resumed.  Feasting usually began at noon while games and dancing continued throughout the day.  As the sun set, everyone would gather to watch a striking end to the day.  Of course winter Solstice celebrations varied from century to century, from culture to culture and family to family.  My recommendation is to take the meaning of winter Solstice, the spiritual energy, some of the ancient symbols and traditions and incorporate them into your own personal celebration.

Winter Solstice Symbols

Light (electric, candles, bonfires, Yule Log);  Evergreens, especially mistletoe, holly, pine and fir boughs, evergreen tree, cones; Yule log (oak or pine), bells, ribbons (especially red, green and gold), holly berries, crystal, stag (reindeer).

Winter Solstice Traditions

Fire/Light:  The sun is born anew so light candles or fires to welcome the sun’s returning light.  The burning of bonfires were thought to aid the return of the sun.  Burning a Yule log evolved from this tradition as did burning large or numerous candles intended to burn all night beginning on Solstice Eve.  This was thought to bring good luck in the coming year.  The more lights the merrier.  (Some conservationist might take exception to this advice.  I say conserve, conserve, conserve ... except during the Solstice Season).

Evergreens:  Along with fire, evergreens are one of the most ancient and universal symbols of the Winter Solstice.  People began bringing evergreen boughs or a tree inside their dwellings because it was believed they magically retained sunlight in their greenery since they never died.  This tradition was symbolic of a families desire to welcome light (life) into their homes.

Solstice Tree:  Many cultures felt that trees had mystical power as well as a soul.  Therefore what could be a more appropriate symbol of inexhaustible life than an evergreen tree.  A tree “topper” in the form of a sun ensures that the cosmos will keep watch over us and bring good fortune.  If you cut a live tree remember to replace it by planting a few seedlings at Spring Equinox.

Gift Giving:  During the barren time of the year giving presents to family and friends restores balance and symbolizes faith in a time of little material abundance.

The Snow Fairy:  The modern American version of Santa Claus, which has only been with us for about 100 years, evolved from several different European myths.  For thousands of years the Winter Solstice has been associated with male energy and male gods.  Conversely, the Summer Solstice is the balancing half imbued with female energy represented by goddess myths.  Nic, Thor, Sol, Old Man Winter, the Holly King, and Snow Fairy are all male figures who, depending on where you lived in Europe, were associated with the Winter Solstice.  The legends vary as well from rather scary beliefs of the hunter who rode a white horse across the sky and the king of storms who raged in the heavens and took the form of a stag, to more benign myths such as Old Man Winter who went from house to house giving gifts of food to the needy.  As you can see, the myth of Santa and his reindeer, is a compilation of several of these old European folk tales.  If you want to have a Santa-like figure as part of your tradition try creating your own values and traditions to apply to Santa, or the Snow Fairy, or whatever you decide to call him. 

Holly:  Holly represents the winter.  Its deep green leaves were thought to contain never ending light from the sun.  The red berries represent the color of the winter sun and symbolize continued sustenance.  In European lore the Holly King reigned from Mid-Fall to Mid- Spring. 

Oak:  Although oak is not an evergreen it is considered by many to be one of the most magical of trees.  Therefore, its acorns and mistletoe are commonly used for Winter Solstice rituals and oak is the traditional wood to use for a Yule log, although pine or fir work too.

Mistletoe:  There are many versions of the symbolic use of mistletoe during the winter Solstice and other Nature-based holidays.  However, they all have in common the aspect of fertility.  Mistletoe evolved as a tool to enhance love and romance and ensure it forever after.  Kissing under mistletoe is an old tradition that secures the energetic connection between the male and female which itself represents the aspects of dark and light; a befitting symbol of the transition that occurs on Winter Solstice.

Wreath:  In every culture a circle is symbolic of the annual cycle of life; the Wheel of the Year.  Make a circle with evergreens and you combine two potent symbols of creation and continuance.  Add red holly berries or gold ribbons and you just keep building the power.

Yule Log:  There are several Yule log traditions all stemming from the importance of lighting fires on Winter Solstice.  One such practice suggests you use two logs in your ritual.  One should be saved from the previous year and burned during your current celebration to signify letting go of the past.  Collect a second log and set it in a place of honor to be burned a year later.  You might choose to use the new Yule log as a candle holder (drill large holes across the top) and use it as part of your Solstice decorations and/or to burn the candles in symbolic ritual.  One custom calls for placing two candles—one white and one black—in the log to represent the transition from dark to light.  Another tradition is to fashion a candelabra from a Yule log, set it on a bed of evergreens and burn the candles in ritual. Some rituals suggest the use of 13 green and red candles (the number of moons in the year).  Others mention only that the candles should represent the colors gold, silver, black, white green and red.  Or put one large gold or red candle on the Yule log to represent the return of the sun.  Eastern European cultures carved intricate sun symbols in their Yule log then burned it on Solstice eve.  Several customs involved taking the ashes from a burned Yule log to be scattered in the fields at Mid-winter holiday (Feb. 2) to ensure a fruitful harvest.  Another Yule log ritual involved taking a small piece of the log before it was burned to keep until the following year when it was then used to kindle that year’s Solstice fire.  A Yule log should be oak but pine or fir work well.

Bells:  Traditionally, bells were thought to awaken the sun to remind it to return (thus the reindeer were dressed in lots of bells).  Bells were also used to announce the return to light and they were rung at dawn on Solstice morning or at the exact moment of the rebirth.

Cones:  With their abundance of seeds, cones are powerful symbols of fertility and nutrition.  In additions they come from evergreen trees which represent everlasting life, as does the sun, so they have always been popular and powerful Winter Solstice symbols.

Crystals:  Clear quartz crystals are considered to be imbued with the sun’s energy and in some cultures these are the stone that represents the pure essence of the Universal One.  Additionally, crystals are easily identified with this season of icy cold.

Colors:  Gold represents the light and rebirth of the sun.  Red is the color of holly berries             which represent sustenance in the midst of winter.  It is also another color of the winter Sun.       Green is the color of evergreens which symbolize the continuos change of seasons and inexorable           presence of the sun.

Candles  Gold primarily.  Also green, red, silver (represents the moon, the wife of the sun),          white and black (represent the light and dark half of the year).

Flowers:  Poinsettias (perfect red and green flower).  Evergreen boughs, snow berries, holly         and holly berries.

Incense:  Wintergreen, evergreen, frankincense and myrrh.

Personal Adornments:  Gold clothes and jewelry, crystals, crown of holly with berries.

Animal totem:  White horse, stag (reindeer).

Stones:  Clear quartz crystal, citrine, ruby.

Alter:  Use red cloth trimmed in gold or visa versa.  Adorn it with pine cones, evergreen   boughs, lights or candles, and deer antler to represent the stag.

Wreath: Made of evergreens with cones or holly with berries.

Food:  Dried or baked apples, turkey or ham, squash, potatoes and other roots.  Fresh baked cakes or pastries in the spiral shape of the wheel of the year.  Cookies shaped like the sun and sprinkled with corn meal, yellow sugar and cinnamon.  Apple cider.

Moon Name:  Snow Moon, Wolf Moon, or Cold Moon

Herbs:  Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, myrrh and rosemary which is an evergreen shrub sometimes called the herb of the sun.

Sacred Direction:  The south to where the sun is reborn.

Side Notes:  Decorate from the front doorway inward thus inviting the light inside.  Meditate upon your intent of welcoming the sun before you begin then stay in awareness about the meaning of each decoration as you create them.

Winter Solstice Rituals

            Sing:  Put your hand to rewriting the words to well known carols so that they reflect Nature and the return of the Sun.  Also, you can buy holiday music that is instrumental only to use as back-up music or just to set the mood.  Rewrite a new carol each year and save it so every year your collection grows.  Sing away.

            Return of the Light:  (There is an expanded version of this ritual conducted as a meditation detailed later)  This is a playful and joyous ritual that children particularly enjoy for its drama and excitement.  Turn off all the lights except one.  Gather the family or group together and sit in a circle holding hands.  Everyone should be given a candle.  Place one large, gold candle in the center of your circle.  Once everyone is settled the last light is extinguished and you sit calmly in complete darkness.  Contemplate the quiet side of your self, spirit and Nature (this is an especially good activity to help young-ones learn to embrace the darkness, to lose their fear of it; literally and metaphorically).  Next, invite everyone to share plans and dreams for the coming year; the more exuberant the better, don’t limit your dreams.  Follow this by singing a song about the return of the sun or conduct a chant expressing the same welcome.  As the excitement builds light the center candle then everyone else can light their candle from it.  Then, candle in hand, jump up and dance with each other.  When you’ve danced enough have the younger members put down their candles then run around turning on all the holiday lights and ignite as many candles as possible.  End with more dancing, singing or the exchange of gifts.

            Ribbon wishing:  Pass around pens and strips of wrapping ribbon (about six inches long), red or gold is best.  Spend a few moments contemplating one thing you really want to happen in your life.  What is your dream?  What do you need or want to invite into your life in the coming year?  Write your desire on the strip of ribbon.  Make sure to write your wish in an affirmative tone.  In other words ask for something you want added as opposed to something you want to get rid of.  When you’re done go to the Solstice tree and offer your thanks to Mother Nature and all that she provides.  Tie the ribbon to a branch of the tree.  You give beauty and gratitude to the tree and Nature; in return you get what you desire.

            Candle Wishing:  Light a tall, gold candle on Solstice eve (at midnight if you can stay up that late).  Next, think about your wishes, dreams desires.  If your desire is something you want to come in to your life write it on a pretty strip of ribbon, tie this around a sprig of Evergreen, mistletoe or rosemary and set it next to the burning candle.  If your request is something you want to get rid of in your life/self write in on a piece of paper, concentrate on the request, then burn set it on fire.  Make sure to have a stone or metal receptacle nearby to receive the flaming paper.  Let the candle burn all night (make sure it is in a safe place, in a protective candle holder).  If the candle is still burning at dawn your wishes will come true in the coming year. 

A variation of this is to establish a roster of the people in your household to get up at delegated times throughout the night and light a tall, tapered candle, replacing the one that had been burning.  Each caretaker makes their wish when it is their turn and follows the same procedure mentioned earlier.  This way each person gets some quiet time alone to contemplate their dreams and by carefully regulating the intervals at which you change candles to ensure that it will be burning bright with the sunrise.  Just make sure everyone has an alarm clock.

            Sun Cookies:  You will need a basket of Sun Cookies (cookie dough of your choice formed with a sun-shaped cookie cutter) or some other sweet treat.  Make sure there are enough to go around.  Sit in a circle and talk about the joy of giving and how it is believed by many that whatever you give out comes back to you three-fold.  Share stories of times when the act of giving has been notably impressive, emotional, funny, etc.  Pass the basket of Sun Cookies around with each person offering the basket of cookies to their neighbor—as opposed to taking the cookie from the basket yourself when you hold it.  This is a simple and loving example of giving and a great activity to do with friends or large groups where the giving of presents is not part of the gathering.

            Solstice Moment:  About 30 minutes before the actual moment of the Solstice (consult a solar calendar) set up an alter if you haven’t done this already.  Use a large gold candle and appropriate accouterments as part of your alter.  You will also need an alarm clock with a gentle tone.  Make sure it is warm and quiet in the room and dimly lit.  Kneel at the alter and say (out loud or to yourself) something to express your appreciation for the dark, quiet time of the season and self.  Pay homage to the sun and Nature and your connection with it.  Then light the candle and say something like, “Sun, the great symbol of life and pure energy, I send my loving light out to you and welcome your imminent return”.  Sit or lie down and meditate.  Focus on being grateful for the dark, introspective part of your self and connect deeply with your spirit.  Know that from the moment of the Solstice onward your spirit and energies will begin to turn outward so appreciate this time of intimate connection to spirit.  Before meditating, set your alarm to bring you back to awakened consciousness about five minutes before the moment of Solstice.  When you arise from your meditation try to stay in a beta state if possible.  Continue gentle, rhythmic breathing and move to the altar, kneeling if possible.  Stare at the candle’s flame.  Connect your love-energy with that of the sun far to the south by expanding your energy via your heart Chakra outward, more and more until it expands to fill the Universe and connect with the sun.  Just at the moment of Solstice welcome the resurrection of the sun by drawing your energy, the sun in tow, back to your home, your alter, your self.  Then quickly extinguish the candle which has represented waning sun but is no longer necessary as it is on its way home.

            Night Vigil:  At sunset on Solstice eve light one of several candles set in a candelabra or Yule log.  Use the traditional 13 white candles (to represent the moons).  Or use each of the following: black, silver, gold, red, green, white (burn them in the same order).  Right at sun set light your first candle and acknowledge the onset of the darkest/longest night of the year.  As each candle gets close to burning out light the next one.  This vigil must be kept up throughout the night.  Save the tallest candle for just before bedtime so it might keep until morning.  Or establish one or two times during the night for someone to get up and light a new candle.  Blow out the last candle right at dawn on Solstice morning or at the moment of Solstice if it occurs during daylight on Solstice day.  This ritual welcomes the sun’s rebirth by extinguishing the last candle as it is no longer needed because the sun has returned.

            Crystal Passing: (this ritual offers a good lesson for children and works well on Solstice Eve)  Gather enough crystals and/or stones so there is one for everyone present.  Make sure you have at least one particularly nice crystal.  Wrap each stone in a bit of recycled paper tied with a ribbon.  After you have given a package to everybody explain that they are not to be unwrapped until the end of the festivities.  Then, at unexpected times throughout the day or evening, you will indicate that it is time to give your wrapped stone to someone else randomly chosen.  Ring a nice bell or flash the Solstice lights off and on as a fun signal that it is time to pass each gift along.  It is kind of like musical chairs.  When you swap your stone be sure to say—silently—something kind or hope that you are passing along the finest crystal.  The idea is to feel loving and joyous about giving and to ask for abundance for others.  Conduct this exchange half a dozen times or so throughout an extended period while other activities are taking place. 
Sometime toward the end of the day/evening, after singing Solstice songs or lighting the Yule log, etc., gather everyone around and open the packages.  It is best to have one especially nice crystal, some smaller or less shapely crystals and even some ordinary rocks.  In the packages that don’t contain the nice crystal you might add a special something like a small note with a loving thought on it or a poem.  An alternative would be to tell everyone as you first pass around the packages, that one contains a beautiful crystal and the others stones.  In fact, however, you can put a nice crystal in all of them and don’t worry about fibbing because indeed a crystal is a stone.  The main lesson to be learned here is that of giving unconditionally and the beauty in all of Nature.  A discussion of these themes might make for a fitting end to the crystal passing.

            Chant:  While holding hands, conduct a group chant to the song Oh Great Spirit or compose your own chant or find another one on tape that works for you.

            Meditate:  A group or family meditation is an especially important ritual when your energy is turned inward to spirit.  It is best to have a meditation leader if done as a group.  Following are some suggested meditations.

            Honor the Dark-time:  Begin gentle, rhythmic breathing and leave the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind.  Envision a snow filled valley with towering mountains all around, blue skies adorned with occasional puffs of pure white clouds.  You’re in a rustic log cabin with lots of windows and sky-lights allowing the mood of winter to surround you.  A crackling fire blazes in a huge rock fireplace and you’re nestled on a thick, soft rug.  Complete peace and calm overcome you. Continue gentle, rhythmic breathing.  Rainbows dance off the long dangling icicles that cling to the eves of the roof, jays and chickadees sing soothing songs and you relax into the warm comfort of your winter retreat.  As you settle into a dark, quiet place inside your soul your entire being is flooded with a sense of peace and harmony.  Embrace the interior, dark, gentle part of you.  Continue gentle, rhythmic breathing. Reflect on your spirit and connect with the depths of Mother Earth.  Appreciate this place where your energy has been directed for the past few months.  Bathe in the gentle side of your spirit.  Slowly allow yourself to be back in the present.  (This is a good Solstice Eve meditation and should be relaxing)

            Honor the Return of the Sun:  Everyone should get comfortable, lie down if desired, and dim the lights.  Play gentle music in the background.  Begin this meditation with eyes open.  The meditation guide should begin by talking you through relaxation breathing to a beta state. 

When everyone is relaxed the guide should turn off all the lights except for one small candle.  As every peers into the darkness  the guide says:

Guide dialogue: as the sun completes its final journey southward and prepares to begin its way back to ultimate power, we honor the Sun.  Focus on being grateful for the dark, introspective part of our selves and connect deeply with spirit.  Know that from the moment of Solstice onward our spirit and energies will begin to turn outward so appreciate this last bit of being very close to our spirit and the spirit world of Nature.  See the dark , calm depths of your soul. 

Allow several minutes to pass while focusing on gentle, rhythmic breathing and the darkness.  Next, instruct everyone to close their eyes after appreciating the dark and quiet for a while. 

Continue breathing deep, rhythmic breaths then begin to go to delta breathing by taking quicker inhalations and lengthening exhalations.  This breathing may feel uncomfortable at first but try to get accustomed to it.  Do not hyperventilate.  As you move into delta breathing feel your Chakras expanding and know that pure, loving energy infuses your entire body.  See, in your mind’s eye, the white hot ball of the sun far to the south.  Continue delta breathing and feel your energy expanding further and further like the radiant rays of the sun.  See the this white hot ball of energy swell into a great glowing ball inside your head.  As this flame of pure energy grows it encircles your body then fills the entire room.  Continue delta breathing taking even shorter inhales and lengthening your exhales.  Now send the light, the essence of your soul, still further out into the night sky. 

Relax and let your emotions soar as they carry your spirit of light outward further still and to the south.  Continue to draw on the energy of your soul, as its power and dimensions are limitless.  Witness with your mind’s eye as your Chakras and life-force expand throughout the Universe.  Send your spirit energy far to the southern part of our Mother Earth where it greets the Sun. Continue delta breathing by taking quicker inhalations and lengthening exhalations. (Pause)

The leader continues talking.  At the same time the leader quietly and calmly lights the Solstice tree lights, all the candles and every festive light in the room.  And continue meditative talking.

Continue delta breathing, shorter intakes still, and expand the white light of your soul and mingle it with the intensely powerful energy of the sun.  With the marriage of your Spirit-light and the pure essence of the sun’s energy you are One with the sun. One with the Universe.  One with the Great Spirit.  (Pause) Now stay connected with the sun.  Your soul and the core of the sun are One.  Begin slowly to bring your Soul-light back northward, the sun in tow.  Continue gently to bring the sun back toward your home.  Draw your spirit-energy back into the room.  See the pure, bright light filling the room then bring it closer still by molding it into a fireball of love and light just outside your body. Then let this light rest gently near your forehead.  (Pause)  Now, change your breathing back to beta breaths by taking rhythmic, even breaths.  Now open your crown Chakra on top of your head and see the ball of exquisite light flow back into your body.  Feel this flood of spirit-light combined with the power of the sun, the entire Universe, course through your body.  (Pause)  Now breath regularly.  When you are ready come back to the present and open your eyes.

Of course when they closed their eyes all was dark and now the room is filled with joyful lights.  This is an energizing meditation and should be done during the festive part of activities  and prior to the Solstice moment.

            Sunset meditation.  Toward the close of your Solstice holiday try the following meditation.  Gather in a circle and hold hands.  Begin gentle, rhythmic breathing.  Recognize one’s connection with Nature.  Reaffirm your commitment to take care of the Earth as you would yourself, since we are all One.  As One we are One with our family.  One with friends. One with neighbors and community.  Feel that connection through the expanding of your heart Chakra as the love-energy spreads throughout your being, around your body.  Feel the love move from hand to hand.  Allow this love-energy to mingle with the love and energy of the people near you.  Rejoice in the sensations as the infinite, loving energy fills the circle, the room, and you truly become united.  Know that you are connected by the love-energy that pours in from the Universe and expands outward like spider webs strung between the blades of meadow grass on a cold winter morning.  Embrace this Universal love-light as you blanket your love on each other, the sun and Mother Nature.  Believe with all your heart that as this day ends and tomorrow reflects expanding light, so to will you give freely your ever flourishing love.  Continue graceful, rhythmic breathing until your ready to come back to the present.  A group hug would be most appropriate at this time.