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wintersolstice

(9 posts)
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 02:54 PM Dec 2011

Hello, Beings of Light! Regarding the Winter Solstice:

Does anyone have any info on how best to use this special time? I have gone online and even looked at books, but they all pretty much say it's a time to reflect, yada yada...I want more understanding!

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Hello, Beings of Light! Regarding the Winter Solstice: (Original Post) wintersolstice Dec 2011 OP
Feed the birds & squirrels Kookaburra Dec 2011 #1
Here is one report Tsiyu Dec 2011 #2
Well, upon reflection BlueToTheBone Dec 2011 #3
What does the solstice mean to you? GliderGuider Dec 2011 #4
The Solstice coincides with the beginning of the 12 days of Yule eilen Dec 2011 #5

Kookaburra

(2,649 posts)
1. Feed the birds & squirrels
Wed Dec 21, 2011, 05:02 PM
Dec 2011

I like to put out seed cakes for the birds and squirrels and apples for the deer and bigger critters. Also, bring in some fresh rosemary to burn on the fire. It smells so good, and the fire is so cozy and comforting -- especially with the lighted candles. We usually mull some apple cider, and make gingerbread cookies as well.

Not sure if the fire's going to work out for tomorrow though -- it's supposed to be 70 degrees here tomorrow afternoon -- weird weather.

 

GliderGuider

(21,088 posts)
4. What does the solstice mean to you?
Thu Dec 22, 2011, 12:49 AM
Dec 2011

One thing you might try is meditating on, or contemplating, the idea of the solstice. Notice what images and feelings come up around the idea as you open yourself to it. Take your cues from your own inner world, your own unconscious, about what the event means to you and how to use it. Our deepest, truest meaning comes from within.

"Understanding" is an intellectual, thinking process, which may not be the best way to connect with such an emotional, spiritual event. I usually find it's more valuable to directly experience these events and my responses to them, rather than trying to approach them through other peoples' thoughts and words.

I spent a long time trying to "understand" spiritual topics with my head rather than my heart. That worked to some extent, but it always felt dry and incomplete, and was ultimately unsatisfying. When I finally gave myself permission to accept the value of my own experiences, a lot of the struggle fell away and spiritual matters assumed a deeper, richer significance.

It's always interesting to know how others have thought about the solstice, but it's even more interesting to find our own meaning in it. It is a special moment in time, and like all such moments it can act as a reminder for us to open up and tune in to whatever the universe might be trying to tell us.

eilen

(4,950 posts)
5. The Solstice coincides with the beginning of the 12 days of Yule
Thu Dec 22, 2011, 01:27 AM
Dec 2011

So, lighting a candle for the darkness, burning a Yule log (with some aromatic rosemary), giving a libation to Sunna for her return, bringing in the green of winter-- fir or spruce boughs, holly.

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