Happy Solstice!

Last updated on: December 21, 2009 at 6:29 am by Melissa Hill

Every year at the solstice I make a little cave out of rocks and we put in a representation of the reborn sun. At sundown on the longest night, we light candles and keep it going as long as we can. This year I had the idea to scatter birdseed all around and it was wonderful to watch the sparrows and cardinals perching all over, though every time I tried to take a picture of them they scattered. We’ll light them again tonight, when we have our celebratory dinner. At this time of year, we’re always so very busy with wrapping and baking, parties and presents. I like to take a moment on the solstice to stop and just be aware of the darkness at this time of year. I find it to be peaceful, it fills me with a feeling of solitude and calm. Then the kids scream and it’s back to cookies and craziness.

In the spirit of the stillness of winter and the longest night, here’s a wonderful video I found by Paul Frederick showing his vision of the winter solstice.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2540724&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1

When the Snows Fall from Paul Frederick on Vimeo.