A Sacred Time of Year ~ Tis the Season

The sacred solstice is upon us.  As the darkness of the days seems so long, the time has come for it to change once more.  The rebirth of the sun is upon us.  The days have grown colder and the darkness so very long. The rebirth of the sun will once again bring us warmth, longer days filled with the suns rays and light.  The darkness will fade, bringing an end to the year.  New beginnings await us with the rebirth of our sun.  Without the sun, there is no life.  Thus this time of year we celebrate birth, life and love. 

The magic of winter solstice and the worship or honoring of the sun has taken place since the dawn of human life.  The history and celebration of Solstice predates all religion.  Nothing can exist without the sunlight that feeds the very core of life on earth.  During this time of year we should honor both the light and dark side of the season.  Without the darkness, there can be no light. 

The original story of Santa Clause was based around solstice eve.  Winter solstice is the longest night out of the entire year and the shortest day.  It was believed that this is when Santa made his magical flight to bring fruits of plenty to those deserving.  The original legend also states that Santa was more of a woodsman and wizard like being.  He brought gifts of plenty to the forest creatures who were scavenging the woods for food under the snow and cold winter nights.  He scattered bird seed, tossed apples here and there and provided the creatures with a delightful snack.  Most likely he also made them gifts that would provide shelter or a blanket to be carried off from a momma to her nest of babies.  The story and legend have survived for thousands of year.  The story of Santa even predates Christianity and Jesus. 

Did you know that 'Christmas Trees' have only been popular in the past 200 years.  In many cultures it is sacrilegious to kill a tree for the purpose of personal amusement and decoration.  You would be going against everything that the season stands for.  Not a very good way to honor life and nature.  The alternative is a fake tree, but for many this is a personal or environmental issue.  The chemical treatment the artificial trees receive is very toxic, especially when thrown out n the trash a few years later.  Many people, including myself can not be around artificial trees because of the toxins they release.  It can cause major breathing difficulties, rashes and in some cases a more severe reaction.  Personally I opt for either a poinsettia plant (now known to NOT be harmful to pets) or I create a nice winter themed alter.  This year I opted to do both.  My winter alter has a live plant in the center.  Another alternative, and perfect for most is to simply buy a live tree that is in a pot and will be planted in the warm spring months.  To me, this is the only way I feel a tee should be done at this time of year.  I would love to do this myself but I am one of those people that is highly allergic to pine trees, their sap and the pollen they create.  If you opt for the live tree that will be planted later, consider making homemade and edible ornaments for the tree.  Use bird seed, suet, natural fibers that birds can use in their nest and so on.  When the tree is planted, birds will automatically be drawn to it and thus you will have gifted nature as well!  This is truly a gift that keeps on giving year after year.

For many of us this time of year can pose to be emotionally hard.  For me personally it is the very first year without my father and my mom.  My dad passed away extremely unexpectedly this February.  Since then my mother has been fortunate enough to love again.  She has also moved on geographically to honor and cherish her new love.  We are happy for her but will dearly miss her being part of the holiday celebrations and rituals as well.  For me this will be a hard holiday as neither of my parents will be here physically.  It is a reminder that we suffered a great loss this year, both emotionally and financially.  My husband and I had the worst possible year finically.  We lost everything in 2009.  My father and my aunt passed, my mom moved, hubby lost his job, our home was reposed and foreclosed upon, they came a week before Thanksgiving and repossessed my truck and continue to threaten the car.  We hope to keep the one remaining vehicle we have.  It was a scary year and I am honestly glad it is coming to and end!  Please know if you are suffering, you are not alone.  We have all dealt with some amazingly hard life changes this year.  The holidays can be a harsh reminder of them.

In our household we celebrate solstice as an end of the year and a new beginning or birth of another.  We let go of our issues and hardships, knowing the universe will have them and see fit they no longer cause a problem.  This makes room in our life for new and wonderful memories and events.  We must let go of the past so we can live for today.  Tom (my hubby) and I have big plans for 2010.  He is currently opening up his very own automotive shop.  He's been restoring, custom fabricating and professionally painting some of the most classic and custom cars and trucks for over 25 years.  After the economy went under and we had to move because of dads death and the house being foreclosed upon, Tom decided it was time to venture out on his own.  He's 45 years old and tired of working for someone else when he has more experience, knowledge and schooling.  We hope the business takes off soon.  We have had a bit here and there, but I hope with the new year this business venture will take off and make him a happy man.  Please know Tom is environmentally conscious and using the most friendly products available on the market.  If all goes well we will eventually make sure the business is run on wind and solar powers only to top it off.  Check out the website I created for him to show the shop, a gallery of past clients and so on:  www.CustomOhio.com

As for me, I am venturing out as well.  For a while now I have done freelance photography for myself.  I was honored with being internationally & nationally nominated with a few of my photography images.  I never made more a couple bucks here and therefrom print sales, but I loved it.  I've decided to take it a step further and actually open a studio in my home to do photography sittings & sessions.  This is my passion and my love, to be behind the camera (and in my organic gardens in the summer).  If the universe allows (and why wouldn't it if I love it and have all good vibes towards my photography) I will be booking my calender up with clients & customers for portrait sittings.  As I said, the new year is coming so we are going to be brave and venture out on our own for financial freedom.  I too have updated and created my website to accompany this new plan.  I've also got ALL my original paintings 1/2 off for the holidays and Oracle Readings on sale! ;-)  www.GivingEarth.com

I am working on writing a winter solstice blessing and possibly a ritual that you can do or take part in.  I hope to post it yet today or possibly tomorrow.  As soon as I finish writing it, it will be posted here. 

~~ To all my readers and subscribers, Thank you for hanging in there with me.  I haven't been on the blog much but I am going to make it vital to have it regular once more.  ~~

All my love,

Kandice ~ Rainbow Tree 
Reverend & High Priestess