Walking Awake to the Rhythm of the Earth | |
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"As the Wheel Turns"
Winter Solstice, 2023
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Greetings Friends,
Welcome to our Winter Solstice 2023 edition of “As the Wheel Turns,” part of our annual “Walking Awake to the Rhythm of the Earth” journey around the Celtic Wheel of the Year.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, on Friday, December 22nd, 2023, we will observe the arrival of the Winter Solstice: the shortest day and the longest night is fast approaching! In Scotland, we will experience just under 7 hours of daylight on the 22nd, beginning with an 8:42am sunrise and closing with sunset at 3:40pm. Did you know that the word solstice comes from the Latin words 'sol' (meaning sun) and 'sistere' (meaning stand still)? Have you ever noticed that in the few days before and after the Solstice the sun’s path across the sky appears to freeze? (scroll down for a link to a video explaining all about this)
The arrival of the Winter Solstice marks our spiral into the cold, transformative months of winter as we await the slow and steady return of our days filled with more light and the seasonal signs of rebirth in Nature. Reflecting on this, I am finding myself very grateful for this season. For me, it is a time to hermit-up and be still; a time to dream, create, reflect and prepare for new beginnings as this spoke (airt) of the Wheel slowly moves forward towards Imbolc and the Vernal Equinox. After a busy year of traveling (filled with many beautiful gifts), I welcome and embrace this season as a time to rest and reenergize. How are you feeling? It would be lovely to hear from you, do feel free to drop me an email, if you’d like to share.
In celebration of the Winter Solstice you will find this edition packed full of goodies (much like a Christmas stocking!). There are loads of little gifts tucked within this email — be sure to click on the the photos to follow the threads. I do hope you enjoy ‘unwrapping’ the links and dipping in and out of the newsletter at your leisure. If you’re interested in our upcoming Walking Awake events, do make sure to scroll all the way down for details.
As for us: Nick and I are heading to Wales for Christmas this year, stopping here and there on our journey to visit with family and friends. In Wales, Nick’s daughters (and their families) have rented a house to gather in, and we’ve booked a cottage nearby. We're looking forward to sharing precious Holiday moments with the ‘kids’ and grandkids.
Nick and I extend our Holiday Wishes to all our Walking Awake friends. To those in the Northern Hemisphere: we wish you a Warm, Wonderful Winter. To those in the Southern Hemisphere: we wish you a Bright, Blessed Summer. May each of you enjoy a Happy, Healthy, Magical Spoke of the Wheel filled with precious memories and the Blessings of the Solstice!
Lots of Love,
Denise and Nick
Pictured: One of several of my Scottish Roe Deer treasures found in the woods near our home. I took this photo a year or two ago posing him in a holly tree near our home. Also Pictured: Nature has been showing its best colors around here this month: pink and amethyst sunsets, endless rainbows (we woke up to one this morning!), and snow dusted fields (above is a photo of the fields in front of our home, with the North Sea in the distance.)
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What is Winter Solstice?: | |
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Each year, as we wend our way around the Wheel, we experience two equinoxes (spring and fall) and two solstices (summer and winter). While the solstices result in a change of length in night and day (longest day in summer, shortest day in winter), the equinoxes (spring/Vernal and fall/Autumnal) are days when the center of the sun shines directly on the equator resulting in the equal amount of both daylight and darkness all across the earth. Click here for an image and more detailed information. Have you noticed the dates of the equinoxes and solstices change every year? (Click here to learn why!).
The Winter Solstice lends itself to a variety of names and observances throughout cultures around the world: Alban Arthan (Light of Winter) in modern Druid traditions, and Yule/Midwinter in modern Wiccan and Pagan traditions.
In the Orkneys (here in Scotland) the Winter Solstice will be observed at the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, click here to find out more about this ancient site. If you like the idea of viewing the Winter Solstice at other sacred sites online, you may also wish to tune into Stonehenge, in England, and Newgrange in Ireland (click here).
To learn about other Winter Solstice celebrations around the world,
click here.
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Spoke of the Wheel Musings: | |
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Reflections inspired by Nature and the Winter Solstice...
While the approaching months may at times feel cold, dark and unwelcoming, winter can also be a gift-of-time in disguise. Animals hibernate, trees and plants are in rest mode. Nature is providing us with a winter lesson- now is the time to be still. It’s hermit time. Sync your rhythm to the rhythm of the earth. Be like the acorns that have fallen to the forest floor: rest, take root, store up energy from the stillness you are gifted, nurture yourself, envision your future growth, and slowly, with the return of the longer and lighter days begin to push towards manifesting your intentions into new life!
If you find yourself experiencing moments when the long Winter months seem to bring you down: Look to Nature. Go outside if you can, even if that means just stepping out your door for a breath of cold fresh air. Let the aliveness of that air enter your lungs. As you stand in that open doorway: What do you feel? See? Hear? (It is a portal/threshold after all!) If it’s too cold and the weather doesn't allow you to get outside, look outside! Grab a cuppa and sit in front of a window and 'just be'.
Here's an idea: Many of us know how to identify at least a few of our tree friends by their leaves, nuts and blossoms during the warmer months however, can you spot who's who in the winter? Click here to learn more about identifying them by their bark and buds. As you begin to look at the trees with fresh eyes, you may also wish to ask yourself...How might I look at myself differently during the cold months of winter?
Another great addition to those long winter days: Start a gratitude journal. Click here for ideas on content and structure, but do let your creativity bloom. Draw, clip photos from magazines, express yourself!
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Winter Solstice Rituals and Traditions: | |
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Bringing Nature inside for the Holidays:
Bringing evergreens inside has long been a Winter Solstice/Yule-time tradition whether it be in cutting sprigs, making fresh wreaths or the much loved Christmas Tree. Did you know each tree has its own symbology all revolving around the promise of the return of the sun, rebirth, protection, and everlasting life?
Click here to learn more about the history of all kinds of wreaths.
Click here to read about the history of the Christmas tree.
Don't like the idea of cutting down a live tree, but not really into artificial trees? Click here to read well-known Celtic author, Glennie Kindred's suggestion on how to make a Solstice Bush or Living Tree Branch.
Click here to read further about the many "Plants of the Winter Solstice" traditions from around the world.
Use these links to learn more about the magical uses of Frankincense and Myrrh.
Click here to explore more Winter Solstice Rituals!
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"He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice"... | |
Most of us at least know of Santa Claus/St. Nicholas...and yet, have you heard of his counterpart, Krampus? (He's referred to as the son of Hel in Norse mythology) If not...this myth sure adds a whole new twist to that 'naughty or nice' list! Click here and here to read more (and enjoy digging deeper - there is quite the Krampus following out there!) | |
Winter Solstice/Yule Crafts: | |
Make a beautiful ornament from twine... Click here or on the photo below for instructions. | Make a "Return of the Light Countdown Calendar"... | Years ago, when scrolling the internet looking for Winter Solstice craft ideas I came across this beautiful original homemade creation that is much like an advent calendar. It's perfect if you love to craft and easy to adapt to add in your own special touch. Click here for directions. Once day, I hope to make one! | |
Make a Yule Log!
If you're handy with a few tools you may wish to try this version.
Click here to learn more about the history and traditions of the Yule Log, and here for instructions on how to make two miniature versions.
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There's no place like 'Gnome' for the Holidays! Click here or on the photo below for instructions on how to craft this cute trio. | |
Make a wish upon a...Yule Pine Cone!
Click here or on the photo for instructions.
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Step back into time...
decorate your home with Victorian Gilded Walnuts and Leaves !
It's super easy and they look so elegant! Click here to read a sweet Victorian age story, and to learn how to make the walnuts, and Click here for directions on how to gild the leaves. What a beautiful way to bring Nature's treasures inside for the Holiday Season!
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Get the kids together and make your own Pomander Balls!
This was definitely one of my favorite Christmas time crafts when I was a kid. I'm the oldest of six and I have fond memories of my Mom and my Nana taking time out of the busy holiday baking to sit with us as we poked whole cloves into oranges, and made long strings of cranberries and popcorn (we also ate a lot of that popcorn along the way!)
No need to redirect you to instructions on this one. Simply use firm oranges, and whole cloves for the pomander balls. The more cloves, the longer the scent lasts. Have fun making different designs! When you're finished take two ribbons and loop them around to hang them or carve out the top (as in the photo below) to make a candle holder (be sure to place on heat safe plate). Enjoy being aromatically transported back in time!
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DIY Upcycled Holiday Ornaments! Click on the photos for the links. | |
Stirring the Cauldron: Winter Recipes: | |
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Cattail Pollen Star Bread:
Sounds interesting doesn't it? It's Scandanavian so why not have a little fun bringing forth your inner Viking while baking?! Don't worry if you can't get your hands on the cattail pollen, you can adapt the recipe to bake this beautiful masterpiece. Click here for the recipe.
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Cook your own Goose!
Did you know that eating Goose as a wintertime meal goes way back to Roman times? There is even tale of the ancient Norse offering goose to the Gods Odin and Thor around the Winter Solstice. If goose is your thing, or you want to give it a first go this Holiday, click here for Gordon Ramsay's Christmas Roast Goose.
| Not that great in the kitchen or simply need an easy and impressive treat up your sleeve? I love these and they are all delicious! The brittle is a little more work (a lot of stirring) but the grapes and the dates are a breeze! Also, anyone can make bark (and everyone LOVES it!). | |
Love to bake cookies this time of year? Here are few (potentially) new recipes to add to your list! Click on the photos below for more information. | |
Cheers! Here are a few recipes for some delicious Yuletide Toasts!
If Egg Nog is your go-to Holiday favorite, click here for 15 different recipes!
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A Warm Welcome to the Holiday Season:
This recipe sparks one of my favorite Solstice-time memories from when I lived next door to Columcille Megalith Park, in PA. One of our beloved resident elders at the park, Berthi van der Bent Hamel would host a small annual gathering at her home near Christmas and she always served Glogg! (And she always had extra simmering on her stove so when your cuppa was empty you could ladel up a refill!). Great memories indeed!
Click here for the recipe.
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If you'd rather pass on the Egg Nog and Gloog... perhaps you'd like to try Wassail?
The word wassail is derived from an Anglo-Saxon phrase meaning "good health". Have you ever heard of "wassailing"? According the online dictionary it means: 1) to go from house to house at Christmas time singing (sound familiar?) or 2)to drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way. Historic UK, says: "The wassailing, or blessing of the fruit trees, involves drinking and singing to the health of the trees in hope that they will provide a bountiful harvest next autumn." As a tree lover, I really liked reading this!.
Click here to read more about wassailing and here for a recipe on how to make your own Wassail.
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If you don't fancy crafting your own Yule Log this year, maybe you'd like to bake one! Click on the photos to explore several different recipes! | |
While I am pretty certain most everyone has heard of at least two of these artists, I do wonder if many are familiar with these wintertime paintings? Click on the photos below to learn more about them and to discover other classic paintings to enjoy! | |
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Landscape with Snow
by Vincent van Gogh
1888
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Druids Cutting the Mistletoe on the Sixth Day of the Moon
by Henri Paul Motte 1900 circa
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The Magpie
by Claude Monet
1869
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This time of year the radio is blasting all our Christmas time favorites and yet, there are very few songs specifically about "Winter Solstice". Here are two: one you may remember and another I think you'll love to add to your seasonal list!
Do you remember this one?: Jethro Tull's "Solstice Bells". Click here to listen.
Here's a beautiful Solstice chant called "Solstice Carol" by the Wyrd Sisters Click here to listen. I've included the lyrics below in case you might like to sing along. Click here to learn more about the Wyrd Sisters.
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Solstice Carole
by the Wyrd Sisters
a fire is burning
the long night draws near
all who need comfort
are welcome by here
we'll dance 'neath the stars
and toast the past year
for the spirit of solstice
is still living here
we'll count all our blessings
while the mother lays down
with snow as her blanket
covering the ground
thanks to the mother
for the life that she brings
she'll waken to warm us
again in the spring
the poor and the hungry
the sick and the lost
these are our children
no matter the cost
come by the fire
the harvest to share
for the spirit of solstice
is still living here
a fire is burning
the long night draws near
all who need comfort
are welcome by here
we'll dance 'neath the stars
and toast the past year
for the spirit of solstice
is still living here
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"The Shortest Day" by Susan Cooper is a beautiful Winter Solstice poem. The text is below, click here to view a video reading of the book featuring the stunning illustrations by Carson Ellis.
Click here to learn more about Susan Cooper.
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Wintertime is the perfect time to reflect on the ancestors and to nurture your roots... | |
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While I now live in Scotland, I never forget how deeply rooted I am in these two very special 'thin' places in Pennsylvania, U.S.A.: *Columcille Megalith Park and *Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center. If I were visiting PA this winter, I would be attending these two upcoming Columcille events (I've included their announcements below). Tom Egan is a dear friend of mine, and a great storyteller! Also, did you know?...There are all kinds of wonderful upcoming programs and events on the calendar at Kirkridge: here's a link for you to explore. Here is one that I wish I could attend. Oh! And do look into their monthly Wild Church gatherings. So many exciting things are happening on the mountain!
*Both Columcille and Kirkridge are non-for-profit organizations that rely on the kind and caring support of those who love them. If you feel called to offer a financial gift this Holiday Season: click here to donate to, or become a member of Columcille, and here to donate to Kirkridge or here to gift Kirkridge something on their 'Wish List'.
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Upcoming Walking Awake Events: | |
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2024 Walking Awake
Pilgrimages to Scotland:
Both of our spring 2024 pilgrimages to Scotland (Orkney, April 25th -30th and Iona, May 3rd - 11th) are currently filled. Occasionally, a spot opens up on our 'sold out' events. If you would like to be added to either waiting list, please contact Denise.
NEW! 2024 Pilgrimage to Iona: September 6th -14th, 2024:
We currently have 3 spaces left on this autumn adventure to Iona. Click here for details.
2025:
Our pilgrimage schedule for 2025 is slowly unfolding. We’ll keep you posted as our plans evolve.
We’ll definitely be returning to Iona. However, we’d love to hear from you in regards to what other possible UK adventures might be calling you.
You never know...we may add them to our offerings!
Additionally, we are very happy to arrange and guide customized group trips. If you have been dreaming of embarking on a bespoke journey designed specifically for your family/friends, church, work, spiritual group, etc. We'd love to help you bring this into being.
We look forward to hearing from you!
denise@walkingawake.com
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2024 Walking Awake Workshops:
Walking Awake into the Celtic New Year:
We're thrilled to announce we will be returning to Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, PA., U.S.A to host our annual Celtic New Year weekend retreat in coordination with Columcille Megalith Park's Samhuiin Celebration, the weekend of November 1st - 3rd, 2024. If you are interested in joining us for this magical weekend on the mountain, you may wish to register early, as this retreat sold out rather quickly last year (and people are already reserving their places). To read more, and save your place, click here.
Other Workshops possibilities for 2024 are still unfolding:
Walking Awake will come to you!:
We're very open to traveling and sharing our programs with you and your community. Whether it be in the UK, Ireland, Canada, the US or a place we haven't even thought of yet! Drop us an email if you would like to begin a conversation about the many possibilities.
Something NEW is brewing!:
Denise is in the process of creating a new 'going deeper' type of program that aligns with our 'Walking Awake to the Rhythm of the Earth' series. It will feature various aspects of Nature, Celtic Spirituality, Crafting, and Ritual in a small group format. Although it is in its early days of creation, we can share that it will include a combination of online Zoom gatherings and occasional invitations to in-person gatherings. There will be a suggested financial offering to partake in this new program and it will be limited in available spots for participation (all yet to be determined). That's all we'll share for now. Just thought we'd plant the seed. We hope to announce more near Imbolc-time. If in reading this little blurb, you are finding yourself intrigued, do feel free to drop Denise a note of interest.
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Walking Awake Book News... | |
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Walking Awake on the Isle of Iona, Scotland: An Inspirational Book and Card Set:
Thank you, to all who have purchased and shared my ‘Walking Awake on the Isle of Iona Inspirational Book and Card Set’ over the past year! To be honest, they would never had been sent out into the world had the first printing not been sponsored by my very dear friend, Vicki Doney. I am deeply grateful to her for this, as it was not just a gift received by me to enable this creation to be birthed, it was a gift received by many other people all across the world. Thank you so much, Vicki!
I can happily share that the original print of 250 copies has recently sold out and I have just ordered a second printing of 250 to have available for 2024. This coming year, they will be sold on Iona at Aosdana, the Iona Community Shop, and at the Heritage Center gift shop. In Pennsylvania, USA you can find sets for sale at Columcille Megalith Park’s gift shop. While I won’t be receiving the new batch until mid-January, if you’d like to pre-order a set, you are welcome to email me and I will add you to my list and contact you for payment when they are ready to be shipped.
If you have already purchased a copy and can spare a moment to drop me an email, I would love to hear how they are speaking to you/how you might be using them. And if you are willing, it would be wonderful to receive a few testimonials for future publicity purposes.
Click here to learn more about the "Walking Awake on the Isle of Iona Inspirational Card Deck and Book Set."
NEW CARD AND BOOK SET IN THE WORKS!:
Some of you may remember that years ago, I made a small print run of what I called my “Walking Awake in Nature’ deck featuring some of the many ‘faces in Nature’ I have encountered on my journeys. It was a simple deck set, just the cards themselves along with short note and Iona stone packaged in a small tin box. Now that I have completed the Iona book set, I am now ready to rebirth my 'Walking Awake in Nature' deck anew! It will consist of some of the original photos featured, along with new ones, and will be formatted much like the Iona set in a similar box with an accompanying book. This is my winter project, and I plan on going back to Iona for a few weeks this winter to bring it into being. I am very excited about this new project and it is my goal to have them printed and available by the fall of 2024.
In order to birth this exciting new project by fall of 2024, I will need to explore possibilities of financial sponsorship towards the first print. If this is something you feel you might be able to assist with, I would be very happy to arrange a private video chat to discuss this further. Thank you for your consideration.
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Upcoming Walking Awake Zoom gatherings... | |
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Mark your calendars: Our next two Zoom gatherings will be in 2024 on the following dates: Saturday, January 6th and Saturday, February 3rd both at 11am EST.
If you're new to Walking Awake's Zooms, all are invited to join us (new friends and old)! We have found our (open and free to all!)Zoom gatherings to be a wonderful way for our Walking Awake community to remain connected across the globe throughout the year. Our format is rather free flowing and open and usually includes Nick or I beginning each session with a reflective poem, quote, or piece of music followed by an introduction of the theme for the month, along with an invitation for those present to share their reflections, stories, poems, etc. It would be lovely to see you on our next one! I've included the link and invite below which can be used each month (feel free to save it). I will also send out an invite along with the theme and resend the link for joining, closer to the date(s).
If you'd like to get a glimpse of what our Zooms are like, here is link to last month's recording.
https://zoom.us/rec/play/M4ZHHPBJ9W1MW_5yPPp5HP-KL4A9dC7Ax9Nk9dbiFleQ4lFSs3OGrPv9IZJ3v_Rn8lBPcY7NJ-sO89k3.DXnlA0d0G_r3gQ4i?autoplay=true&startTime=1701532979000
Monthly link and invite:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84140711115?pwd=U2NZeHVmRFhIM3Y0NUxsY0JrZ0Judz09
Denise Crawn is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Walking Awake Monthly Zoom Gatherings
Time: Jan 6, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the First Sat, until Dec 7, 2024, 12 occurrence(s)
Jan 6, 2024 11:00 AM
Feb 3, 2024 11:00 AM
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Jun 1, 2024 11:00 AM
Jul 6, 2024 11:00 AM
Aug 3, 2024 11:00 AM
Sep 7, 2024 11:00 AM
Oct 5, 2024 11:00 AM
Nov 2, 2024 11:00 AM
Dec 7, 2024 11:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAsc-mvrzorG9EEb1ebltdjZSjvubx1Bkoo/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGsrz8qHdWUsRiCRpwIBY-gc-3zmH5cjfp4uR20BiJfdgf8DNFIJKd9CIny
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 841 4071 1115
Passcode: 963396
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We hope you have enjoyed our Winter Solstice edition of "As the Wheel Turns"! If you have friends or family members who would like to join us as we continue to "Walk Awake to the Rhythm of the Earth" simply have them drop me an email and I will add them to our list!
We hope to see you soon!
Warm Holiday Wishes to All!
Denise and Nick
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