Dear Liz,

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and hope you are warm and safe in the beginning of this winter season.

Last night was the official winter solstice, on the eve of the Christmas Holiday weekend, December 21 at 10:27p.m. EST. It evokes the start or perhaps hope for something new, marking both an annual cycle and change. It is known as the shortest day of the year in the N. Hemisphere. On the day of this astronomical event, the sun is at its lowest elevation and stands in a position that does not vary for several days. That's the reason for the term solstice, which combines the Latin words sol, for sun, with stit, from the word sistere- which means to stand still. The word solstice's first known use was in the 14th century. (Webster's dictionary)

We note this history, and hope that with all the turmoil in the world with the Wars in the Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, and the domestic violence here at home, that the new year will bring change and peace and a more humanitarian spirit.

Here is an article with beautiful pictures of the serpent mounds of Native American cultures that celebrated the solstice. Winter Solstice Mounds

May the Long Nightfall of the Winter Solstice bring Peace to your Mind and Enlightenment to your Soul