RESOURCES FOR EXPLORING WINTER SOLSTICE, 2010, ON …

RESOURCES FOR EXPLORING WINTER SOLSTICE, 2010,

ON YOUR OWN

From the Earth Centered Spirituality Circle of First Unitarian Universalist Church o of San Diego

15 years ago, the Earth Centered Spirituality Circle of First UU Church produced our first Winter Solstice Celebration. The ritual was performed theatre-in-the-round style over three nights in Bard Hall. Winter Solstice is but one of eight Holy Days in the Pagan Wheel of the Year, but for many, it's the most beloved. Perhaps it's the magic of twinkle lights on a cold winter's night, or the chance to sing childhood carols with Pagan lyrics.

Over the years, thousands of people have been deeply moved by our special UU Pagan solstice worship. In 2005, this celebration moved into the Meeting House for a onenight worship experience. For many, the community gathering, magical characters, roaring bon-fire, music and shared hot wassail on the patios before the ritual were just as important as the ritual itself. While many attended simply for the entertainment of the spectacle, many more considered this a sacred event.

For the organizers, producers, and Kindred Spirits of the Earth Centered Spirituality Circle, Winter Solstice has always been a time of deep personal sacrifice and spiritual rebirth. This one-night ritual takes six months of planning, over 500 hours of labor and the work of least 100 volunteers. This year, we will be taking a rest and will not be producing Winter Solstice.

There are many reasons for this sabbatical. Most volunteers have worked tirelessly, without a break, for over a decade. We know it is a healthy thing to pause, rest, and renew a spiritual practice and this is the perfect year to rest. The reality and logistics of the campus construction offer unique challenges to our regular design, and it will take a while to accommodate to the limitations that construction will present.

However, have no fear; we WILL have Winter Solstice in 2011, fence or no fence. What follows are tips, ideas, suggestions and simple rituals so families can keep the Solstice in a personal way, at home, in small gatherings. May this season bring you love, light, and inner renewal.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again. Blessed Be,

The Leadership Circle of Earth Centered Spirituality Circle

WINTER SOLSTICE, DECEMBER 21, 2010

The December solstice will occur at 23:38 (or 11.38pm) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on December 21, 2010. It is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere due to the seasonal differences. Its date varies from December 20 to December 23 depending on the year in the Gregorian calendar.

There are 8 holy days in the Pagan Wheel of the Year. Winter Solstice is one. It is also called Yule. It is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice had been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess.

Throughout history, cultures have recognized and celebrated this sacred and transformative time of year. Our ancestors grew worried as the longest night of the year approached. Increased darkness meant less food, difficult shelter and certain death.

In order to cope with the danger of the growing darkness, dances were devised, masks were worn, stories were told, and special foods were prepared. Shamans, crones and sages were called upon to lead the community in bringing back the light to the world. Throughout history, cultures have recognized and celebrated this sacred and transformative time of year.

Pagan Winter Solstice motifs were adapted by early Christians to create Christmas, in which the birth of Christ resonates with other Sun (Son) Gods born at this time. The Kalash people of Pakistan celebrate the great spirit of generosity, which wanders the country collecting their prayers. The Hindu participate in Diwali, a five-day Festival of Lights. The people of Swaziland recognize solstice by having their king withdraw for several days before emerging to celebrate the sun's return. The Hopi Kachinas emerge from their underground home in order for light to triumph over darkness. In Japan, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu is coaxed out of her cave.

May you and your family celebrate the return of the sun this Winter Solstice. The following ideas may help you devise small rituals and celebrations that include blessings, music, shared libation, dancing, story-telling, poetry and readings. May you celebrate the sacred light, joy, and renewal in yourself and everyone.

ECSC c/o First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA, 92103

GOOD BOOKS TO HELP CELEBRATE WINTER SOLSTICE

Aisha's Moonlit Walk: Stories and Celebrations For the Pagan Year Author: Anika Stafford (Written by a former UU Religious Education Director)

The Winter Solstice: A Book for Children Author: Ellen B. Jackson. Teachers value this book's multicultural approach with simple, readable text and attractive watercolor illustrations.

Sabbat Entertaining: Celebrating the Wiccan Holidays with Style Author: Willow Polson. If Martha Stewart were a Witch.

Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions by Starhawk, Diane Baker and Anne Hill

(Support your local independent bookstore or online individual book dealer)

GOOD WEBSITES TO LEARN ABOUT WINTER SOLSTICE



CUUPS ? Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans Llewellyn , a reputable publisher Selena Fox, psychotherapist, teacher, priestess Neopagan news and networking

GOOD PLACES TO SHOP FOR WINTER SOLSTICE MATERIALS

Tree of Life A metaphysical store selling books, statues, incense, jewelry in Ocean Beach, 4870 Santa Monica Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 223-3970

Controversial Bookstore This local small business is great pagan & metaphysical shop that has been around for 40 years. 3063 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104-3035 (619) 296-1560

Lady of the Lake - Books, candles, jewelry, robes, cards. Found across the street from Controversial Bookstore.

Star Craft Pagan store with magick supplies, books, jewelry, tools etc. Used to be in Ocean Beach, is now in La Mesa at 6195 Lake Murray Blvd., Suite E, La Mesa, CA, (619) 337-2400

GOOD IDEAS TO TRY AT HOME ON WINTER SOLSTICE

One way to "keep the solstice" is to keep your home very dark. Don't turn on any lights on this longest night of the year, instead rely on candle light. Twinkle lights for holiday trees work well because they create a warm glow. If you're lucky enough to have a fire place, keep it stoked. Or light a small wood fire in a fire safe area in your back yard (like a BBQ grill or a fire pit.)

Some people gather and tell stories about meaningful experiences they have had during this time of year. Some families ask friends to seek out "solstice stories" and bring one to read. Some people stay up all night long and wait for Sunrise, to mark the actual return of the sun.

Special foods can be made on solstice day and shared at a feast on solstice night.

Some people go to the beach where they have a large bonfire and greet the solstice between the fire and the sea.

There are wonderful musical voyages of Winter Solstice this time of year. Often Public Radio presents Winter Solstice concerts. Some families have tradition of listening to these over the radio together, in stead of watching television or movies.

Some families choose a worthy organization to volunteer with this time of year and celebrate solstice in this manner.

In some homes, the "Solstice Fairy" visits at some point during Winter Solstice, hiding gifts for children and youth around the house. It can be a fun family tradition to look for hints when the Solstice Fairy has visited (there are often puddles of glitter found where they have touched down.)

Some families have a small ritual in their home. The basic working of a ritual are similar to a worship service.

If you have never done a ritual, you can find simple accessible information in the book:

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham.

Most of all, keeping the solstice in your personal way should be fun and meaningful. We wish you love and light and look forward to seeing on Sundays at church.

Happy Solstice and Bright Blessings, The Leadership Circle of Earth Centered Spirituality Circle

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