Is anyone planning a Winter Solstice Celebration?

I am, and am looking for any good ideas/rituals/insights that will help me to plan the event. I have found a few good websites on the subject, but was wondering if any of my fellow A,S & AHG members would have suggestions too.

Thanks in advance!

Even though it is the darkest day.
No one can hold back the dawn.
Light is returning.


At Solstice rather than focusing exclusively on the light Returning, which can often lead to distortion and glamor, I choose to honor the dark also on Solstice Day. Most people are afraid of the dark. They run away from it. But everything that is born comes from the dark into the light. The emergence place is worthy of acknowledgement and respect. Then there is plenty of time for celebrating the light.

Here's an essay on the Winter Festival that may be of some use for you.

http://www.chiron-communications.com/winterfestival.html


Meegwich, SH

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"Festivals are not merely the commemoration of historical events or personalities. They are in and of themselves, each year, spiritual events carrying a significance that grows and deepens with the developing phases of human evolution."

— Rudolf Steiner

and for taking the time to reply.

but so far all I've planned is to plan it. Until I finish work this crazy, intense week, I can't think straight. I'll probably do some actually planning this weekend, and check back in then.

for your checking back in!

It will be a time when I banish darkness, and welcome and look forward to light in the coming year.

Tomorrow I WILL finish dealing with the piles of clutter and chores waiting in the house. Getting the house clean and clear is a priority; sweeping out the old, to be filled with the new. I'll probably do some sort of cleansing; salt water or sage. Monday night, before I go to bed, I will fill the house with candles, and let them burn all night, to celebrate the return of the sun. I'll light each one with a prayer to bring light to my life, to loved ones and friends who've been in my thoughts, then my country, then my earth. I'll do a meditation focused on calling and focusing light to earth, to my country, friends, family, and self.

Tuesday I will do the following:

I'll be out to greet the dawn and welcome the sun as it rises. A small, simple ritual of welcome and thanks.

I'll take a solitary morning ride on my horse, with my dog at my side, up the mountain. I'll sit on a rock, let my horse chomp grass, and watch the world spread out beneath me, visualizing the light spreading over the globe as I soak up the sunshine in peaceful silence.

In the afternoon/evening, I'll gather with friends to laugh, eat, talk, sing, dance, and exchange yule gifts. We may do this part on the weekend, instead of on a weeknight; if so, I'll happily curl up with a light, funny, uplifting movie. Nothing lights the world up faster than laughter. Any movie suggestions?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=262x77

This is from the Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality Group.

Yes, my coven and I will be celebrating the solstice this Sunday. Witchvox.com (http:www.witchvox.com) has a section on the sabbats, including the winter solstice. You might find something meaningful there.

but what we always do is have a discussion before hand. Then as a group we decide what to do. People will bring their thoughts and ideas and share them and we always manage to spontaneously plan our ritual from there.

is over party.

This one really toasted my ass.