In the depths of winter, when the days are short and the nights are long, ancient pagans celebrated the winter solstice. This was a time to honor the cycles of nature and welcome the return of longer days as the solstice marked the turning point where the sun began to strengthen and the light slowly returned. The pagans held various ceremonies and rituals during the winter solstice to mark this special occasion. One of the most poetic and enchanting ways to celebrate was through the recitation of winter solstice poems. These pagan winter solstice poems captured the essence of the season, the beauty of nature, and the reverence for the ever-changing cycles of the earth. Pagan winter solstice poems often incorporated themes of rebirth, renewal, and the power of light in overcoming darkness.
At the Winter Solstice, NaturalPantheist of the Nature is Sacred blog performs a ritual which begins with this prelude:
They lighted candles in the winter trees; They hung their homes with evergreen; They burned beseeching fires all night long To keep the year alive, And when the new year s sunshine blazed awake They shouted, reveling. You could consider what you are grateful for, even in dark days, what you would like to release into the darkness, and what you would like to bring forward into the light.
Pagan winter solstice poems often incorporated themes of rebirth, renewal, and the power of light in overcoming darkness. They highlighted the magic and mysteries of the natural world, inviting listeners to connect with the rhythms of the earth and the celestial dance of the sun and moon. These poems were often performed by gifted bards who possessed the skill to weave words into vivid imagery.
A Yule Poem and Solstice celebration…..
Merry Meet my lovely friends. How is your Yule/Christmas preparations going? If you’re like me, you’re as busy as can be..running everywhere…shopping, wrapping, baking, visiting and feeling a bit run down, tired and stressed. This time of year can be very hectic but because we are witches we know how to fix that don’t we? Be sure to take quiet time every day. Meditation, altar work, ritual baths, moon gazing, fire gazing, candle spells, scented oils and incense and grounding and centering are all ways for us to relax, regroup, and to re-energize our minds and bodies so that we feel better and don’t get so stressed out and tired that we don’t enjoy this time of year.
For us christmas day is about spending time with family, feasting, opening gifts and having a fun filled day. Yule or Winter Solstice is something quite different. It’s more about quiet peace, the glow of candles, a yule log burning, a simple meal and reflecting on the past year and what you hope to manifest in the next. There are many things you can do as a family to celebrate the solstice that will be rewarding and memorable and make the day lovely and relaxing at the same time.
*Instead of buying gifts, make some together on Yule Day. My daughters, sister and I love to knit and crochet. There are so many things you can make with that skill for loved ones. Or make something and donate it to a charity such as chemo caps, preemie caps, and blankets for hospice patients. Or you can make homemade decorations for your Yule tree, wreath, or Yule log. Cinnamon or Salt dough ornaments shaped like stars, moons, pentacles, apples etc would be a fun family project!
*Go on a nature walk in a nearby woods or nature preserve or on a beach. Look for a Yule Log for the fireplace or a smaller one simply to decorate the home. Look for natural decorations such as ivy, mistletoe, and pinecones, taking care to only pick what has already fallen. If its snowing, take bird seed, dried corn or shelled peanuts to put out for the birds and furry creatures. Make snow angels. Catch snowflakes on your tongue. Sing carols outloud.
*Collect evergreens to make a Yule Wreath or to put on your Yule log…the scent when you burn the log will be delicious!
*While sitting around the burning Yule Log, share the stories of Winter Solstice. Each member of the family throws some dried holly sprigs into the fire, saying a farewell to the old year. Talk about your past year together and what you’d like to have happen in your next year. Perhaps everyone has a favorite memory that could be recorded in a journal or blog.
*Have a Solstice Meal. Make it as big or as simple as you wish. Make a cake for the return of the Sun King…maybe put a sunburst on the cake with icing. Each person can light a candle on the cake and make a wish for the coming year.
*Have the family do a ritual together to wish the Holly King a pleasant journey til he comes back again.
*Stay up all night and watch the sunrise and toast the Sun King’s return with fresh orange juice or mimosa..then have a nice breakfast and take a long winter’s nap!
Can you think of a tradition you would like to start with your family? I know you can…you may have some in place already! One thing I do too..is for myself, I take time at my altar..or outside with the Moon Goddess…to give thanks for the blessings in my life. I value my time to reflect and be with the Goddess anytime I can.
I found this poem this evening and just loved it…thought I would share it here with you.
“So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
…They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!”
– Susan Cooper, The Shortest Dayj
I don’t know who Susan Cooper is but I salute her writing! She captured Yule perfectly in her beautiful words. So my dear friends, look for ways to find calm in the raging busyness of the season. Embrace some time for solitude to regroup and reconnect with the Goddess and your soul. Have a glass of wine or eggnog in the evening by a fire or a lit candle. Put your jammies on early and watch a holiday movie. Kiss under the mistletoe with your honey. Call old friends you haven’t talked to for awhile…just reconnect with loved ones. It’s going to be a long winter but each day the sun shines a bit longer and spring will come soon and Mother Earth will wake up and it WILL be green again! 🙂
Jon Cleland Host of the Naturalistic Paganism Yahoo group celebrates the solstice with his family, including Yule log and sunrise viewing:
Through metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions, these bards captured the essence of the winter solstice, transporting listeners to a world where time seemed to standstill, and the forces of nature were celebrated and honored. While many of these pagan winter solstice poems have been lost to time, remnants of their beauty and wisdom can still be found in ancient texts and folklore. Even today, modern pagans and those connected to the natural world may use these traditions to celebrate the winter solstice and reflect upon the transformative power of nature. In conclusion, pagan winter solstice poems are a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the cycles of the earth. They serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting nature's rhythms and the boundless beauty found within the changing seasons. These poems offer a glimpse into the rich spiritual and cultural tapestry of ancient pagan traditions, reminding us to cherish and preserve the wisdom of our ancestors..
Reviews for "Awakening the Pagan Spirit on the Winter Solstice"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Pagan Winter Solstice Poem" to be incredibly dull and uninspiring. The poem lacked any depth or originality, and it felt as though the author was simply going through the motions. The language used was mundane and failed to evoke any emotion or imagery. Overall, I was severely disappointed by this poem and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and engaging read.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While I appreciate the attempt to capture the essence of the winter solstice in "Pagan Winter Solstice Poem," the execution fell flat for me. The poem lacked a clear structure and seemed disorganized, making it difficult to follow the flow of the poem. Additionally, the imagery used was predictable and lacked creativity. I expected more from a poem centered around such a mystical and enchanting time of year. Unfortunately, this poem failed to meet my expectations.
3. Alex - 1 star
"Pagan Winter Solstice Poem" felt contrived and forced. The rhymes were overly simplistic and did not contribute to the overall narrative. The poem also lacked any originality or unique perspective on the winter solstice. I would have appreciated a more thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the themes associated with this pagan celebration. Unfortunately, this poem fell short and left me feeling unimpressed and disinterested.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I was not captivated by "Pagan Winter Solstice Poem." The language used was overly flowery and seemed more concerned with impressing the reader rather than conveying a genuine emotion or message. The poem also lacked coherence and failed to maintain a consistent tone throughout. I struggled to connect with the poem and found myself losing interest as I read further. Overall, I believe there are better poems out there that better encapsulate the essence of the winter solstice.
5. Michael - 1 star
"Pagan Winter Solstice Poem" failed to engage me and left me feeling indifferent. The poem lacked any semblance of a compelling narrative and failed to create a sense of atmosphere or evoke any real emotions. The language used seemed trite and uninspiring. I would not recommend this poem to anyone looking for a meaningful and impactful exploration of the winter solstice.