Once upon a time, in a small village nestled deep in the forest, there lived a witch named Agnes. Agnes was known throughout the village for her extraordinary powers and her ability to concoct potent potions. However, Agnes had a secret—she had a bug. For as long as she could remember, a small, green bug had been living on her shoulder. The bug, named Zephyr, was her loyal companion and aide. Together, they would navigate the challenges of being a witch in a world full of skeptics.

The Winter Solstice in Ireland: My Vigil for Grianstad an Gheimhridh

Although my personal practice for the Winter Solstice is not attested in any ancient text… it holds deep significance for me, and many others have found peace, hope, and even shared community, by taking it up as a practice too, after hearing of my tradition. So, I’d like to share it with you too.

✨ Post by Lora O’Brien

As the wheel of the year turns towards its darkest point, I find myself preparing once again for a sacred tradition that has become a significant part of my spiritual practice here in Ireland. On the eve of Friday, 22nd December 2023, I will be observing my annual vigil for Grianstad an Gheimhridh, the Winter Solstice.

Edit for clarity, as some are finding this confusing… in 2023 the exact Solstice point in Ireland [to find yours, Google “winter solstice 2023 in YOUR COUNTRY”] is Fri, Dec 22, 2023, 3:27 am. As above, I will hold vigil on the eve; so on Thursday 21st my vigil will begin, through the 3.27am point on Thursday night / Friday morning, and the sunrise on that Friday morning’s dawn.

As an Irish Draoí, this time holds a profound meaning for me, marking a transition from darkness into light, a moment to honour the enduring cycle of nature and the deep-rooted traditions of my homeland.

Together, they would navigate the challenges of being a witch in a world full of skeptics. Zephyr may have been small, but he possessed a vast amount of knowledge about the magical realm. He would provide Agnes with insights into the hidden world of potions, spells, and enchantments.

The Winter Solstice in Irish Paganism

The Winter Solstice, or Grianstad an Gheimhridh, is more than just the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the heart of Ireland’s spiritual landscape, it symbolises the rebirth of the sun, a renewal of energy, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

To my mind, at least, ancient monuments like Newgrange and Knockroe, with their precise alignments to the solstice sunrise, stand as enduring testaments to our ancestors’ deep connection with this celestial event.

Sometimes, he would crawl into Agnes' ear and whisper secrets that only witches and bugs could know. Zephyr was more than just a bug to Agnes; he was her best friend and confidant. While the people in the village feared Agnes and her mysterious powers, they had no idea about Zephyr. They would only see him when he chose to reveal himself, appearing as a shimmering green light buzzing around Agnes' head. The villagers' superstitions made them wary of witches, and Agnes became an outcast within her own community. But Agnes wasn't bothered by the villagers' disdain. She had Zephyr by her side, offering solace and support. As the years went by, Agnes and Zephyr honed their craft and became even more skilled in the art of witchcraft. They invented new potions, created enchanted objects, and even helped a few villagers secretly, always under the cover of darkness. Agnes' reputation as a powerful witch grew, despite the villagers' ignorance of Zephyr's involvement. One day, word reached Agnes that a great evil had descended upon the village. A darkness was spreading, causing crops to wither, livestock to fall ill, and people to become consumed with fear. Agnes knew she had to act swiftly to protect her beloved home. With Zephyr by her side, she set out to find the source of this evil and eradicate it. As they journeyed through the thick forest, Agnes and Zephyr encountered many obstacles. But with their combined knowledge and magical abilities, they overcame each one. Finally, they reached the heart of the darkness—a cursed tree that had been infested with twisted spirits. Agnes recognized this as the source of the village's troubles and knew that only a powerful spell could banish the evil. With Zephyr perched on her shoulder, Agnes chanted an incantation she had never dared to use before. The spell unleashed a whirlwind of magic that enveloped the cursed tree, ripping away the dark spirits that clung to its branches. As the light returned to the village, the villagers looked on in awe at Agnes and her incredible power. From that day forward, Agnes and Zephyr were hailed as heroes. The villagers finally realized that Agnes was not their enemy but their savior. They celebrated her bravery and begged her forgiveness. But Agnes never held a grudge; she knew ignorance was not a crime. With a warm smile, she forgave the villagers and continued her life as the village's beloved witch. Agnes and Zephyr taught the villagers about the wonders of magic and the importance of embracing the unknown. Together, they showed the world that there was beauty in even the smallest and most unexpected things, like a witch and her bug. They became a symbol of unity and acceptance, reminding everyone that true power lies in friendship, knowledge, and the courage to stand against darkness. And so, Agnes and Zephyr lived happily ever after, their story forever etched in the annals of magical history, reminding generations to come of the incredible bond between a witch and her bug..

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