Although tomorrow at 1:35 p.m. EST is the actual Winter Solstice we have reached our shortest day of the year here in Chester today. The day is 8 Hours and 58 minutes long and won't start getting longer until December 27th. So you can see why the ancients got worried at this time of year - sometimes it takes some sacrifices to get the sun to come back again. That is why I love Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. It takes an author with his insight and humor to point out how the merry holiday things we love have their origins in the deep dark cold of the ancient world.
So pull yourselves together people - you need to get some rituals in place to make sure that the sun will head back our way and not halt in its current position. Check out Candlegrove for ideas and for the history of the Solstice celebration as well as Yule and Saturnalia. This web site has not only a really great layout - but it is chock full of interesting facts and tons of links to more information.
So Happy Solstice. Good Yule. Have a revelous Saturnalia. Make sure to wish the god Mithras "Happy Birthday" on the 25th. And above all wake up on December 32nd and shout "Happy Hogswatch Day"!
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