Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice, or Yule, is held either December 21st or 22nd. It marks the shortest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere) and is an important holiday to those who follow the old ways.

To the ancients, it appeared as if the Sun and Moon stopped in their flight across the sky—this is the longest night of the year and was a time of both anticipation and rejoicing at the Sun’s rebirth out of the Goddess.

The Sun's representation as the male divinity, or celestial ruler, predates Christianity. As with other rituals and celebrations, the Church felt that by assimilating this holiday into the Christian beliefs, it would help convert those who still followed the Old Way.

Reason for the Seasons
The reason for the different seasons at opposite times of the year in the two hemispheres is that while the earth rotates about the sun, it also spins on its axis, which is tilted some 23.5 degrees towards the plane of its rotation. Because of this tilt, the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight (creating winter) while the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight (creating summer). As the Earth continues its orbit the hemisphere that is angled closest to the sun changes and the seasons are reversed.

Solstice Watching
When watching a solstice you need to be very careful you do not hurt your eyes. Obviously the sun is not as bright as if you were looking at an eclipse but no matter what you need to be careful. Your first concern when looking anywhere near the sun should always be eye safety. Serious eye damage can result from even a brief glimpse of our sun. Don't just assume you can go out and purchase glasses for solstice viewing or some other type of solstice eyewear. You may view the Sun directly only through a special filter made for safe solar viewing.