~ The 13 Days of Solstice~

"On the 13th day of Solstice, my Gods They gave to me, 13 candles burning,
  12 cauldrons boiling, 11 herbs a-drying, 10 flowers blooming, 9 drummers drumming, 8 Tantric lessons, 7 Books of Shadows, 6 Goddess statues,
 5 oaken staves! 4 elements, 3 money spells, 2 pentacles and a raven
 in a birch tree"
 
~Author Unknown~

 

My niece Sofia dances with the Pennsylvania School of Classical Ballet and Saturday night they danced a performance of The Nutcracker-a classic music symbol of the season that I never tire of. Of course, leaving Sunday, Midwinter Eve, found me slowly driving some treacherous snow covered roads, and at times stopping for extended periods of time.

I love this season and all its holiday music, sparkling decorations & twinkling lights.  However with all the hustle and bustle, the busy-ness and commotion, the intention of the season- love, peace & harmony-is sometimes lost.  On a quiet road, gazing out at a blanket of snow, I realized that what I was seeking was stillness.... a blanket of silence. I needed that stillness to find peace after such a tumultuous year. I found myself shutting off the radio and allowing nature to supply the music. As December rolls on, I will rest and reflect. I will simply be. Holiday customs and rituals may change, but the theme of peace and love will always remain. Today and everyday, may each and every one of us, have peace & love in our hearts and on this earth. The need for peace has never been greater. Peace is contagious, spread the word!!!

Once inside (with over 2 feet of snow to get through) I started my diffuser and soon a spicy warm fragrance filled the air...the smells of Yule -my luscious conifers combined with a hint of jasmine in a base of cinnamon, clove & oranges....yum and just the scent to get me redecorating my altar.  I always love seasonal foliage and flowers-symbols of whatever season we are in. Today it is evergreens, pinecones & holly, yellow/gold candles to honor the sun and a Yule Log.. Today is Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. From this day forward we begin a steady return to longer, sunny days. From this day forward we reach towards new beginnings.

May you have a most Fragrant Merry Christmas, Blessed Yule

                                                                &  Happy Hanukah
Have a wonderful December, I cherish you all. Hanging that mistletoe, after all you never know...
hugs & kisses,
Debbi 
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