As our planet makes it way around the central sun we experience the changing of the seasons. Winter to Spring, Spring to summer,t Fall, Fall to Winter and the cycle of life begins again. In the ancient ways, these seasonal changes were marked by ceremonies,festivals and celebrations. Each part of the year being unique to its purpose. "And to every time there is a purpose"

Spring Equinox - On or about March 21 is the spring equinox, It may also mark the first day of the sign of Aries. Also called the Vernal Equinox— an event of cosmic proportion. This is one of the two days of the year when light and darkness are equal. The cosmic balance. This is the day when you can place an egg on its end and it will stand due to the gravitational pull being equal and balanced. Each day from now on, we add one or two minutes of light to our day until the Summer Solstice in the sign of cancer.

Summer Solstice - The first day of the season of summer, June 21, is marked by the first day of the sign of Cancer. This cosmic event, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is also called “Ostara” by some. The crops are in full bloom and the sun is at its strongest at this time of year. From this point forward we loose about a minute of daylight as we move through the seasons.

The Autumn Equinox - is marked by the first day of the sign of Libra, September 21. The Equinox signifies the great balance, the beginning of Autumn, the first day of the fall season. The last of the harvest has been reaped and is stored for the coming winter months. This begins the long period of the coming darkness of winter, and all of nature makes ready for the Winter Solstice in the sign of Capricorn.

Winter Solstice - The Wheel of the Year has turned again, and we are quickly approaching one of the four quarter days of the year. This year December 21st is the day the Sun is the farthest away from the Northern Hemisphere, and the closest to the Tropic of Cancer. It's the shortest day and the longest night of the year for the Northern hemisphere and marks the date we actually start winter. After this day, the sun gradually returns and brings the northern hemisphere back to light. Winter Solstice has been found as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who believed in a god-man and later, a savior. Osiris died and was entombed on December 21st; the passage reading, " At midnight , the priests emerged from an inner shrine crying, the virgin has brought fourth! The light is waxing and showing an image of a baby to the worshippers. "

In the last 2500 years Yule has had yet another incarnation with the birth and passing of the Christ Child. Once again it is the death and re birth of the light to darkness and to light again. From the day of the solstice forward to light will grow once again and the seasons will make there way around the sacred wheel of life.

Yule, also called Saturnalia, the Long Night, and by most, Christmas.
What ever you know in your heart to be true, You have honored this celestial event and the warm glow of the fire now resides within you as it always has and always will.

Brightest of Blessings as we turn the wheel of life together.