Winter Blessing

The solstice is fast approaching. For some this represents the true year end, rather than the 31 December which most of us celebrate. As we become more attuned to the cyclical patterns of the seasons and the sun and the moon the celtic year end grows in meaning.

On Saturday we attended a concert by Nigel Shaw and Carolyn Hillyer. At the end they share a Winter Blessing, which I will share here:

A bare-armed tree above my head
The cold black earth beneath me
A northern wind to kiss my skin
A cloak of ice to sheath me
A promise from the deepest night
To hold me close and safely
A blessing to this winter light
That quietly burns within me

As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop it is natural to go within. Into our dream lodges. Into our bear caves. Let the seeds that hold the potential for the year to come take cover under the deep dark soil to slowly germinate and start to grow out of sight.

It's a time for giving more than receiving.
It's a time to appreciate and be grateful
It's a time to be generous and share
It's a time to gather and celebrate