We always imagine these people perhaps as rather primitive, but their knowledge and skill in erecting and aligning such structures as Stonehenge, I think, proves otherwise. It is hard to imagine, total darkness, these days, as we have lights in our home, and cars and streets, which we can substitute for daylight. For our ancestors, dependant on light for their very existance, in giving them a good harvest, and no real method, apart from fire torches, of lighting their way, this time was of course of great importance. The sun is born again, there are a few days of stillness, then something shifts and the days slowly start to get longer again! A time to feast, dream of Spring, and plan for the future. The Holly King's reign over the Greenwood is over, as the Oak King defeats him once again and he can woo the Goddess.
However, it may be a little lighter outside, but it is often the time we get the worst weather, so do not expect to see any signs of spring, until Imbolc! But we can use this time of stillness to ponder over the last 6 months, and vow to cast off all bad habits, ways of thinking or doing that no longer serve us, as we plan for better and step into the light with our new hopes and dreams. Instead of dreading this time, why not look forward to it as a time to rest, dream, and re-charge our batteries ready for when the wheel turns once more?
I like to walk up a hill on the Solstice, and be among the trees, in my favourite piece of forest, and as I look West, to see the sun set for the last time at this early hour for the year, I toast the Oak King, then walk back home for spiced cider and fruit cake by the fire. I bring in my little Yule Tree, and hang little treats on it for the family, and we decorate the cottage, by bringing in greenery, evergreens, such as holly, ivy, fir and juniper - to protect our home and remind us that life goes on, and also to protect the spirits of the trees, from the cold. Mistletoe, is important too - it was and is, sacred to the Druids, and a symbol of fertility - crush a berry, and you will see why!! Above all, celebrate this special time, eat, drink and be merry! Blessed Yule.