Happy Winter Solstice day ....

The Winter solstice always brings hope that we are half way through winter & our long, dark days will start to lighten again.

I gazed upon the moon early this morning over our tree & hedge, a very calming scene.

We had a family breakfast today - toasted chocolate panetone with fruit & yoghurt & freshly brewed filter coffee.

The late sunrises & early sunsets will slowly swap over & the low arc of the sun across our skies will change too.

The word solstice comes from  the Latin words 'sol' for 'sun' & 'sisto' for 'stop' - the sun 'stands still' , it stops moving southwards & begins to move northwards again.

The Solstice reminds me of the ebb & flow of life - the cycle of life that we are part of.

Today I celebrate the return of the sun to our northern Hemisphere with greenery to welcome visitors & link to nature. Our evergreen holly trees remain all year, our door wreath is a gift once again & symbolises gratitude & a circle of life ...

We will light lanterns  at home tonight to bring in light; light & greenery honour nature & these rituals give meaning to life & connect us all.

My chimnea is stacked with wood from my own garden for winter fires & I love this idea I came across ...

Fire releasing day

Everyone writes a note on what wish they would like to release & then everyone gathers around a fire & throws their paper on to burn 'release' their wish, while participating in quiet reflection & gratitude.

However you choose to observe the solstice - consciously or otherwise - know that the rhythm of life continues & you are part of it.

Thanks for stopping by, light a lantern or candle tonight to be one with nature ...
Dee ~♥~