Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Can't wait for Solstice

The Solstice falls on our anniversary this year so we'll celebrate that as well as Solstice.  Well, I'll be celebrating Solstice.  My intentions are to celebrate the astronomical festivals in addition to some of the Hellenic festivals as well.  I love the dark moon celebrations and the various festivals to the gods each month.  Not that I'm good at keeping them just yet, but I do love the idea of them.  And I'm building up to being comfortable celebrating them.

I've decided that my focus on the Winter Solstice will be Apollo, since I think of him when I think of the Sun.  I haven't decided on a ritual yet, and I might just wing it anyway, but I am excited about it, moreso than Christmas in fact.  We'll exchange a gift on the 22nd but mostly because it's our anniversary.  Still, I would do it anyway because I would rather the focus be on the Solstice than Christmas but that will take time.  Zach is keen on it, but Tom still is a little kid and since he gets that day off and not the Solstice, that's the day we'll celebrate.  But I won't celebrate Christmas on that day.  For me it's just another day of Solstice celebrations.

I generally like the Hellenic calendar of events although I don't pay that much attention to most of the festivals because they just don't fit into my perspective.  I love the dark moon celebrations to Hecate, the monthly observances to the daimons of the household, much like the household spirits who take care of things for you.  And I do like the monthly observances toward the gods.  It helps a bit to compartmentalize these things so you make sure they get their due rather than trying to wing it.  Full moons aren't on the Hellenic calendar but I love them so I pay particular attention to Artemis on that day, rather than Selene. 

I haven't done the studying I had intended but I still feel pretty good about what I have accomplished so far.  I'm more and more confident that I am on the right path and that the celebrations, rituals and observances are becoming more a part of my daily, monthly and yearly life.  In a way that didn't come naturally when I was focusing on Druidry.  I haven't looked back with regret at all.  In fact, I grow more excited each day when I wake up and see my altar.  It is becoming more a part of my life to honor and worship the gods.  I've started reading my book on Greek mythology on a daily basis.  Mostly.  I'm still not sure what to do with mythology, but I do love it.  More than I ever loved reading the Bible.  Seriously.

I really do intend to focus on divination, herb-lore and spellcasting.  I feel drawn to folk magic more than any other kind of magic.  I've been trying meditation again although not in a formal way.  I just focus on the candles and the gods after my nightly ritual.  It's calming at the least even if I don't accomplish anything else from it.

All in all, this has been the most productive year for me spiritually.  I feel more confident and more balanced than I have in the past.  And that's good.


4 comments:

  1. I'm happy that your path is bringing you joy and fulfillment!

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  2. And I have officially caught up! It has been a real joy to read through your journey of the past few years. I'm impressed by the woman you are becoming and I hope you will allow me to continue posting my occasional 2 cents (or more) in your comments. I've left quite a few opinions and tidbits in your past, but now it is the new solar year and the past can be laid to rest. Carry no darkness into the new year, and walk your path with confidence. Blessed Solstice, Light of Arthur to you!

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  3. Thanks, ladyimbruim. I loved reading all your comments and hope you continue to share your thoughts here.

    Blessed Solstice to you, too. :)

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