Rhythms of Life

Dancing Nature's Rhythms

January

Stirrings. January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings. He had two faces so he could see the future and the past! He was also the god of doors. Winter light. Naked trees and bright moons. Dark skies and stars. Quieten rest in the stillness Ice and snow swirl and whirl Breathe Read more about January[…]

Winter solstice

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b06s96l4?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile BBC Radio 4 The essay Winter solstice From Sharon Blackie Old Crane woman There is an old Greek term: ‘halcyon days’. It springs from a story about the halcyon (from the kingfisher family), about which Aristotle has this to say: ‘The halcyon breeds at the season of the winter solstice. Accordingly, when this season Read more about Winter solstice[…]

Winter solstice – the Hibernal solstice

In Persian culture, the winter solstice is called Yaldā (meaning: birth) and it has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is referred to as the eve of the birth of Mithra, who symbolised light, goodness and strength on earth. LIZ LOCHHEAD In the Mid-Midwinter ‘Tis the year’s midnight, and it is the day’s – from John Donne’s ‘A Nocturnal Read more about Winter solstice – the Hibernal solstice[…]

Yule

Yule 12th December is Lussi’s Night, a Northern European goddess and light bringer in the darkness. She is connected with a wild hunt horde called the lussiferda (lucifer?) rebranded and syncretised with Saint Lucia lussevaka, the night long vigil, to stay awake in vigil through lusinatt light carried around to ward off evil animals would Read more about Yule[…]