The Winter Solstice. The original 12 days celebrated in the pagan tradition which starts around December 21st to the first of the new year. In Celtic lore, it is time for the battle between the Holly King and the Oak King.
These two mighty rulers fight for supremacy as the Wheel of the Year turns each season. At the Winter Solstice, or Yule, the Oak King conquers the Holly King, and then reigns until Midsummer, or Litha. Once the Summer Solstice arrives, the Holly King returns to do battle with the Oak King, and defeats him.
This season was also an important time of year for agricultural peoples celebrating the survival of another cold winter and the promise of the warming sun and the coming Spring.
Imbolc marks the beginning of Spring, commonly held on 1 February, or about halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brighid, it is a celebration of the return of the Sun.
It is the promise of renewal, of hidden potential, of earth awakening and life-force stirring. Here is hope. We welcome the growth of the returning light and witness Life's insatiable appetite for rebirth.
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