Winter Solstice – 2013

Yesterday we had our Slavic Winter Solstice rite to honor the Kindred.  The Slavic pagans and early Slavic Christians saw the Winter Solstice as a time when the world was closest to the underworld and had similar traditions as the Celtic Samhain, but mixed in with customary Yule traditions.  One such merging of traditions was that people would dress up in animal costumes, but go door to door caroling for sweets.

We honored Svarog in his capacity as the progenitor of the Slavic kin, Morana as the goddess of winter and Dažbog as the sun god who will be spending more time with us as the days lengthen.

Our oracle from the Kindred, when asked what blessings they have bestowed upon us, was as follows:

Ancestors: Wisdom (Ash)
Nature Spirits: Attraction (Honeysuckle)
Gods and Goddesses: Intuition (Willow)

In this season we can attract good or ill to ourselves.  We must use our wisdom and intuition guide ourselves and what we attract.

 

We would like to thank to all those who were able to attend and contribute to the rite.

May the light of the sun shine down upon you all, and bring joy in this time of long nights.  Have a Happy Solstice!