Lichenwood Rambles

Winter Solstice Blessings!

All around me the landscape looks like a perfect holiday card.  Years ago my mother sent out hundreds of cards each December wishing all friends, relatives, and business associates a very Merry Christmas.  Personally I love holiday cards and I actually did get a chance to mail out a very few, though not as many as in previous years.  This blog entry will have to serve as my Winter Holiday greeting to all.

A few days ago, this was the extent of our "snowed in" existence.  I quickly shoveled the short walk and doorstep and then took a stroll down the driveway.  I aimed the camera both up and down the scenic dirt road at the end of the driveway so that I could share the view with you.

Today it is snowing yet again.  Be careful what you wish for: I told several friends before we moved to the New Lichenwood that I could hardly wait to be inside my new home watching the snowflakes fall.  Well, I have certainly had that opportunity several times already and I have enjoyed all of it very much. 

Even this little octagonal window in the office bathroom frames Winter's beauty, while reminding me of the eight spoked Wheel of the Year.  We're in the last days and hours of the Holly King's rule.  The days are short and dark.  The Crone of Winter is sleeping in frozen suspension.  The Oak King is waiting in the wings to slay his rival and bring back the light.  The Wheel will turn and with our prayers, drumming, chanting, and revelry, light will triumph over darkness.

Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice which occurs when the Sun reaches zero degrees of Capricorn.

Also called: Midwinter, Yuletide (Teutonic), Alban Arthan (Caledonii Tradition and some Druidic traditions ), Feill Fionnain (Pecti-Wita Tradition) Sun Return, Pagan New Year, Saturnalia (Roman), Great Day of the Cauldron, and Festival of Sol, Longest Night.

Moon Phase Equivalent:  Dark of the Moon, New Moon

Direction: North  Time of Day: Midnight   

Colors: Red, Green, Gold, Silver, White

Herbs: Holly, Ivy, Pine, Mistletoe, Frankincense, Myrrh, Bay, Bayberry, Valerian, Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon, Poinsettias, all Evergreens, St. Johnswort, Calendula

Gemstones: Cat’s Eye, Ruby, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Citrine, Malachite, Diamond, Garnet, Bloodstone

Themes: The Goddess gives birth to the God; the Oak King slays the Holly King; the longest night of the year, burning the Yule log, wassailing the fruit orchards, rebirth of waxing light, meditation, peace on Earth, strengthening family ties, acts of generosity and charity, resolutions

                                           WINTER HOLIDAY BLESSINGS TO ALL!

New Moon, New Lichenwood

A New Moon is waxing and we are here at the New Lichenwood.  The move, being of the do-it-yourself variety, is ongoing.  We have enough of our belongings here to be very comfortable.  The feeling of being "home" was instant.  Please understand that I will always love the original Lichenwood, my home of nearly twenty years, with all my heart.  Nature taught me much there and I have no doubt that I will continue to learn much here at the New Lichenwood.

On Sunday as I was alone unpacking while the rest of the family was back in Durham busily loading up more boxes, I had my first interaction with the Nature spirits here.  An owl swooped in through the bare branches over the wetlands behind the house, landing in a large dead tree.  He greeted me with a steady inquisitive stare and was soon joined by his mate.  There was an intense exchange of information and I can only hope that this meeting portends continued communication and learning. 

At the top of this picture you can see the outline of a small family cemetary at the end of our snowy driveway.  I believe it is the Fernald family who rests here, but I am reluctant to disturb the purity of white snow blanketing their stones.  There will be time enough for exploration in the Spring.

Each morning I can see the trails left behind by deer.  I am looking forward to the first time I see them in the yard.  Everyone from the former owner, the real estate agent, and the mail carrier have assured me that deer are often sighted in both the front and the back yard. This morning I noted that the pond has frozen and is strong enough to support the night wandering stag and does.  I can see no other house from my yard.  I see only the pond, the wetlands, and the woods.  Life is good.