Celebrating the Winter Solstice

It is no coincidence that Christmas come so close to the Winter Solstice, despite the fact that there is no given date for the actual birth of Jesus. The Roman emperor merely chose an appropriate date which would also coincide with the festival of Saturn (Son of the grand-god Jupiter).

It's surprising to many who identify as Christians to find out how many of their traditions and beliefs are borrowed from earlier pagan roots. The Iconography and stories of the virgin Mary and Jesus are borrowed from Egypt (Isis and Horus). Certainly the Christmas tree, Yule log, and mistletoe are wonderful symbols of our pagan past. Wassailing, giving gifts to children, and feasting are all Solstice traditions.

The message of Christ is that of rebirth, renewal into the spirit. How appropriate a time to celebrate. For thousands of years, almost every human culture on earth has celebrated the solstice. It is a time of renewal, when the days grow longer and the winter cold wanes. It means spring and new life are coming.

As metaphysicians, we should celebrate our rebirth into the God-self we already are. Take in the wonders of the season, and remember that happiness and love are our natural state.