This episode is on the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is one of eight annual Solar Festivals. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, marking the return of the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere. The Ancients and native cultures have always celebrated these Solar Festivals as powerful times that were worthy of ceremony. Fires were lit to honor the Winter and Summer Solstices, thus the tradition of lighting the Yule Log derives from our pagan ancestors. Theosophical teachings which emerged in the late 19th century, derived from the Vedic wisdom of India, predicted the increasing importance of honoring the full moon, new moon, equinox and solstice cycles during the coming Aquarian Age. Well we are now in that Aquarian Age, and any ceremony or ritual, prayer or mantra that we perform on December 21 will be empowered at this Winter Solstice.
There is a primal urge in humankind to be rekindled, rebirthed and renewed at these seasonal Solar Festivals which include the two Solstices, two Equinoxes, and four cross-quarter days, honored by our ancestors, indigenous, and pre-Christian pagans. These days of honoring the Earth and Sun are in order of their procession in the Gregorian calendar are: February 2, know as "Imbolc," also called Candlemas which is the half-way point between the winter solstice and Spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. Then the Spring Equinox on March 21. Beltane, honors the fruits of the Spring in the Northern Hemisphere on May 1st. Followed by the Summer Solstice on June 21st, Lammas on August 1, Autumnal Equinox on September 21," Samhain," also known as All Souls Day on November 1, and Winter Solstice on December 21st. Most of you may be familiar with the Vernal or Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice (check out my previous podcast,) Autumnal Equinox and Winter Solstice. But the cross-quarter days celebrated by our indigenous and pagan ancestors are less known and they are Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas or Lughnassah, and Samhain or All Soul’s day.
The Winter Solstice provides a powerful time of year to bring in more Inner Light. Any rituals, meditations, or spiritual prayers and practices at this time of year will help to empower an individual or group in the coming New Year.
One powerful practice is to chant the "Great Invocation," at these annual Solar festivals.
The Great Invocation
From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let Light descend on Earth.
From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ return to Earth.
From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men –
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.
From the centre which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.
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