A candle in the window.

The 22nd is the longest night of the year, when darkness is deepest.
As the sun rises on Wednesday we witness the birth of a new year.

The winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange.
Photo by Anthony Murphy © mythical ireland.com

The seconds of daylight will slowly increase and the sun will climb higher in the sky bringing the promise of spring. Until then we keep the fire going, stay indoors and gather with family and friends
to celebrate a rebirth.

3,000 years ago ancient people, in the Boyne Valley and elsewhere, were probably doing much the same. 

They too prepared for an important annual occasion,
the return of sunlight into the centre of the great mound,
Brú na Bóinne, now known as Newgrange.

We can only imagine the meaning of this phenomenon to our ancestors yet despite the change in
date and beliefs across the years, we continue the magic of this event in our modern traditions.

As we decorate the tree and light our candles we perform small acts 

of sympathetic magic to encourage the return of the sun.

On dark evenings when we gather indoors and close the curtains the glow of tiny lights
reflect the star filled, winter sky outside.

Beneath the branches lie gifts from loved ones, memories of childhood
and mementoes of our ancestors.

Although it is often said that this is a time for children, we adults also sense the magic of 

the turning year and feel the hope that a new year brings.

Irish tradition includes placing a lit candle in the window on Christmas Eve, 

symbolising a welcome to those looking for shelter on that night.

In our own window shines a golden light, a symbol of the returning sun and a sign that there 

is a place beside the fire for those in need.

May you have warmth, food & companionship this winter 
and feel the hope embodied by the reborn sun.

Winter Solstice and time for hibernation

Detail from Aenghus Óg - more details are HERE

On the longest night we sat in the dark silence of winter and as the light returned to illuminate
the chamber at Newgrange I lit a candle to welcome the suns' rebirth.

Although we have a few more seconds of daylight now the weather is firmly set to winter and
for me it is the time of year to hibernate: to rest, to dream and to go inwards.

It is a time when I am often inspired with new images for paintings or form new connections to
older ideas. It is an interval when I read books, write in my journal or sit and reflect.

'Elder Mother' © Jane Brideson

So until the green shoots appear I wish you all the blessings of hibernation.

May you awaken refreshed and renewed!

To read about Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange please visit -
Irish Archaeology
For a tour of the complex, video and more information visit - Voices from the Dawn
Places inside the mound to witness the return of the sun are limited but a lottery is drawn every year.
To take part please visit -  Newgrange.com

Aengus Óg

Aengus Óg © Jane Brideson 2013

The Blessings of the Returning Sun to you!

AENGUS ÓG

Aengus Óg, 'young Aengus' is the Irish god of love, youth and poetic inspiration. 

At the top left can be seen the Milky Way, in which the constellation of Cygnus, 

the Swan, is rising. Below is Red Mountain, Co. Meath where the sun rises at 

Winter Solstice before entering Newgrange.

To the right is Dún Aonghasa, the prehistoric fort on Inis Mór, Aran Islands. 

 The twisted gold collar circling the neck of Aengus dates to the early Iron Age and was found at Ardnaglug, Co. Roscommon.

Aengus is associated with the 'new' sun at Winter Solstice and within his body can be seen the sunlight entering the passage at Newgrange. 

As the reborn sun his gentle light illuminates the land, shining on the Brú and bringing the promise of spring.

At the bottom is the River Boyne on which swim two swans, Aengus and Caer, the swan-girl he fell in love with after seeing her in a dream.

The twisted gold collar is on display in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin.