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2019 - Celebrating the Simplicity & Splendour of Life - Tara

On Sunday 22nd December 2019 twenty three people met at the Hill of Tara to celebrate the Winter Solstice. They came from all over the world as well as Ireland, and there was even a baby. Our host, Pat informed all present that there would be some time-travel involved in the celebration and when asked where was the time machine, replied; "You're standing on it"...

Walking in the present....

We walked mindfully in the present, reflecting on each step, the grass, the trees, the simplicity.

First ceremony on The Hill ...

Having called on the Spirits of the Directions, Ancestors and Elements to join our Celebration, we had a brief meditation before hearing "Open Heart" contributions from many of those present.

Burning things we want to leave in the past....

... then down to the Holy Well for the second part. Reflecting on our wishes for the Future....

Global Spiritual Wheel

comments from An Tobar, Meath - Bakewell, Derbyshire - Halifax, Nova Scotia

A suggestion of how we could tune into the local celebration at Hill of Tara in Ireland was lighting a symbolic Flame of Life....

Before lighting it you might sit quietly, remember past Solstices, past ceremonies, times you have visited Tara.

Then, with the intenton of bringing Light into the 'now' and the future, light the candle and enjoy watching the flame flicker and brighten, aware of the simplicity and splendour of this symbolic flame of Life.

Nora M at An Tobar, Ardbraccan, Co. Meath
Celebrating Winter Solstice burning the Yule Log.
Nora J in Bakewell and at Longstone Edge, Derbyshire

After watching the sunrise from the kitchen window we drove up to Longstone Edge to tune in with the ceremony on Tara, have a flask of coffee, mince pie and to enjoy the low sun casting shadows over the hills and dales of the Peak District.

Longstone Edge overlooks a past, present and future landscape. Evidence of exposure platforms have been found on the ridge where the dead were left until decayed, barrows, stone circles and Roman fortifications abound. Chatsworth Park, to the east, where Capability Brown changed the grounds and moved a village, an abandoned railway line from Victorian and 20th century days and modern worked quarry faces in the west complete the timeless, yet time connected, view.

The sun felt warm, bathing the stone walls, trees and sheep in a white light. Pondering this I realised that the candle I planned to light on our return home could not be our symbolic Flame of Life, for we were looking at that right now. Our Flame of Life is the sun.... how obvious... how simple...

Several Friends celebrated Winter Solstice in Nova Scotia

This sunrise view is taken by a webcam - you can see wonderful views of Halifax and the surrounding towns, villages and landscape here - Nova Scotia Webcams