Observing the cycle of changing light on our dear planet all year long has brought us to Winter Solstice, the simultaneous ending and beginning of the solar year. A blessed poise suspends us.

The Great Mother gives birth to the first speck of reborn light, barely believable after its agonizing absence. The longest night and the start of incense was originally called Yule, from the Anglo-Saxon Iul, wheel. At the center of the Wheel we look in the mirror. We see the seeds of our intentions, our hopes for Gaia's future. 

She exhorts us: Maids, Make Merry! Burning only seasoned wood, we know it represents our now experienced selves. Around the Yule fire, we connect with the particular land upon which we stand, and we send out benedictions and protections for that place. In the deep dark, we stand, and we send out benedictions and protections for that place. In the deep dark, we join our firecircle with all the circles celebrating on earth. Into the planet's chalice of joy, we pour our own, and we see it overflow for all. 

Susa Silvermarie © Mother Tongue ink 2018
Read more of Susa's work in We'Moon 2019 Fanning the Flame

Solstice flame,
remnant of First Light,
daughter of dancing suns,
you flicker with primordial fire.

Sister of the Wellspring,
imbue with peace this quiet place,
soften our ragged edges
and beckon to your light
those who suffer and are lost. 

Prancing flame,
kin to all who labor to live,
breathe into us the radiance of your fire
so we will remember
the light from which we come.

May this Day of Turning renew us in midwinter
so spring will find in us a fertile field
where kindly things can thrive, multiply
and walk with generosity! 

© Pam Ballingham 2011 

ART: Ambrosia © Autumn Skye ART 2012 

Autumn Skye ART (Powell River, BC) I offer my artworks as a mirror, as an intimate personal reflection and a grand archetypical revelation. Within these visions, may you recognize your own sacred heart, your cosmic divinity, and the innate grace that dwells within. 

Pam Ballingham (Tuscan, AZ) is a poet, visual artist and singer of the award-winning recording series, Earth Mother Lullabies from Around the World. Her poetry reflects the seamless interface between sound, and movement, image and language. 

Susa Silvermarie (Ajijic, Mexico) I turned 70 in 2017 and began a new life as an immigrant to Mexico. I blog, I write for several local publications and I run a weekly Write-to-a-prompt circle as well as a Writers Salon. I enjoy volunteering with an art program for Mexican children, and I truly love my life on the shore of Lake Chapala. Seeking local kindred spirits—come on down!