Celebrate The Solstice

This book is an accessible, engaging tool to help people enrich their lives through the observance of ancient, astronomically determined Earth festivals. It assists us to recover an experience that had deep meaning for the ancients and that is now increasingly relevant to a world facing environmental challenges. Seasonal festivals are not meant to be cultural relics. They are joyous, fun, mischievous, profound, life-affirming events that connect us deeply with the Earth, the heavens, and the wellspring of being within us. This book encourages us to undertake full-bodied, ecstatic seasonal renewal by providing information on the history and meaning of the solstices with practical suggestions on how to celebrate them now.

What adventures are waiting for Miya as she walks to the forest to feed the animals? An angry squirrel, a gentle crow, and an intimidating owl are just some of the interesting characters Miya meets in the forest. The animals are concerned about the environmental impact the humans have on their forest. It s up to Miya to deliver this message to the villagers. But can she be convincing enough? While reading this beautifully illustrated story, children will be silently rooting for Miya as she tries to support her new animal friends. They will be so captivated by Miya s adventures, young readers will not realize they are learning lessons in helping others, standing up for their beliefs, conquering their fears, and caring for the environment. "

The traditions and celebrations described in this book provide an opportunity to pause and reflect on our natural world's dependence upon the cycles of the Earth and Sun. The suggested readings and activities provide a framework for celebrating what we know about these cycles and for sharing our curiosity about what we still have yet to learn, inspiring a sense of wonder about our universe and our place within it. An actor, artist, and educator, Jim Donovan shares the traditions and practices he and his family have developed over the years in a helpful, informative, and entertaining guide for those who would like to establish their own traditions celebrating the seasons. Jim provides a step-by-step guide to celebrating the Summer and Winter Solstices. The book includes specific readings and activities accompanied by engaging photographs: Learn how to make and decorate your own grapevine wreath, the centerpiece of the Solstice celebrations. Follow a detailed description of how to celebrate the longest day and the longest night, including how to make special foods like the Winter Solstice Rice Loaf and how to make special Summer Solstice crafts with children. Enjoy classic poems and original readings, selected especially for each season. Learn about how to incorporate the cycles of nature into daily living, with many resources to start your own celebrations

Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history. Includes activities.

Celebrate the winter solstice with family and friends for happiness and without religious activities.

Midsummer--or the summer solstice--occurs when the sun is at the height of its power, the faeries are most active, and the future can be uncovered with ease. Shakespeare even captured the mischief of the occasion in his play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This book explores Midsummer customs and bears witness to their power today.

Not into Santa? This gem is for families who want something new this winter holiday; one that includes the tree, the lights, the giving of gifts, all the fun! The Winter Solstice affects us simultaneously as we change, evolve and stay connected with our natural world, with others, and with ourselves. It's all the magic one needs this time of year!

So the shortest day came, and the year died... As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again... Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem The Shortest Day captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before - and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illuminated by Carson Ellis, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!