The winter solstice is a significant celestial event that occurs every year in December. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it signifies the longest day and shortest night. In the pagan or Wiccan tradition, the winter solstice holds great spiritual importance. Paganism is a belief system that encompasses various earth-centered religions, including Wicca. Winter solstice, also known as Yule, is one of the eight Sabbats celebrated in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. It is a time of rejoicing and honoring the cycles of nature.
The Blue Star Basics
With the boom in New Age and Pagan publishing in the late 1960s, many more people were interested in attending circles than could be supported through existing networks. The remarkable clockwork nature of Venus also set the time of the Greek Olympiads it takes four years for the star to return to its original position as well as the Egyptian Sothis Year, which was the number of years it took the pentagram described by Venus to make one full rotation in the sky 1460.
It is a time of rejoicing and honoring the cycles of nature. During the winter solstice, pagans celebrate the returning of the light. It symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and the gradual lengthening of daylight.
Blue star witchcraft
The Wiccan Rede Project resurrection at gocek.org
When Misfortune Is Enow.
As researched by Shea Thomas
The blue star is a wonderful piece of symbolism with several potential meanings including mystic insight, magick, healing, protection, and martial defense.
In its primary meaning the blue star is likely a reference to a pentagram (a five pointed star) or a pentacle (a pentagram enclosed by a circle). The pentacle/pentagram is also sometimes known as the Celtic "Witch's Foot," [n.1] the Seal of Solomon, or the Eastern Star. [n.2]
The pentacle, in turn, sometimes stands for the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit; and is often used this way as a symbol of universal totality. Inverted, the pentacle is used by some Wiccan traditions to mark the rank of second degree; or as in some Satanic traditions, an idealized representation of the horns, ears, and beard of a goat.
In other representational meanings, the pentacle stands for the idea of “mankind” corresponding to the head and four limbs of a human. It also bears relation to the five digits of a hand or foot. Often, it is used as a cartographic symbol for capital cities and forts – perhaps as a direct reference to the star-shaped or pentagonal shape of many fortifications. Finally, in perhaps is strongest meaning, the pentagram is a symbol for the planet Venus.
Among planetary symbols, the pentagram stands alone as the only one that can be precisely derived by plotting the movements of an astrological body. Carl G. Liungman describes the unique phenomenon in Dictionary of Symbols (W.W. Norton & Company. Pp. 333-334. 1991):
"If one knows the ecliptic, and can pinpoint the present position of the planets in relation to the constellations of fixed stars in the zodiac, it is possible to mark the exact place in the 360 degrees of the zodiac where the Morning star first appears shortly before sunrise after a period of invisibility. If we do this, wait for the Morning star to appear again 584 days later (the synodic orbital time of Venus) and mark its position in the zodiac, and then repeat this process until we have the five positions of Venus as the Morning star, we will find that exactly eight years plus one day have passed. If we then draw a line from the first point marked to the second point marked, then to the third, and so on, we end up with a pentagram."
The remarkable clockwork nature of Venus also set the time of the Greek Olympiads (it takes four years for the star to return to its original position) as well as the Egyptian "Sothis Year," which was the number of years it took the pentagram described by Venus to make one full rotation in the sky (1460). [n.3]
Depending on the season, Venus is known both as Phosphoros (The Morning or Dawn Star) as well as Hesperos (The Evening Star). In a syncratic sense, other goddesses associated with this star include Aphrodite, Sothis, Inanna, Ischtar, Astarte, Diana, and Athena. [n.4] The war/love duality of many of these goddesses, perhaps an echo of the twin dawn/evening roles of the star itself, is also reflected in the more common symbolic uses of the pentacle which are primarily those of protection and war. Indeed, in a practical sense it may not be surprising that martial action is paired with love, peace, and protection, as the former is often a pragmatic necessity in order to preserve the later. Especially when, as in the Rede of the Wiccae, "misfortune is enow."
As a protective sign
The pentagram has long been used as a protective symbol. In Nordic countries, the pentagram was drawn on the doors of barns and storehouses to ward off trolls and invoke the aid of protective forces. In Japan and Western cultures generally, the pentagram was often used to ward off evil. [n.5] More recently, the pentagram made a reappearance as a symbol of protective witchcraft in Tim Burton’s movie Sleepy Hollow. [n.6]
As a martial sign
The pentagram also has a very strong military connotation. It is used almost universally as symbol of military rank (such as the five-star general). It appears on the sides of U.S. warplanes and in the shape of the U.S. Pentagon. In Sun Tsu’s Art of War, the pentacle was used on maps to mark the locations of military fortresses. [n.7] Wearing a "blue star on thy brow" may also be a reference to the blue body-paint (a blue dye made from an herb called Woad) worn into battle by the ancient Britons.
As a healing sign
The color associated with the blue star concept is often corresponded with healing, likely as a biological reverse of red, which is often tied to injury. If the color of blood stands for hurt, then something that is "bloodless" (or blue) becomes the symbol of its inverse, i.e., healing, health or wholeness.
As a psychic sign
A star worn on the brow may also be a reference to the "third eye" or "sixth chakra" which sometimes manifests itself through the colors blue or indigo. The third eye primarily represents spiritual intuition, insight, and inspiration. More dynamically, it may also be a reference to the actual process of psychic awareness as it involves Chakras, which in one account is cast as a violet-blue ray of vitality ("prana") that flows up from a vortex at the spleen through the throat and head. [n.8]
As a literal sign
Finally, it should be mentioned that there is also (quite literally) a blue star called "The Witch Head Nebula." A blue-shifted reflection nebula, this "star" resides about 1000 light-years away near Rigel in the constellation of Orion. [n.9]
- Ernst Lehner. Symbols, Signs, & Signets. Pp. 79, 99. Dover Publications, Inc. 1950.
- Symbols.com - Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms. http://www.symbols.com/. 2000.
- Carl G. Liungman's Dictionary of Symbols W.W. Norton & Company. Pp. 333-334. 1991.
- Id.
- Symbols.com - Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms. http://www.symbols.com/. 2000.
- Sleepy Hollow. Paramount Pictures and Mandalay Pictures, LLC. 1999.
- Symbols.com - Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms. http://www.symbols.com/. 2000.
- C.W. Leadbeater. The Chakras, A Monograph. 1927. Reprinted by The Theosophical Publishing House. Vasanta Press. The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Madras, India. 1961. With special thanks to Owl who reported this possible blue-star meaning.
- G. Greaney. APOD: February 9, 1998 - The Witch Head Nebula. http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap980209.html.
The pentagram has long been used as a protective symbol. In Nordic countries, the pentagram was drawn on the doors of barns and storehouses to ward off trolls and invoke the aid of protective forces. In Japan and Western cultures generally, the pentagram was often used to ward off evil. [n.5] More recently, the pentagram made a reappearance as a symbol of protective witchcraft in Tim Burton’s movie Sleepy Hollow. [n.6]
This day holds deep spiritual meaning as it represents the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. Ceremonies and rituals conducted during the winter solstice often involve lighting fires or candles to symbolize the rekindling of the sun's energy. Many pagans also decorate their homes and altars with evergreen wreaths, holly, and mistletoe, representing the continuity of life and the promise of spring. Traditionally, the winter solstice is a time for reflection, introspection, and setting intentions for the upcoming year. Pagans may engage in meditation, divination, or spellwork to align themselves with the energy of this potent time and connect with the spiritual realm. Community gatherings and feasts are common during the winter solstice. Pagans come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share in the joy of the season. These events often incorporate music, singing, and dancing as a way to honor the earth and connect with one another. In conclusion, the winter solstice holds great significance in pagan traditions. It is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. Through rituals and ceremonies, pagans embrace the return of light and rejoice in the cycles of nature. The winter solstice serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the spiritual power found within the natural world..
Reviews for "The Winter Solstice and Pagan Healing Practices: Nurturing the Body and Soul"
1. Jane - 2 stars - The Winter Solstice 2022 pagan event was a disappointment for me. The organizers claimed it would be a unique and magical experience, but it fell short of my expectations. The event lacked structure and felt disorganized. The workshops and rituals were poorly executed, with little guidance provided to participants. Additionally, the advertised guest speakers were a letdown, as their talks were shallow and lacked substance. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and regretful of the money and time I spent attending this event.
2. Mark - 1 star - Attending the Winter Solstice 2022 pagan event was a waste of my time and money. The whole event was poorly planned and lacked any meaningful content. The workshops and rituals were mediocre at best, with inexperienced facilitators who seemed unprepared. The venue was also underwhelming, with cramped spaces and inadequate facilities. The advertised entertainment acts were lackluster and failed to capture the magical atmosphere that was promised. I left feeling cheated and unsatisfied, and I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone seeking a genuine pagan experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to attend the Winter Solstice 2022 pagan event, but it turned out to be a letdown. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the rituals and workshops. The organization was lacking, with long queues for activities and disorganized scheduling. The overall atmosphere felt chaotic and lacked the serene and magical ambiance I was hoping for. The quality of the workshops varied, with some being informative and engaging, but others were disappointing and poorly executed. I left feeling like I didn't get my money's worth and wouldn't attend another event organized by the same team.