Alban ArthanThis post is going up a bit late, as the labors of winter have kept us very busy around here. But we're still within the time frame of the Winter Solstice, or Alban Arthan, as it's called in the Druid Revival tradition.
The observance of the Solstice as its own entity is relatively recent. The name of "Alban Arthan" comes from Iolo Morganwg, the Welsh trickster-poet who launched the Druid Revival in the 18th century. In Barddas, Iolo's collection of poetry, forgery, and scraps of "authentic" Bardic lore, he writes:
There are two calculations of years: one is the year of the sun, consisting of 365 days; the other is the year of the moon, having 354 days. The days which are over and above the number of the lunar year are called days of days, and they are thus distributed among the Albans, that is to say;--two days of days to Alban Arthan, three to Alban Eilir, three to Alban Hevin, and three to Alban Elved. They are free days, and let any one come from any place he may, he will be free, and exposed to no weapon or stroke, since there can be no court and law of country on those days.
Suggestions for PracticeIf you've been reading this, you probably either have your own methods of observing the Solstice, or else prefer to stick to thsoe celebrations rooted in Christian tradition. I'd like to suggest three possibilities to enhance our Solstice celebrations.
1. Tie the Solstice in with the Ember Days. The Ember Days have just passed; and they consisted of a three-day fast. As we discussed, the Ember Days are specifically meant to attune us to the energy of the season. As the Ember Days were celebrated in a penitential manner-- that is, by fasting-- let the Solstice be celebrated by feasting. On this day, we can repeat the invocation of the element of Earth and of St. Uriel the Archangel in our meditations, focusing on gratitude for the gifts of the season. We can invite the archangel to be present with us during the day and to share in our feast.
2. A free day. While any fasting from technology should continue, let this be a day in which food-fasts are loosened; if you're abstaining from meat or drink during this season, let the fast be lifted for the day, or at least the evening. It's probably impossible to avoid work this day, but make an effort to make it a "free day," in which responsibilities are loosened and conflict is avoided.
3. The rebirth of the light. John Michael Greer suggested a very simple Druid Solstice celebration at his blog, and we can borrow it for our purposes here. The practice consists of turning all the lights off and sitting in darkness, contemplating the season of Winter and the element of Earth. After a short while, a single candle is lit, to signify the re-birth of light. We can tie this into our Esoteric Christian practice by beginning our Solstice Dinner this way. Let the family sit at the table, and let all the lights be turned off. Someone (perhaps the youngest child, if this is possible, to signify the year reborn) can then recite a suitable prayer, and the family can sit in silence for a moment. Then the candles of the Advent Wreath are lit, starting with the central white candle if there is one. Then let dinner commence.
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Happy Alban Arthan, everybody!
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