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Although my personal practice for the Winter Solstice is not attested in any ancient text… it holds deep significance for me, and many others have found peace, hope, and even shared community, by taking it up as a practice too, after hearing of my tradition. So, I’d like to share it with you too.
✨ Post by Lora O’Brien
As the wheel of the year turns towards its darkest point, I find myself preparing once again for a sacred tradition that has become a significant part of my spiritual practice here in Ireland. On the eve of Friday, 22nd December 2023, I will be observing my annual vigil for Grianstad an Gheimhridh, the Winter Solstice.
Edit for clarity, as some are finding this confusing… in 2023 the exact Solstice point in Ireland [to find yours, Google “winter solstice 2023 in YOUR COUNTRY”] is Fri, Dec 22, 2023, 3:27 am. As above, I will hold vigil on the eve; so on Thursday 21st my vigil will begin, through the 3.27am point on Thursday night / Friday morning, and the sunrise on that Friday morning’s dawn.
As an Irish Draoí, this time holds a profound meaning for me, marking a transition from darkness into light, a moment to honour the enduring cycle of nature and the deep-rooted traditions of my homeland.
The Winter Solstice in Irish Paganism
The Winter Solstice, or Grianstad an Gheimhridh, is more than just the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the heart of Ireland’s spiritual landscape, it symbolises the rebirth of the sun, a renewal of energy, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
To my mind, at least, ancient monuments like Newgrange and Knockroe, with their precise alignments to the solstice sunrise, stand as enduring testaments to our ancestors’ deep connection with this celestial event.
A Night of Reflection
My vigil, a practice I have held for over 25 years now, is a personal commitment, a night-long watch from sunset on the Solstice eve to sunrise the following morning.
It’s a time of quiet reflection, of honouring the rhythms of nature, and acknowledging the darkness before welcoming back the light. No matter who I lived with, or who I was working with energetically and spiritually, it is a thing I have done, usually by myself, without any expectation of company or copying.
Each year, as I light my flame (this year I will have the comfort of an open hearth fire again, which I am excited for!) and settle in for the long night ahead, I feel a profound connection to the land, the ancestors, and the turning of the year.
Preparing for the Vigil
Preparation for the vigil is both physical and spiritual. I ensure that my space is clean (physically and energetically), designated sacred at least for the night, and conducive to meditation and introspection.
A light kept constant through the darkness, whether a candle or a hearth fire, is central to this vigil, symbolising the sun’s light and warmth that we yearn for during these dark days. It serves as a beacon through the night, a constant reminder of the light that is to come.
Significance of the Winter Solstice Dawn
The moment of solstice itself occurs at 3.27 am on 22nd December this year (2023 as I am writing this post), but the true magic for me lies in the anticipation of the dawn the next morning.
I will guard through the darkness, and as the first light of the sun pierces the horizon it brings with it a sense of renewal and hope. This moment is a powerful affirmation of life’s resilience and the cyclical nature of existence, for me.
Balancing Darkness and Light
Of course the true balance is to be found in the Equinoxes, but the Winter Solstice is a time to acknowledge the movement and change towards that balance between dark and light.
In our lives, we all experience periods of challenge and introspection, mirrored by the darkness of the solstice night. But as the sun rises again, we are reminded that light and rebirth always follow.
This is a lesson to carry in our hearts, a reminder of the ever-present possibility of new beginnings, no matter how deep the shadow and darkness may seem.
Sharing the Experience
While my vigil is deeply personal, I feel it’s important to share the essence of this experience with others. Hence this blog, and the ritual class I’ll be doing live for the first time this year. And if you can’t make it live on Sunday 17th, it will be recorded and available for download at any time afterwards!
>>> Full Class Details Here: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Through my teachings and sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to find their own way of connecting with this significant time. Whether through a personal ritual, a moment of quiet reflection, or attending a community event, there are many ways to honour the Winter Solstice.
I encourage you to find yours, because there is such a deep connection and satisfaction when you move towards alignment with the natural world in this way. It is, after all, the essence of Paganism.
The Return of the Light
As the sun rises on the morning after the Winter Solstice, it marks the end of my vigil but the beginning of a new cycle. The days will gradually lengthen, bringing with them the promise of spring and new growth.
In this moment, I feel a deep gratitude for the lessons of the past year and a hopeful anticipation for what the new light will bring. You might wonder what it would feel like for you, after a long dark night, to witness the returning light?
There’s only one way to find out.
A Continuous Journey
Like all of our seasonal celebrations, celebrating the Winter Solstice in Ireland is more than observing a date on the calendar; it’s an ongoing journey of spiritual growth and connection to the land and its ancient wisdom.
Each year, as I greet the returning light, I am reminded of the enduring cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It is a journey that I am honoured to share, a pathway illuminated by the ever-returning sun.
The Winter Solstice is not just a point in time; it’s a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. In embracing its lessons, we embrace the full spectrum of our existence, finding harmony in the dance of darkness and light.
As we approach Grianstad an Gheimhridh, may we all find our own way to celebrate and honour this timeless cycle.
😟 BUT HANG ON…
What if you don’t have any Irish ancestry or Irish heritage, or you do – and just feel incredibly disconnected from it?
You may still feel a strong connection to Ireland, even if you can’t explain it… so can you still be in Right Relationship with Ireland and Irish Ancestors, and Celebrate the Winter Solstice?
Don’t worry, we have resources for you (and of course, you’re so very welcome too! Right Relationship is for EVERYONE.)
Connect with the Past: Embrace the Wisdom of Irish Ancestry.
🍃Embark on an ancestral quest with our free 5-day email series, “Roots and Reverence”. Whether you carry Irish blood or an affinity for Celtic spirituality, this journey through Ireland’s rich heritage is for you. Connect with your past, honour these ancestors, and weave ancient wisdom into your life.
🔗 Click to Start your Journey!
I absolutely love & greatly appreciate you sharing your personal experiences during Winter Solstice. As well as the vast resources & videos on your personal vlogs as well as through IPS. Gratitude and Honor.
Thanks so much for this. Very grounding.
[…] Irish Pagan School – The Winter Solstice in Ireland: My Vigil for Grianstad an Gheimhridh by Lora O’Brien: https://irishpagan.school/winter-solstice-ireland/#:~:text=The%20Winter%20Solstice%20in%20Irish,prom… […]