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Merry Tidings from Bealtaine Cottage, Ireland

24 Dec

Christmas eve moon above Bealtaine Cottage

The Christmas Eve moon rises over Bealtaine Cottage.

The air is still and warm, yet the clouds rush by in the upper sky.

moon rising over Bealtaine CottageThe Blackbird calls a final song on this eve.

The cottage lies snug and warm.

Christmas Eve, 2012 at Bealtaine CottageAll is well, all is as it should be.

Dogs are walked and cats sleep in the warmest corners of the cottage.

Christmas Angel 2012The Angel dances on the tree.

Cottage Christmas in IrelandA vegetable soup simmers atop the stove.

Wood-smoke fills the air outside.

Bealtaine Cottage interiorThe stillness is magical.

Angel EveContentment reigns.

Happy Christmas.

Peace and joy to you this eve.

Winter Solstice Gathering at Bealtaine Cottage

21 Dec

winter solstice 2012 at Bealtaine Cottage

Fires are lit and food prepared for this, the longest night of the year…the Gathering at Bealtaine Cottage.

Loved ones meet again to join the celebration from as far away as Canada, London, Belfast and Dublin.

Missy, the solstice catA night to gather around the fire and light the candles around the home.

Missy has found her warm spot and will not be moved…we celebrate around her!

The Solstice Feast at Bealtaine CottageAs preparations for the winter feast are under way, we join together in toasting the year and the time to come.

In Latin, solstice means sun set still. This is the still night, the silent night, the longest night of the year…

The turn of the wheelWinter Solstice is the great stillness before the turning, as the days grow longer.

yuletide tree decked with lights at Bealtaine CottageThe cottage is small, so the tree stands on the veranda outside the window.

This is the celebration of the silent night, a sacred time of rest before the awakening, and the slow build toward longer days.

solstice treeThe human race has observed the solstice for millennia.

This night is a continuation of that sacred tradition.

Inside the cottage Tomorrow we are past the dark and facing into the light.

The ascent to Spring will begin once more.

Happy Solstice Everyone!

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