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The Pagan Heart
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November-December 2005 Issue
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Bill's Lunatic Planting: Winter
By Bill Wolfe
This issue is about the winter solstice. A time when the sun stands still and time pauses momentarily before the wheel turns once more. It is appropriate therefore that we look at the power of the sun and of light in general. The festivals of winter focus upon fires, candles, the sun itself, and the absence of light. Make sure that you take time to reflect upon the other half of this season. It is easy to focus upon the light. To celebrate the returning sun and forget about the night. But this is also foolish - without one there cannot be the other. And, as with all things, balance is the key. Especially at the solstice point when it is indeed a time of balance. Unlike the equinoxes when the balance is of equality, the length of day and night being equal, the solstice is a time of balance through opposition. The light is short and the dark long - and between them they form a whole. From the dark comes the light as the summer god is born within winter's deepest grasp. This is why you must celebrate and honor the night as well as the day. For light was born from darkness. In terms of the garden, this is the turning point of dormancy. Until now the seeds and tubers have slumbered deep, unaware of the distant spring. But with the passing of the solstice, the sun begins to waken them. Although months of cold weather remain, those seeds have passed into a waiting stage - they wait for warmth to draw them forth. Just as we do. Planting now is folly. But take the time to begin thinking about the spring - prepare mentally for what you will sow and when. For the turning point has passed and soon the sun will draw us forth anew.
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2004-2007