TIME TO REFLECT

This year The Winter Solstice is on 22nd December

Times given above are for Dublin only

                                              Sunrise      Sunset       Daylight
20 December 2015, Sunday 08:37 16:07 07:30
21 December 2015, Monday 08:38 16:08 07:30
22 December 2015, Tuesday 08:38 16:08 07:30
23 December 2015, Wednesday 08:39 16:09 07:30
24 December 2015, Thursday 08:39 16:10 07:30

My Winter Solstice contemplation takes me on a journey to the land which lies between the soles of my feet and the top of my skull,

into all that I am.

I prepare by disconnecting the phone, limiting the amount of food I eat and drinking sufficient water.

I allow myself to move around, sit or stand but never to lie down, as I do not want to fall asleep. 

If it is warm enough I might go out into the circle or use a quiet room, sitting upright on a wooden chair.

I sit in total darkness for then there is no visual distraction.

As I deepen my focus an inner voice questions me:

“Why have you come here ?”  

And my response is always the same, “I have come to learn.”

 The voice continues.

“I am the darkness, I am also the deep dark recess of your mind. I come this long night with questions.
The gifts that you have received – Have you shared them freely?
Have you shared them wisely ?
Have you shared them with love ? ”

As I sit memories of the past year rise to the front of my mind. 

We all have things that need to be considered and dealt with, items to be discarded, others perhaps to be used as seeds that can flourish into new beginnings, projects, ideas or thoughts. 

This contemplation takes as long as it takes and I have found it better to give myself plenty of time. 

Trying to cut the process short doesn’t allow for a sudden remembering or the rise of something important that is buried deep.

When I am absolutely certain that the session has ceased I imagine the first glimmer of a new dawn approaching, then light a small candle. 

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I stay for awhile watching the flame, recenter myself and return to the world refreshed.

A poem Winter Solstice 2015

http://wordsofaramblingmind.blogspot.ie

A HELPING HAND

As many of you are aware I am not a Christian and the path which 
I walk is that of a Druid. In a few days time on the 22nd December (this year) it will be the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Daylight will increase on the following day making our days longer but we will still be in winter and temperatures will drop.


I am very aware that these cold days are a burden and make life a lot harder for people who are without the basic necessities of life; shelter, warmth, food and enough clothing. 

Many druids and pagans exchange gifts and send cards at Solstice but rather doing this I donate money to a worthy cause which will help people who are in need.

Today I made my annual donation to Brother Kevin at the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People in Dublin. This year the Centre has seen a huge increase in people needing help.
Brother Kevin is well known here in Ireland, always taking time to listen to others in a non judgemental and accepting way.

http://www.capuchindaycentre.ie/Capuchin_Day_Centre_2013/Capuchin_Day_Centre_-_Donations.html

However you celebrate at this time of year may you have warmth, good food and

the companionship of friends.

Hare today.....

 Haring along the road

We left home this morning to travel to a nearby town to do some messages for Mrs H.  Within a couple of hundred yards from home we met this fellow running along the road just in front of the car. Very quickly I grabbed the camera whilst Mrs H continued driving. I pointed and clicked not knowing exactly how the photo would turn out. 

Eventually Mr Hare made a sharp right turn and ducked under the bottom of some wrought iron entrance gates and up someones driveway. A good decision by him for a minute later we met a large tractor coming towards us.

Of all the Game that there is to be had I have never eaten hare and doubt that I ever will. 

The reason is that within my pagan tradition The Hare is seen as a shape shifter and might  be the incarnation of a dead friend. 

Some of you may very well be inclined to eat a hare so here is a recipe for Jugged Hare, so called so because the chefs of old would cook the skinned and jointed hare in a jug. Today a casserole will suffice.

Hare on plate

Ingredients:

• 1 hare. 

• 1 teaspoon of vinegar. 

• Olive oil. 

• Seasoned flour. 

• Game stock. 

• 1 onion, studded with cloves. 

• Bunch of thyme, marjoram & parsley. 

• 1 bay leaf. 

• Pinch of nutmeg. 

• Pinch of mace. 

• 2 tblsp redcurrant jelly. 

• 150ml (5floz) port or claret. 

• Salt & pepper. 

Method: 

• Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. 

• Joint the hare, saving the blood & liver. 

• Mix the blood with the vinegar to prevent it congealing. 

• Heat some oil in a pan, dust the hare pieces with seasoned flour and brown them in the oil. 

• Transfer to an ovenproof dish and pour over the stock to cover. 

• Add the onion, herbs and spices. 

• Cover tightly and place in the oven for about 3 hours. 

• Strain the liquid into a pan and return it to the boil. 

• Add the redcurrant jelly. 

• Pour a little liquid into the blood and stir until smooth. 

• Add the blood to the gravy and cook to thicken, but do not boil. 

• Add the wine and season to taste. 

• Arrange the meat on a dish and pour over the sauce.