Image credit: Jecowa – CC BY-SA 3.0
TWH – The Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere occurs this year at 3:59 pm (UTC), 10:59 am (EST), and 7:59 am (PST) on Tuesday, December 21 when the sun moves into the astrological sign Capricorn or by astronomical calculations is shining directly on the tropic of Capricorn. A number of sacred sites are livestreaming sunrise footage again this year that can be viewed for free.
Newgrange Monument, Newgrange, Donore, County in Meath, Ireland managed by the Office of Public works is livestreaming sunrise footage on their website and YouTube each day from December 20, 21, and 22 at 8:45 am (UTC), 3:45 am (EST), 12:45 am (PST).
While the site at the Newgrange Monument and the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre are open to visitors this year, the passage tomb itself is not open for visitors. The best way to witness the sun entering the passage is to watch the livestream. The Department of Public Health in Ireland requires a face covering for nearly all indoor spaces and on public transportation and taxis. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend.
English Heritage, the charity that oversees and manages a variety of monuments across England, will livestream on YouTube the sunrise from Stonehenge on Wednesday, December 22 beginning at 7:25 am (UTC), 2:25 am (EST), and 11:25 pm (PST) on December 21. The sunrise is forecast for 8:09 (UTC).
Traditionally, the sunrise at Stonehenge is celebrated on the day after the Winter Solstice. Unlike last year, Stonehenge will be open to visitors but requires all visitors to wear a face mask in all indoor spaces, and on shuttle buses, as well as strongly recommending attendees get a COVID-19 lateral flow test (rapid test) prior to the event. Anyone who tests positive or has symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend.
♠ ♠ ♠
EDINBURGH, Scotland – After two years of campaigning by Claire Mitchell QC, co-founder of the site the Witches of Scotland, the Scottish parliament has secured the support of Nicola Sturgeon’s administration and backing of Member of Scottish Parliament, Natalie Don to pardon those accused and executed under the Witchcraft Act of 1563.
Before the act was repealed in 1736 approximately 3,837 people were tried as witches, two-thirds of which were executed and burned. 84% of those accused were women.
As TWH has previously reported, writer Zoe Venditozzi and Mitchell created the Witches of Scotland seeking to accomplish three goals: 1) A pardon for those convicted of witchcraft; 2) An apology for all those accused and convicted of witchcraft; and 3) A national memorial to respect the memory of those accused and convicted of witchcraft.
If the Scottish parliament follows through, Mitchell and Venditozzi could be well on their way to achieving the goals they have set and balancing the scales of justice for those who were wrongly accused and executed over 300 years ago.
In a comment to The Independent Mitchell highlighted how history has so often been unfair to women in particular, “Not only do we not know the great things women have done, but we also don’t know the terrible histories and miscarriages of justice done to women. I include men in that, but the vast majority of people accused of witchcraft were women, so, I thought we could really do something about this.”
She went on to say, “We are hopeful that parliament will make this happen by International Women’s Day 2022 – we think it’s apt that we recognise the past history of women if we want to go forward and do better.”
Mitchell also referenced the United Nations resolution issued in July on “witchcraft” accusations and ritual attacks, noting that, “Many people, often those from vulnerable groups in society, are being singled out as witches… so it’s a real issue that unfortunately, because of the pandemic, is on the rise.”
♠ ♠ ♠
GÄVLE, Sweden – Since 1966 a goat made of straw, called the gävlebocken, has been installed each year on the first Sunday of Advent in Castle Square. Nearly every year since the Yule Goat has been constructed, someone has set it ablaze and destroyed it. It has become a national pastime to speculate on whether or not the goat will be burned down.
From 2017 through 2020, the seasonal decoration remained unmolested. This year on December 16, both goats on display were set on fire.
A 40-year-old man who had soot on his hands and matched the description given by witnesses was taken into custody for questioning and was later charged. Burning or damaging the Yule goat is illegal and can be punished with a three-month prison sentence, though past offenders have been given suspended sentences and fined.
The first Gävle Goat was constructed by the local fire department and over the years has had various builders. In 1970 the Southern Merchants built it, but in 1971 decided to opt-out when the Natural Science Club of the School of Vasa took over the annual task. The Southern Merchants opted to build again in 1986, and a second Yule Goat was added.
Small Yule goats are a traditional symbol of the Yuletide season in areas of Scandinavia and Northern Europe and commonly a part of seasonal décor in homes. It is also believed they also have their roots in ancient Pagan traditions and festivals.
In other seasonal “news”
- The annual skirmish between workshop elves and La Befana broke out early this year. The elves informed Befana that they had prioritized Santa’s requests because of shipment delays for various toy parts and noted: “that’s life”. In other news from the same day, Santa was surprised by a flock of parrots inside his workshop after all the elves apparently left for the evening. The parrots kept repeating the phrase “that’s life,” Santa told TWH.
- The Yule Cat has reportedly decided to once again change the criteria for who gets carried off on Yule. In 2019, the switch was made from those who did not have new socks to those sporting ugly holiday sweaters. This year the Yule Cat says the list is short, specifically, someone who burns pies, complains about burning them, and is named Sharon.
- Police are investigating reports of a missing group of gamers in Miami who built a humorous yule-inspired depiction of the elder priest-god, Cthulhu, out of beach sand and driftwood. The group posted images- now removed by authorities- on the social media site Instagram as they placed on their holiday creation an “old silk hat.”
- A new tradition emerging this holiday season is gifting experiences instead of objects. The trend has apparently now involved celebrities who are taking part in the celebration by visiting individuals suggested by their fan base as a way of spreading cheer. TWH spoke with Krampus who said he had received thousands of requests to visit an individual described by his fans as “a sweet, talented, and helpful young man.” Krampus says he wants to help but is not sure of the child’s address. “I don’t know who this little drummer boy is,” he told TWH.
- Welsh revelers on holiday in New Orleans were given free consolation drinks at a local bar. They were planning on spreading some good Christmas cheer and were disappointed to discover that, on Bourbon Street, no one cares if you are dressed in a sheet and horse’s skull.
The release of the trailer for the movie “The Northman” has created a lot of buzz on social media. Directed by Robert Eggers and featuring stars like Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe, it looks to be setting itself up to a box office hit that focuses on Norse culture.
Whether those who study ancient Norse practices or those who practice Heathenry will be pleased with the movie remains to be seen. The film is scheduled for release in April of 2022.
Tarot of the week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Dancing in the Dark Tarot, by Gianfranco Pereno and Lunaea Weatherstone, published by Lo Scarabeo.
Card: Major arcana (XVI), The Tower
The week ahead will likely involve a number of unexpected disruptions and shifts that may result major changes to both literal and figurative structures.
The ability to accept sudden changes and respond accordingly with a cool head is key to navigating what lies ahead. Think like a surfer and ride the wave to avoid getting swamped.
Decks generously provided by Asheville Pagan Supply.
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.