This has been another busy week at The Wild Hunt. We’re tired, we’re happy, and somehow there’s still more coming.
December 25 was observed in late Roman antiquity as Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,” a festival formally established in 274 CE by Emperor Aurelian in honor of Sol Invictus. This date did not correspond to the astronomical winter solstice, which Roman calendars placed around December 21–22, nor was it an ancient or universally observed Pagan holy day. Rather, it reflected a late imperial religious development emphasizing cosmic renewal, stability, and the symbolic return of light. Its later proximity to Christmas reflects shared late antique symbolism and calendrical convergence, not clear evidence of direct religious borrowing.
Under Aurelian, Sol Invictus rose to unprecedented prominence within Roman religion, but solar worship already existed long before his reign. Influenced by eastern solar traditions encountered during his military campaigns, Aurelian reshaped solar worship into a unifying imperial cult closely associated with his own family line, the gens Aurelia. He also reorganized the priesthood of Sol, elevating its prestige by drawing from elite ranks, including senators as pontifices, a marked departure from earlier practice when priests of Sol were typically drawn from lower social ranks. Public spectacle reinforced this elevation: Rome hosted extensive celebrations, including chariot races, to mark the annual festival.
The importance of Sol continued into the fourth century. Urban and monumental symbolism reflected this status, most notably when the triumphal arch of Emperor Constantine I was positioned so that the colossal statue of Sol near the Colosseum formed its visual backdrop, underscoring the god’s lingering prominence even amid a changing religious landscape. The imagery suggests symbolic continuity, which is plausible and meaningful, but it is interpretive, not explicitly attested or documented as intentional.
Scholars continue to debate whether Rome worshipped two distinct sun gods—Sol Indiges and Sol Invictus—or a single solar deity whose cult evolved over time. Increasingly, revisionist scholarship favors continuity, noting that temples to Sol dated back to the early Republic and remained active throughout the Empire. The epithet Invictus itself was widely applied to Roman gods long before Aurelian. Devotion to Sol persisted into the late fourth and fifth centuries, drawing criticism from Christian writers such as Augustine of Hippo, evidence of the cult’s enduring appeal well into the Christian era.
Christmas Tree Photo Credit: MTJM
Various groups turned to social media this season to promote revisionist histories and apologetic interpretations about the origins of Christmas. Fortunately, there was also careful, though still questionably-grounded, historically grounded reporting that provided clearer context.
NPR published a piece examining the origins and meaning of the word “Yule,” tracing it to a Pagan midwinter festival observed in pre-Christian northern Europe. According to the article, Yule referred to a winter solstice celebration among Germanic peoples long before it became associated with Christmas. As Christianity spread, Yule was gradually absorbed into Christian calendars and language; in many Scandinavian and northern European languages, related terms such as jul or joulu remain the standard word for Christmas. While “Yule” is often used interchangeably with Christmas today, its roots lie in older seasonal observances tied to cycles of darkness, light, and renewal.
An article from OnMilwaukee similarly notes that the term “Yule” predates Christianity and derives from pre-Christian Pagan traditions, likely connected to the Old Norse jól. Traditionally, they wrote, Yule marked the winter solstice and the symbolic return of the sun after the longest nights of the year. The piece also describes how some contemporary Pagans observe Yule through rituals such as burning a Yule log, decorating with greenery and candles, communal feasting, storytelling, and gift-giving—customs that overlap with modern December holiday practices. While the term “Yule” is often used today for cultural flavor or nostalgia, the article emphasizes that its origins lie in ancient seasonal observances rather than in Christian tradition.
Congratulations to Cherry Hill Graduates!
COLUMBIA, S.C.— Cherry Hill Seminary held its Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 20, announcing five new graduates, the winner of Professor of the Year, and the recipient of the Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education.
Following her keynote address, Academic Dean Dr. Margo Wolfe presented diplomas for Master of Divinity to Dr. Angela Farmer and Rev. Arran Morton.
Angela has taught at the university level for over a decade and has mentored initiates since 2008. She is published extensively in national and international peer-reviewed journals as well as writing several articles for internet-based Pagan and Heathen magazines (under her pen name, Ehsha Apple). Angela holds a Ph.D. in English-Gender Studies from Auburn University. She earned her Master of Arts in English from Saint Xavier University, where she also earned a Certificate in Pastoral Ministries. An ordained Pagan minister and Grove Steward, Angela is active in her local Pagan community. She was recently named Student Services Manager for Cherry Hill Seminary.
Arran currently serves the community of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Originally from Scotland, Arran was the Minister at Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship for two years and before that the Director of Spiritual Exploration at First Unitarian Church of Victoria. He is currently a Spiritual Director and part-time Executive Director of a small non-profit that supports trans and non-binary youth and their families. Arran is the first Cherry Hill Seminary graduate to be an ordained and officially fellowshipped Unitarian Universalist minister.
Three more students were awarded their Community Ministry Certificate: Barry Marshall, Lisa Lake, and Brittany Phillips. Each of the students spent at least thirteen months of self-study accompanied by a faculty mentor. The program covers ethics, Pagan history and theology basics, creating and leading ritual, diversity & cultural understanding, personal spiritual development, serving people at various life stages, group leadership, family dynamics, addictions, domestic violence issues, teaching and presenting, developing your allies & more.
Each year, the Votaries Alumni Circle of Cherry Hill Seminary invites student nominations for the prestigious Wendy Griffin Professor of the Year Award. This year’s award was presented to Dr. Michael Strmiska, a faculty member of Cherry Hill Seminary and Associate Professor of World History in the Global Studies Department at SUNY-Orange in New York State, who has also taught courses in Modern Paganism and New Religious Movements at Hampshire College in Massachusetts. He was the editor and a co-author of Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. His research on Baltic and Norse-Germanic Paganism has been featured in a number of journals, including Nova Religio, The Pomegranate, and the Journal of Baltic Studies. His research interests involve the political dimensions of modern Pagan and Native Faith movements in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the United States, the interaction between popular culture and Paganism, and developing ethnically-rooted but non-racist forms of Paganism. In 2019, Dr. Strmiska was the keynote speaker for the Cherry Hill Seminary-University of South Carolina symposium entitled Paganism and Its Discontents, addressing problems of racism in contemporary Paganisms.
The Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education recognizes lifetime achievement by distinguished individuals who have served the Cherry Hill Seminary community. The Hypatia Award was presented during the commencement to retiring professor Dr. David Oringderff.
Dr. Oringderff is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University (Maryland) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Union Institute School of Professional Psychology in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a retired Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor. He is currently a consultant and trainer in forensic and organizational psychology and psychodiagnostics. David is a veteran of over twenty-seven years in military and civilian law enforcement and intelligence work. He holds a Missouri and a Texas Peace Officer license with Master Certification, a Police Instructor license, a Forensic and Investigative Hypnotist license. He retired from full-time law enforcement in 2021. Dr. Oringderff is a Subject Matter Expert consultant to the Department of Defense Armed Forces Chaplains Board on Alternative Religions, Sects, and Cults. He has appeared on ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, NBC Dateline, VRT Television (Belgium), ZDF Television (Germany), and national and international printed media, including Time Magazine, Texas Monthly, and US News and World Report.
David first joined the faculty of Cherry Hill Seminary in 2002. Since that time he has taught scores of students, advised the first Seminary Master of Divinity graduate, chaired the Department of Pastoral Counseling & Chaplaincy, assisted the development of curriculum and standards, and mentored many Community Ministry Certificate students.
Addressing the group of students, Executive Director Holli Emore, MDiv, welcomed all to the Seminary graduate family, saying, ”
In such uncertain times, there is a critical need for those trained to weave connection and bring forth healing. All of us present charge each of our graduates to tend your light carefully, and to shine it fearlessly for those who might look to you. Go with our blessing, and know that your Cherry Hill Seminary family will always be here for you.”
A recording of the ceremony, including keynote remarks by Academic Dean Margot Wolfe, PhD, is available on YouTube.
Votaries Alumni Circle is a membership group that supports and promotes the Seminary, provides social events for members, and sponsors programs like the Coming to the Center public livestreamed program each semester. Its selection of the Professor of the Year is a several-months long process and a highlight of the year.
Cherry Hill Seminary is the leading provider of education and practical training in leadership, ministry, and personal growth in Pagan and Nature-Based spiritualities, by providing transformative education and empowering students to advance academically and lead spiritually.
Thank you again!
As many of you know, since January, The Wild Hunt’s site has grown incredibly, with over 500 visitors to our site per hour and 400,000 per month, and with that real costs.
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Faelind, also known as Linda Slack, crossed the Veil during the longest night, entering into the arms of the Goddess and the company of the Ancestors. A long-time servant of the Covenant of the Goddess, Faelind dedicated many years of service to the Texas Local Council and also served on the Covenant’s National Board. She was a steadfast and passionate advocate for the Craft and for the Covenant’s work, offering leadership, clarity, and fierce devotion to community.
Though declining health limited her ability to participate actively in many events in recent years, Faelind remained deeply connected. Throughout the Covenant’s 50th anniversary year, she continued to reach out with messages of encouragement and support, reminding others of the strength and continuity of tradition even in times of change.
A formidable presence, Faelind was a leader, High Priestess, and matriarch in her own right. She was known for her unapologetic honesty, her deep love of poetry and sacred texts, her skillful knitting, and the warmth of her ritual house. Her brightly colored hair, sharp wit, and refusal to suffer foolishness lightly were all part of a life lived fully and authentically.
To those closest to her, Faelind was family as well as teacher. Her tradition lives on through those she guided and mentored, carried forward with care and reverence. Those who loved her take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved Butch and rests once more in the arms of the Goddess, free from pain.
Hail the Traveler.
What is remembered, lives.
Events and Announcements
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Announcements? Festivals? Elevations? Events?
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More Events at our new Events Calendar
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Enchanted Forest Felines Tarot, by Jen Sankey, art by Iva Dukić, published by Llewellyn Publications.
Card: Major arcana (IX), The Hermit
This week is liable to both call for and offer opportunities to spend some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Life can be overwhelming, and one way to balance it all out is to step back and find a quiet space for contemplation. Taking time to relax and renew is likely to help restore mental clarity and make space to consider possible new approaches.
In contrast, staying cocooned and separate from everyone and everything is likely to eventually result in isolation and possibly even feelings of despair. While taking time away is often essential for emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health, it should not be a permanent state of existence. Now may be the time to re-enter the world and share whatever insights have been gained from deep introspection.
☀️ ☀️ ☀️
A Solstice Visit and Wrap-up
As thousands gathered at Stonehenge in the early pre-dawn hours to welcome the returning sun on Solstice morning, the rising sun had some competition. A cat, named Moon, apparently channeling Bastet, showed u to get some luminous attention. Video below
@sziarobi Bastet (Egyptian Cat God) visited Stonehange at the Winter Solstice 2025 #stonehange #solstice #bastet #egypt #magic ♬ eredeti hang – sziarobi
Reports stated that Moon’s human guardians said she had spent her entire life traveling with them in their van. They explained that Moon has epilepsy and an underdeveloped brain hemisphere, leaving her without a typical fight-or-flight response. As a result, she was unafraid, deeply curious, and appeared to delight in the experience. “She was loving it,” one of her guardians said.
Heritage England wrote in a Facebook post:
This morning, we welcomed around 8.5k people to celebrate the year’s shortest day and the promise of longer days ahead. We live-streamed the celebrations, with over 242k views from around the world.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us this morning and to our brilliant staff, volunteers, and partners. It was a beautiful celebration, and despite the cold, we all enjoyed a wonderful winter solstice.
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