Grianstaidh Gheimhridh
Searles and Deborah O'Dubhain

Mon Dec 21 15:29:30 1998
Grianstaidh Gheimhridh*br*(Winter Solstice)*p*The leader of the Society of the Light once told me that my name means, "The Dark One from the Henge."  As we approach the darkness night of the year in the coming day, let us keep in mind the gifts of the dark circle and the long night.  Let us cherish the light all the more for the darkness that surrounds us.*p*Now is the time that the Sun stands still in its travels across the Sky, over the Land, and within the Circle of the Sea of darkness that flows from the waters of Ocean into the void of Infinity.  It is now that the gift of Fire and Light are the most precious.  It is now that we walk the thinnest of lines between eternal darkness and a cycle of beginnings. It is during these times and days that our ancestors sought the light deep within the womb of the Land.  *p*It was to honor this search for light and seasons that the three great brughs of the gods were built many years before the pyramids.  It is within the banqueting halls of Bo/ann and The Dagda that the eternal feast is continued.  Tonight is the time of remembering the light by living through the darkness ourselves.  We are a light and a cycle.  We are the hope of life in this world and an honoring of the gods in all the worlds.  Tonight especially we honor the Daughter of Fire who will nurture the coming year and we also seek to guide the life of the Young Sun back to the surface of the Land from His inception within it.  *p*As the last rays of light are gifted to us at the start of this evening's day, we should all honor the gift with our own fires and lights.  We should nurture that light within and without and greet the Sun's rising as it balances between the Depths and the Heavens.  *p*All hail the Sun!!! *br*She is both a Maiden and a Youth of radiant splendor! *br*All hail the Sun!!! *br*He is the smile that shines through Her spirit.   *br*All hail the Sun!!! *br*It is the radiance that glows upon our faces.  *p*Blessings of The Good Dagda and Undying Bo/ann at you!  *br*The Gifts of Brighid and Angus be yours always! *br*May the Sky River flow between Domnu's Depths and Danu's Heights in an endless stream!*p*It is the Time of the Great Darkness!*br*It is the time of the Light that conquers!*br*It is the time of the Year's Turning and the Sun's Standing.*p*It is the death of a day and the birth of a morning!*br*It is the night's gift to the day's promise!*p*All Hail the Sun, our Light and our Life!*p*Grianstaid Shona Dhuit!*p*Searles and Deborah O'Dubhain*br*http://www.summerlands.com*br*