SOLSTICE AT NEWGRANGE

Newgrange is a Neolithic mound complex located on the north side of the river Boyne in County Meath Ireland. It is described as a passage tomb although archelogists are not totally certain what the complex was used for. What we do is what happens on the Winter Solstice. At sunrise the light enters the passage, illuminating the interior on that one day a year. It happens whether it's cloudy or not but it is mor impresssive if the sun is actually shining that morning. Newgrange is dated at approximately 3,200 BCE. Making it older than the pyramids.The builders had a fair knowledge of astronomy and a calendar of some kind. 

A Solstice Litany from the book Winter Solstice by James Matthews.

For the return of the sun – Blessings and Peace

For the gifts we give…and receive – Blessings and Peace

For all the gift givers – Blessings and Peace

For the Children of Wonder – Blessings and Peace

For the children everywhere – Blessings and Peace

For sunsets and starlight – Blessings and Peace

For sunlight and moonlight – Blessings and Peace

For streams rippling under the winter’s ice – Blessings and Peace

For raging torrents rushing to the sea – Blessings and Peace

For rain and rainbows – Blessings and Peace

For the warmth of fire in the cold of winter – Blessings and Peace

For the trees on the hill – Blessings and Peace

For the tree in the corner – Blessings and Peace

For the candles in the window – Blessings and Peace

For the gifts of friendship – Blessings and Peace

For Bards and their gifts of poetry – Blessings and Peace

For Singers and the music they share – Blessings and Peace

For the prayers for peace – Blessings and Peace

For those who pray for peace where there is no peace – Blessing and Peace

The authors encourage you to adapt to include whatever you’re thankful for right now. I certainly did. The Matthew's have a soft spot for hand bell ringers, good food and that vital necessity. Good cooks.