Moon Before Yule

Yule is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and this year it falls on the 21st December, just over two weeks away. Soon the dark half of the year will give way to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun will climb just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, the sun's "rebirth" was celebrated with much joy by out ancestors (and still is in this household). On this night,they celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth. From this day forward, the days would become longer.

It was certainly bitterly cold this evening as I stood by the side of a road, waiting to see if there might be a starling murmuration at Maxey. I saw some, but in the far distance, but I knew my trip hadn't been in vain when I turned round to see this apricot moon rising into a glowing pink sky.

It was good to return to a warm house and the new cooker which had been successfully delivered and installed this morning. I've nearly mastered the controls, and cooked a mixed game pie, which somehow seemed very appropriate for this chilly night.