Happy Solstice

 Julia,

Since you had a schedule conflict I thought you might enjoy seeing what I read to the assembled throng via single candle. We had all the lights turned out before I came in the front door with my candle lit. Then, at the end, I lit two black candles held by Chuck Nafziger (dressed appropriately in black with one of his cool masks on) and he passed the candles on to two of the @2 year-olds from the neighborhood who were each dressed by their moms with a white cape. The kids then went from table to table lighting everyone else's candles once again. It was pretty heartwarming and a nice way to enter into the Solstice spirit. Hope to see you there another time/year!

Cheers,

Ranger Kidwell-Ross

Welcome the Yule Solstice!

Tonight marks the 26th year in a row that the Alger
Community has celebrated the Yule Solstice, when the
dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. This
return of the light we celebrate tonight is the most central
feature of most midwinter festivals throughout recorded
history
Long have evergreen boughs and holly, like those at each
table here tonight, played a prominent role in Yule Solstice
Celebrations. For one, they are an invitation to Nature
Sprites to come and join the celebration. They are
gathered in anticipation of the rebirth of the Oak King, the
Sun King, the Giver of Life that will once again warm the
frozen Earth and induce Her to bear forth from the seeds
She protects in her womb through the fall and winter.
As we mark the Yule Solstice we are encouraged to enjoy
ourselves as much as possible because that is what will
bring back light (and lightness) into the world. Different
traditions mention a variety of appropriate activities,
including feasting, playing pranks, giving gifts, visiting,
drinking, dressing up, fornicating, putting on plays and
staying up all night. During the dark of winter, tradition
recommends we invoke all the forces of pleasure and love
— the things that make life worth living.
The Yule Solstice has also long been considered a natural
time for letting go and saying farewell. We are reminded to
release our resentments and regrets into the darkness,
knowing they will be transformed. Make amends to people
knowing they will be transformed. Make amends to people
you've hurt or neglected. Become One with the spellworkings
of the Yule Solstice and its promise of peace,
harmony, love and increased happiness.
In a moment, this time of darkness will pass its pale, wan
flame to those who represent the return of sun and warmth
to our land, which will begin a new time of light enveloping
each of us, our families, our community and our beautiful
Earth.
As you relight your candles, I invite you to do so with the
intention of bringing more light into the world. Consider the
ways in which you can help make the world lighter, as well
as how to best bring increased light into the lives of those
around you. May the lighting of your candle mark a
conscious effort to increase the amount of light you create.
Now, let the reign of the time of darkness come to an
end.  . . . (we)  re-light our candles as a promise of the future and its
welcome transformation to the time of the Sun.