2 Winter Solstice Projects

Each solstice falls upon the ecliptic midway between the equinoxes, when the sun reaches that midway point, generally about June 21 and December 21. Winter Solstice on December 21 is the shortest day of the year. After Winter Solstice each day becomes longer until the longest day of the year arrives around June 21st. The solstices have been observed and celebrated by cultures throughout the world.

A central aspect of the winter solstice rites observed by many Native American tribes includes the making and planting of prayer sticks. Prayer sticks are made by everyone in a family for four days before the solstice. On the day named as the solstice, the prayer sticks are planted – at least one by each person – in small holes dug by the head of the household. Each prayer stick is named for an ancestor or deity.Here’s how to make a prayer stick; they are usually:

Made out of cedar and are forked;
Are equivalent to the measurement from the maker’s elbow to the tips of
their fingers; and
Are taken from a tree that the maker feels connected to.
Tobacco is offered to the largest tree of the same species in the area and
permission is asked to take a part of its relative.
The bark can be stripped.
The bark can be carved on the stick.
One feather should be added to the prayer stick; traditionally this is a
wild turkey feather.
A bit of tobacco is placed in a red cloth and tied onto one of the forks.
Fur or bone from an animal that the maker wishes to honor is tied onto the
stick.
Metal or stones should not be tied to the stick.
It is also customary to say prayers silently as one makes the prayer stick.

Next: Winter Solstice Project #2

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Read more: Holidays, Life, Other Holidays, Spirit, winter solstice

The stone project is an excerpt from Celebrating the Great Mother, by Cait Johnson and Maura D. Shaw. Copyright (c)1995 by Cait Johnson and Maura D. Shaw. Reprinted by permssion of Inner Traditions International.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Past Member .

6:45PM PDT on Sep 23, 2011

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Pamela H.

11:56AM PST on Dec 22, 2010

I might skip the part that says 'fur or bone from an animal they wish to honour'.

NO EMAILS P.

12:23AM PDT on May 21, 2010

thanks

3:13PM PDT on Mar 19, 2010

Prayer sticks----let's make one!

Jonn N.

2:30PM PST on Feb 21, 2010

I keep in the confines of my home several rocks collected over the years. When ever I begin to feel sad or lonely, I take out my rocks an in doing so, I remember when and where I have been as I have gathered this collection. It brings a quiet sense of stability and calms my spirit. I keep these treasured rocks in a decorative box made of wood. Looking at the boxes brings peace to my soul knowing that by opening the lid I can once again feel the joys it represents.

JE L.

9:38PM PST on Feb 12, 2010

Thanks.

Soul W.

9:36PM PST on Feb 1, 2010

Winter solstice is the most Yang day of the year!

Claudia L.

1:19PM PST on Jan 31, 2010

v interesting thanks

Chandra B.

11:02AM PST on Jan 26, 2010

I like baking for the winter solstice and taking a basket of goodies to a local women's shelter. I always dress up the goodies as Pagan as I can because so often the poor are offered forced Christianity. There are many people who are poor and Pagan and this makes them feel that they are not forgotten.

11:49PM PST on Jan 24, 2010

I have heard that one has to be a member of EPNet to participate in this project. is it true? If yes how one can get a membership of EPNet? Thanks in advance for any help in this department.
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