Day 9. La n Grianstad: Celtic Solstice and the Rebirth of the Sun.
For the ancient Celts, the winter solstice (La an Grianstad in Irish, meaning “day of the sun-stopping”) was a time of immense spiritual power. It represented the moment the old year died and the new solar year was reborn. Their rituals were focused on ensuring the triumph of the sun over the long darkness, often celebrated through massive fire festivals and communal gatherings.
The Newgrange Alignment
The profound importance of the sun’s rebirth is visibly enshrined in the Newgrange passage tomb in Ireland. Built over 5,000 years ago, its inner chamber is precisely aligned to catch the sunrise on the winter solstice. For only a few minutes, the light shaft penetrates the darkness, spectacularly illuminating the ritual chamber. This architectural feat symbolizes the power of conscious intention to call forth the light.
A Promise of Return
The Celtic understanding of the solstice centered on a promise: no matter how dark the night, the light is always ready to break through. For Unitarian Universalists, this speaks to our enduring faith in the power of hope and the cyclical nature of life. We are called to keep the communal flame burning through the darkest times, trusting in the inevitable rebirth.
“The power of the sun is manifest in the fire we burn, reminding us that life returns even from the greatest darkness.” – Celtic Solstice Teaching
Reflection: What “fire”- a passion, a commitment, a piece of wisdom-are you tending to keep your hope alive during this winter season?
Learn More
- Explore the Newgrange Solstice Alignment – See images and detailed information about the phenomenon at Newgrange, one of the most famous examples of Neolithic sun-worship.
- Discover more about the Irish Celtic Festival of Winter – by Dr. Karen Ward, co-founder and director of the Slí An Chroí Irish Celtic School of Shamanism.
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