The recent wiccan solstice winter holiday was of greater significance than usual because this year’s winter solstice coincided with a lunar eclipse, meaning a full moon was present, which is of great significance to wiccans. A lunar eclipse is also of great significance and is often seen as a powerful omen. These events also occurred on the same day as one of the eight Wiccan holy days, Yule, or the winter solstice.
The last time that something similar occurred was on Dec. 21 1638, and the next time it will occur is in 2094. The significance of the Wiccan solstice is manifold; the two solstices are the winter solstice and the summer solstice, and they are two of the four Wiccan solar holidays, the other two being the equinoxes. The four are then bisected by four other holidays that represent the midpoint between them.
This is all based on a combination of astrology and the pagan understanding of the cycle of the year, the perception of the natural cycle of growth in nature, and its relation to the sun. The proper term for the Wiccan solstice, winter, or any of the other eight major holidays is a “Sabbat.” There are also minor holidays, known as Esbats that are usually regular meetings, or Lunar Esbats, which occur with the full moons.
What Do Wiccan’s Believe About This Date?
This is a difficult question to answer, as each individual Wiccan will have his or her own relationship to the significance of the event. The coincidence of a major Sabbat and a lunar Esbat is symbolic of great potential for change. This comes from the fact that both denote the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. In the case of the Yule Sabbat, the renewal of the year and in the case of the lunar Esbat, the moon, both of which are powerful symbols.
Adding to that the lunar eclipse and it increases the perceived power of the event dramatically. Each Wiccan will relate to this in both a global and a person sense, choosing how to celebrate the occurrence. They will also have gathered to share the event and have a joint set of perceptions as well. This is a spiritual experience for them and tied to their personal relationship with nature. It would be interesting to interview several Wiccan’s about their celebration of this recent rare event. Perhaps this is an omen for the future and the changes in our world.
