Happy Solstice

Pre-Father Christmas, she carried life throughout the winter months and was celebrated at the Winter Solstice for the gifts she had to share.

In the ancient northern religions it was the female horned reindeer who drew the sleigh of the mother or sun goddess at the Winter Solstice.  Unlike the male who sheds his antlers in winter, it was the Deer Mother who flew through the winter's longest darkest night with the life-giving light of the sun in her horns.  She is also depicted protecting small birds throughout those cold, bleak times.

So here is my contribution to wishing you a Happy Winter Solstice and warmest Yule tidings.

"The Deer Mother" by Helen Suzanne