Greetings, Gifted Reader!
Here’s to a happy holiday season to all you loyal followers of this blog. Whether you celebrate this time period in a traditional manner or not, we’d like to extend our best wishes to you and those who you care about most.According to this article on Wikipedia, the day Westerners now know as Christmas was originally the winter solstice:
“In 46 BCE Julius Caesar in his Julian calendar established December 25 as the date of the winter solstice of Europe (Latin: Bruma).”
If you read further, you’ll note that there have been many cultures celebrating the sun’s reemergence following winter. Those festivals are entirely expected given that agrarian societies couldn’t harvest during dark, cold months and without stored food on hand, they might even starve. Back in those days without instant electrical power, it must have been terrifying to attempt surviving while the sun’s light was so limited. To see and feel the sun’s heat when the days became longer once again would have been major cause for celebration.
Today, of course, many cultures are influenced by the West and Christmas is acknowledged far and wide. Still, there are rituals that are indigenous to certain countries that will always be. For instance, in Japan, the pine tree is a symbol of longevity because cut pine branches can last for months. Thus, Japanese believe that associating one’s self with pine can attract a long life.
Below are some photos of one Japanese lady’s holiday pine decorations. Note how she blends the traditional with modern by including hand-cut clothing hanging from a clothesline. 
How do you celebrate this season? Whether it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Christmas, we hope it’s a good time for you. Tell us how it goes at: gypsystars@me.com
You may have noticed that our publishing date of December 17 came and went last week without a posting. Beginning with this issue, this blog will move to the last Saturday of each month. Apologies for this late warning, and thanks for your patience.
Meanwhile, January 23 is the start of the Year of the Water Dragon, signaling a most auspicious time to come. And, with 2012 just around the corner, there should be some clear consciousness-raising going on. Stay tuned, and don’t forget you can “friend” Gypsy Stars on Facebook, “like” The Urban Goddess fan page that supports all metaphysicians everywhere, and purchase a T_zing t-shirt.
Good luck, light and love,
Gypsy Stars
http://www.gypsystars.com
