editorial
by Cendi
The blanket of darkness that envelopes us like a tomb beginning at Mabon is fun for a while, but after Samhain there seems nothing left but to wait for the resurrection of the Sun at Yule. The sights and sounds that come with the various holidays in November and December are nice, but none of them tops the morning when I get to say, "Hail the newborn Sun!" Pass out the cigars (or the blunts); the birth of the waxing year is cause to celebrate!
While you bask in the warmth of the knowledge that the Sun is getting stronger, Widdershins has some recommendations to help you idle away the hours during the remaining darkness. Movie fans will appreciate the broad spectrum of pagan films reviewed by former Widdershins Editor-in-Chief Thea. Unless you've taken the advice of the anti-TV crowd and killed your television already, her impish perspective will drive you to the video store.
The lovely and talented professional psychic Freya Ray offers great free advice, cloaked in the humor of the three most common types of requests she gets from those seeking something for nothing via e-mail. A few book reviews are tucked in with the advice for you serious readers whose appetites aren't satiated by Widdershins alone. For extroverts who want to be in the know and introverts who were afraid to go, Blackcat shares a review of the recent Hecate's Sickle Festival, so you can reminisce about what might have been, if you had bothered to attend. (I'm still kicking myself for not being there!)
If you're still focused inward and you want some ideas for introspective work, Roman Delgado has a simple meditation to help you with shadow work. His introduction includes some wonderful background that illustrates the culture of his Aztec ancestry. Also on the shadow subject, an anonymous author confesses to psychic trespass, and Widdershins asks you to examine yourself and share your thoughts on the ethical issues the article presents. Astrology columnist Anita presents the second installment in her series on planetary rituals, offering advice on altar setup. Earth Tones columnist Genevieve Williams has musical recommendations for those of us who want to wallow in the gloom of winter as well as those of us who want to lighten up.
Whatever color your pagan parachute may be, I hope you find something in this issue that makes you smile. Happy Winter Solstice!
Copyright © 2006 by the article's author