The fourth of this seasonal series is a story I told at this weekend’s retreat, on the 6th of December, which is the Feast of Nicholas and the Elves, as celebrated throughout northern Europe. Its ancient roots echo in the stories of many cultures, including those of the Celts.
In Druidic tradition, we are approaching the festival of Alban Arthuan, which is a time of death and rebirth at the Solstice, when Nature’s innate powers and our own souls are renewed. The spirits of those who have crossed over become more animated in the days leading up to the Solstice. They draw close and gather with us near hearth fires and around the Yule Tree. They incite us to engage in acts of kindness, compassion and hospitality, going beyond our mindless daily routines. In Celtic mythic tradition, these were the faeryfolk, the thread connecting to today’s elves. Continue reading