Solstice Greetings from Capital Witch

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Yule and a Solstice filled with all the light and joy you can contain.

Post-Eclipse Review (Photos)

What did everyone think of the show? I was absolutely moved beyond imagination with the beauty and power of what I saw in the sky. Wrapped in my blankets with a steaming mug of tea, I was personally transformed. If you haven't read it yet, Starhawk wrote a great article about its powerful and rare meaning (thanks Elizabeth McNally for sending).

Take a look at these gorgeous photos taken by Liz Jacobs of ShadowGrove.

(click to enlarge)

DC Skies Clear for Tonight's Lunar Eclipse

Looks like we lucked out folks! Weather.com is predicting perfectly clear skies all night tonight for us. Perfect for viewing tonight's extremely rare full lunar eclipse/solstice event. All you need is your bare eyes and a spot relatively free from city light pollution to get the best view.

I haven't seen much in the way of magickal ideas but personally, I'll probably make some "Eclipse Water" by leaving out a bowl of clear water during the event to "capture" the intense energy. Eclipses represent "between the worlds" energy so it'll be great to use for journey work and vision quests. You can also bring it back out (or leave it there) through sunrise to catch the first rays of the winter solstice sun.

Enjoy!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Send us Your Yuletide Photos

People take really great photos this time of year, whether its of decorations, altars, food, family or gifts. Do you have a festive solstice altar your particularly proud of? If the outside of your house lit up brighter than the surface of the sun? We want to see it! Also, take pictures of your Winter Solstice events and rituals too. Towards the end of the the month when the holidays are coming to a close, I'll post them all here for the world to see.

To submit a photo, email it to David at rainbowspikes@hotmail.com.

Where will all the cool Pagans be tonight?

Answer: DC Pagans Night Out!

Seriously, it looks like tonight is going to be one of the larger DC PNO's as of late with a couple dozen RSVP's and more being confirmed by the hour. Hey Northern Virginia, it looks like DC is catching up with you! Tonight's DC PNO will be at Bread & Brew in the heart of Dupont at 8pm. I'll be there, will you?

DC Area Prepares for Winter Solstice

Did anyone catch a glimpse of the snow flurries that passed by some areas on Sunday? Considering that this time last year we were just about to get the first of three huge blizzards, I think we're doing pretty good with our rare flurries. Regardless of what it looks like outside, December seems to be the Pagan Off-Season around here, with January being much the same. Most of us are busy preparing for our Winter Solstice festivities or trips home with family.

For those you you sticking around here this year, head on over to Sacred Circle's open circle in Alexandria. Looking for something traditional? Check out Firefly's Yule Ritual and Potluck happening on Yule night. If you're out in the Sterling area, visit Esoterica for their Yule ritual on the 16th and take a look at their new location while you're there! And if you're an early riser, head on over to Connect DC's public ritual at the park by the Takoma Recreation Center.

Are we missing anything so far? Let us know here.