Sonoran Druidry: Winter season, week 1

Winter (December & January & February)

Seasonal Deities: Aonghus and Dagda

In modern neopaganism, and especially in modern Druidry, winter is seen as a season of death and hibernation. Within the Celtic cultural sphere winter begins at Samhain (generally celebrated on or around October 31st/November 1st) and continues through to Imbolc (January 31st/February 1st). However, in the Sonoran desert of the American southwest winter is a season during which there is much life and even growth. How then do we reinterpret the ritual significance of this season?

As understood by the majority of neopagans the Celtic ritual year is divided by four high days: Samhain; Imbolc; Beltane; and Lughnasa. Each of these high days represent a distinct season with an approximately equal length of three months each. Thus the Sonoran winter presents a second quandary for Celtic neopagans in that it is one of five distinct seasonal periods, rather than the four seasons traditionally associated with northern and western Europe.

If we are to understand Druidry as an earth-centered religion and philosophy, with its primary emphasis on reverence for the sacred earth and the life it springs forth, it then follows that the local patterns of soil and weather must largely influence the ritual calendar.

This first week of December has been not only sunny and mild, but also wind, rain, and cool temperatures. On the whole it has been very spring-like. There will probably be no hard frosts for another month yet.

The preeminent Druid's bird, the Droelin, is ever present in the form of the Cactus Wren, as is the Gila Woodpecker. The Desert Mistletoe berries in my yard are not yet ripe, but when they are they will attract Silky Flycatchers in numbers.

Week 2's post will begin to address the Druid Lore for the season, in particular that of Aonghus and Dagda.

Gardening highlights for December week 1:

• Composting leaf fall continues.

Winter vegetables, root vegetables, and even chiles and tomatoes can be grown outdoors if care is taken to protect them from frosts. Experiment with any or all of the following techniques:

• Tunnel gardening.
• Cold frames.
• Hot beds (solar water heat).
• Planting in compost.

Cultural History for December week 1:

• La Fiesta de Guadalupe
• La Fiesta de Tumacácori
• Tucson Marathon
• Anglo-Irish Treaty: December 6, 1921.
• Ends Irish War of Independence.
• Establishes Irish Free State.

Sources Cited
Desert Gardening. Brookbank, George. Fisher Books.
Sonoran Desert Museum
Wikipedia

Naoi Beannachtai,
Eremon