Hello Friends,

Welcome to the Death of the Year, when our nights have become so long we pray to the Sun. An annual event, Earthlings have marked the Solstice for thousands of years. We build temples and write songs celebrating the return and rebirth of the Sun.

The Elder (Ruis) was the home of the Goddess. These short trees (15m) with their short life time (60yrs) were sacred and protected by folklore and folk. The branches hollow out to make excellent wind instruments. Other branches are strong with just enough bend make a perfect bow. All parts of Elder trees are used to make different color dyes. The berries just picked are toxic… yet when processed make tasty winter treats full of vitamin C, like elderberry jams and wines. The foliage keeps the flies away. Could this be why so many rabbits make their homes under the elderberry bush?

The Elder also has a dark side. It appears dead as the last oak leaf has fallen, and yet it is quick to bloom, never staying down long. The wood, like the uncooked berries, is slightly toxic and folk warnings span from: “never burn an Elder Tree, For the Lady’s home it Be” to “Burn the Elder and you will see the Devil.” Because Elder is so important to the forest folk it became an enemy to the church. It is known as Judas Tree, and the rumor is; he hung himself from an Elder. {I think it’s important to point out that most Elders are more of a bush than a tree and that makes this references rather awkward, although not impossible.} The Elder is a Hermaphrodite, which allows it to sit in a well drained forest, offer beauty and food in a fly free environment to all that are in need. A Goddess indeed; supernatural, mysterious, spiritual. You are NUMINOUS.

This last moon I am ending with the Sun Stone. Over the years Sunstone has become more and more significant to me as I struggle with winter darkness. It represents abundant joy and the endless energy of the Sun. It seems to be plentiful in places that if you are traveling North you should keep some in your pocket: S. Norway, Sweden, Oregon USA, and S Australia (because honestly we all need abundant joy). The Vikings used a Sunstone to navigate and it was said to find the sun in complete overcast. {I think I may hold up my bit the next time the fog rolls in.} The most abundant sunstone in the states is a Transparent Feldspar (aluminum tectosilicate) with Copper inclusions. The mythology is a great Warrior was hit by an arrow and where his blood fell, transformed the earth and stone with his soul and power. When you look at the sunstone you can see the flecks of magic sparkle. You are SPARK.

During this moon where the sun dies in the longest night to be reborn into a new year, shot forth in an endless sparkle of fire and energy, is: Sagittarius. Those born under this Fun Loving constellation, are always the first to sign up for the next adventure. This mutable moon is Change. Ruled by the planet of Abundance, Jupiter, is there any reason not to be playful. Their brutally honest, pretentious, arrogant attitude could only come from constant change and endless abundance. Why would anyone take anything seriously? They never stay mad or moody or in love for long. Life is too short and there is too much to learn and explore.

Sagittarius thrive in the abundance of next. The next best thing. The next food, love, event. As we all should. The next world. Who can dream the future? Have you looked in the mirror? You are IT.”

You are NUMINOUS. The Goddess, hidden in Bark and Berries.

You are SPARK. The Magic, on Earth that Shines in Dark.

You are IT. The Change, that’s Soaring through on the Big Bang.

Blessed Be, Dian Mali – Funky Fiber Witch

PS. I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you for your continued support of me and my art. It gives me a purpose and that is priceless! The moons of 2024 we will be exploring mushrooms. I am really excited to learn more and pass it on with pictures and stories. If you know anyone who would enjoy my moon mail, a subscription makes an excellent gift! www.patreon.com/funkyfiberwitch
I also have products of my art for sale at www.impourfect.com

Thank you for believing in me.
All my love, Dian