It’s always darkest (and lately, coldest) just before the sweet, sweet light.
There are lots of reasons to celebrate the winter solstice — in my girlfriend’s case, because it signals the end of shorter days and the incremental introduction of more sunlight. (You know, that whole seasonal affective disorder thing…) But whether it’s a spiritual reason or simply an excuse to stop, have a drink and invoke the flaming talons of symbolic rebirth, cultures around the world have been gathering and celebrating it for centuries.
Centuries!
On Saturday, Dec. 20, Denver’s Mercury Café will hold its own celebration of “the rhythms of the earth and the power of the longest night” at their Solstice Celebration and Yule Ritual. Sara Rain will lead the ritual and then attendees — of all faiths — are invited to stay and boogie to the Celtic rock-fusion of Tuatha.
The fun starts at 8 p.m. and costs $13 at the door. Stop by the Mercury (2199 California St.), visit their website or call 303-294-9258 to get more info about an excellent way to stave off those winter blues — and look forward to the spring.
