Songs of Solstice - by Trista L Hendren & Sharon Smith (Paperback)

About the Book

This Songbook celebrates the cycles of Nature-Birth, Life, and Death. It is a celebration of both the Light and the Dark, since both are Sacred and needed for new Life to grow and flourish.

Book Synopsis

This Songbook celebrates the cycles of Nature-Birth, Life, and Death-through the changing Seasons (the Turning of the Wheel) from Autumn's abundance, for which we give thanks, to Winter's "Dead Time," when even the warmth of the Sun leaves us, and the world goes dark and cold. It is a celebration of both the Light and the Dark, since both are Sacred and both are needed for new Life to grow and flourish.

This Song Book is also filled with glorious artwork, Solstice poetry, and writings on the Solstice from Glenys Livingstone, PhD., Kay Louise Aldred, Mary Saracino, Kat Shaw, Rebekah Myers, and Sharon Smith. Songs of Solstice also includes an essay by Laura Shannon on the Goddess origins of the word "Hallelujah."

"Not everyone is Christian. Many of us, who prefer a Nature-centered, Goddess-based spirituality, rooted in our own *EIK (European Indigenous Knowledge), have found deep meaning in the Solstice, Equinox and Sabbat celebrations, and enjoy singing songs that are based upon these sacred days/times of the year.

We, at Girl God Books, decided to create this special songbook with re-imagined Christmas carols and songs (only those in the public domain were used) to honor the original intent of late December, the Longest Night of the Year, known as the Winter Solstice.

So, decorate that evergreen, set the Yule log ablaze, put on the Wassail, light the candles, and lift your voices in celebration." -Sharon Smith from her Introduction to Songs of Solstice

Review Quotes

"The MidWinter holidays are a significant honoring of the Solstice as one of the great Hinges in the Wheel of the Seasons. This little book is full of the joy and delight of those holidays - few things are more delightful than joining our voices in song, in celebration.

Many of these tunes and indeed some of these words honor the familiar (and often familial) holidays while wrapping us gently but firmly in the world of the Goddess. Get this book. In fact, get several, and invite friends to join you for warm punch and beautiful song!"

-Byron Ballard, Witch, Priestess, Author

"This book of beautiful, hopeful, earth-based Solstice carols and gorgeous illustrations is a joy. Through them we are able to feel the true meaning of Winter Solstice, with all of the hope it brings for reflowering and new growth for all."

-Miriam Robbins Dexter, Author of Whence the goddesses: A Source Book and Sacred Display: Divine and Magical Female Figures of Eurasia

"This magical collection of songs, art, essays and poems fills my heart and soul with joy. Growing up, I sang so many of the songs included in this book. I loved the melodies, even while the words did not necessarily resonate with me. It is a great gift to receive these songs reimagined in praise of the Divine Mother and the sacredness of all life, and to be able to share them with my own family."

-Liz Childs Kelly, Host of the Home to Her podcast and Author of Home to Her: Walking the Transformative Path of the Sacred Feminine

"These songs made my heart sing! For those who love holiday carols, but embrace more of an earth-based spirituality, Songs of Solstice provides a joyful way to reconnect with nostalgic melodies while singing lyrics that express a reverence for women, nature, Goddess and peace on earth.

Sing these songs around your Winter Solstice fire and infuse your celebration with holiday carols that center on the Sacred Feminine."

-Iris Eve, singer-songwriter, poet and founder/ curator of "SHE: On The Tip of Her Tongue"