Happy Winter Solstice from Newgrange, Ireland
At sunrise this morning in damp, dark velvety green Ireland an amazing ritual took place at a 5,000 year old neolith known as Newgrange. The ancient site is older than the Pyramids of Egypt and is located in one of the most sacred areas of the Emerald Isle, near where ancient kings were crowned.
Every year on a series of three days (Dec 20 – 22), the sun rises in such a way that a perfect ray of light enters a specially designed Stone Age “window” and creeps in along a corridor that runs about 70 feet into the center cavern deep within the mound of rocks. It is still unclear to the world why this feature was so precisely created. Perhaps to mark the beginning of a new phase of light and the end of winter.
The gray and rainy weather today in Seattle takes me back to a year ago when I was just an hour away from Dublin in County Meath, experiencing the winter solstice at this treasured UNESCO world heritage site. The two-day festival brings to life mystical vibes full of promise of more light in the days ahead and hopes for prosperity in the year to come.
My Irish ancestors might’ve wandered the same hills throughout the Boyne Valley thousands of years ago, and I felt their energy as hundreds of kindred spirits joined hands in a circle to honor the shortest day of the year with a minute of strikes on a ceremonial gong held by a woman dressed in white.
If you’re curious to experience the winter solstice in Newgrange Ireland through my eyes, take a look HERE.
You see, for me, not only was the winter solstice on my wish list for many years, but this freezing dark December morning also provided a cathartic moment to start a new year with hopes of more light and wonder, travel and friendship.
And from this springboard did I ever travel! Since my time joining hands in a large circle on the grassy lawn in front of the ancient stones, one thing led to another, and I’ve flown over 130,000 miles to 15 countries on 3 continents.
The last 12 months provided me with a year of discovery and travel and if you’re interested in all the specific places they’re listed HERE. I’ve written about a number of them and plan to continue expanding this area of the Kessi World site, so check back regularly.
Thank you for supporting my writing and site and subscribing to receive this email. In the coming year I plan to expand on more details around my 2019 travels with hopes of inspiring others, like you, to explore the world in a way that offers meaningful connections to people, places, animals and self. And, of course more travel tips to help you on your way.
Happy solstice and joyous holidays! And may the year ahead be bright!
Matthew
