The Robin
Fiercely territorial, the robin keeps guard -
In gardens, through hedgerows,
A sentinel on a winter postcard.
Listen for her song,
Notice how close she comes.
Bringing cheer with her breast of fire,
For it is said a Robin is the presence of a loved one.
Folklore
Folklore
In Winter folklore, the robin is said to have earned its red breast by flying close to a sacred fire to keep it alive through a long winter night. Its feathers were singed, but the flame endured - a symbol of courage, protection, and guardianship.
For travellers, the appearance of a robin was a small comfort; a sign of companionship and friendly reassurance.
The Holly
In Winter's cold, holly remains -
Evergreen and bold.
Its sharpness held low,
Much smoother on top,
To protect and defend - it's task never stops.
We bring it inside, to hang over windows and doors;
Its protection we seek,
To keep spirits at bay,
So our calm can be restored.
Folklore
Folklore
In Celtic tradition, the Holly King presided over the waning half of the year, from the Summer Solstice to the Winter Solstice, embodying introspection, endurance and deep wisdom.
Bringing holly into the home is said to protect from spirits, quarrels and bad luck due to its spiny leaves. Placing holly above doorways, on windowsills, or near the hearth, created a protective boundary as the nights were at their longest.
December Sky Journal
Stillness, Reflection and Release
December invites us to look up. The month begins beneath the Cold Moon on December 4th - the first full moon of winter, a soft lantern of stillness, reflection and release. It's a moment to breathe deeply into the quiet, letting the last light of the year show you what can be let go.
Slow practices pair beautifully with this moon: a quiet meditation, a long evening walk wrapped in bright moonlight, or simply standing at the window with a warm cup between your hands. Let the cold air clear your thoughts; let the moon decide what no longer needs to follow you into the new year.
Near the Cold Moon, Jupiter will glow high and steady throughout the night, its light unmistakable. In the South-East, you'll find the winter constellation of Orion marked by three stars in a perfect line - his belt guiding you into the deeper dark. This is a winter trio worth stepping outside into the cold for.
If you're more of a morning person, look out for Mercury glimmering low in the south-east before sunrise - a brief, silvery presence. Pause for a moment to notice it: a small spark on the horizon, delicate and fleeting, like the day taking its first breath.
Meteor Showers
Mid-month brings the Geminids, winter's most generous meteor shower, peaking on the nights of December 13th and 14th. Look up for bright, steady streaks tracing the sky. This is a moment to listen more deeply: to honour whatever feelings surface, to hold space for old hurts and tender places, and to let the night remind you of your own resilience.
A gentler meteor shower will grace us on December 22nd and 23rd - the Ursids - which streaks in from the north. This coincides with the winter solstice and can help with direction, perception and decisions. As the new year creeps closer, this is a good time for setting intentions and manifesting goals.