The Hibernal Solstice and The Return of the Oak King

Celtic myth posits that the seasons are ruled by two kings, the Oak King and the Holly King, and that they battle each other for supremacy over the earth twice a year -- on the Summer and Winter (or Hibernal) Solstices. On the Summer Solstice the Oak King loses to the Holly King, and thus begins summer's long decline into autumn and its final end, as the Holly King solidifies his grasp over the Earth.

But on the Hibernal Solstice, which begins today, the Oak King wins back his supremacy from the Holly King, and rules for the next six months, from mid-winter till mid-summer, thus heralding the arrival of more daylight hours and the return of green, growing things. He's often depicted as the traditional Green Man, sold in catalogs for display on fences and in gardens. (The Holly King looks a bit like Santa).

Oak leaves in my garden, back in the autumn

A sculpture made by my MIL that hangs inside my house (she associated oak trees with her husband, my FIL, and it hangs below a photo of her)

My Green Man

Will you join me in welcoming the Oak King back to rule over the Earth? This year's Winter Solstice coincides with a full moon.

Read more about the Oak King and the Holly King here.