Yay! its the Solstice!!

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Its the 21st the shortest day!,  now the days will get longer so time to go out and celabrate like shag a virgin but as their like rockin horse muck a pub visit will do!

There was os is a festival that some diety will shag mother earth to ensure her fertility at this time, can't remember what it is now, anyone know any Pagans to ask?...

[catweazle]

Think it's Saturnalia, the old Roman festival.

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Think it's Saturnalia, the old Roman festival.

No it wasnt that, as that finishes before the year end it was something else!.

FWIW anyone here shagged any withches or pagan SP's at all?....

[mr.bluesky]

No it wasnt that, as that finishes before the year end it was something else!.

FWIW anyone here shagged any withches or pagan SP's at all?....

Had a few massages and hand jobs off a few old hags 

[Marmalade]

Its the 21st the shortest day!,  now the days will get longer so time to go out and celabrate like shag a virgin but as their like rockin horse muck a pub visit will do!

There was os is a festival that some diety will shag mother earth to ensure her fertility at this time, can't remember what it is now, anyone know any Pagans to ask?...

Most genuine pagans will keep quiet before the thought police accuse them of blasphemy.

A few will sense the Earth in balance and attune their bodies appropriately.

Ancient Celts would sacrifice a child, its blood fertilising the dead earth that the harvest might return in abundance the following spring.

Modern ones seem to use it just as an excuse to get pissed and do Xmassy things under a different name. Sensible ones will match their feast to the Gods that go down to the depths and return again.

[timsussex]

Useless fact - although the shortest day has passed sunrise will continue to be later each day for a few more days
However the earliest sunset passed on the 12th Dec

It seems strange but the two ends of the day dont move in unison

[Blackpool Rock]

Useless fact - although the shortest day has passed sunrise will continue to be later each day for a few more days
However the earliest sunset passed on the 12th Dec

It seems strange but the two ends of the day dont move in unison

Yeah it does seem weird, i'm sure there is a logical reason but it's almost like 12.00 "Mid day" isn't actually "Mid day" 
Perhaps precession has something to do with it 

[lillythesavage]

Useless fact - although the shortest day has passed sunrise will continue to be later each day for a few more days
However the earliest sunset passed on the 12th Dec

It seems strange but the two ends of the day dont move in unison

Walking the dogs with friends last evening, everyone commented on how light it was at our usual time, on which we thought to be the shortest day.
That may explain it along with the clear sky.

[Marmalade]

I think it’s to do with the earth’s elliptic isn’t it?

I’m no astronomer, but the way I picture it is like this. The earth follows its elliptical path around the sun. Imagine for a second that the earth isn’t also rotating on its axis. As it starts to move closer to the sun, the angle at which the sun’s rays hits say London, changes. So although the effect is nominal it still makes a difference until the movement along the elliptical is enough to compensate. Days still get longer but the timing doesn’t kick in straight away.

If this explanation is not correct please post a more knowledgeable one! 
Cheers.

[anyfucker]

I think it’s to do with the earth’s elliptic isn’t it?

I’m no astronomer, but the way I picture it is like this. The earth follows its elliptical path around the sun. Imagine for a second that the earth isn’t also rotating on its axis. As it starts to move closer to the sun, the angle at which the sun’s rays hits say London, changes. So although the effect is nominal it still makes a difference until the movement along the elliptical is enough to compensate. Days still get longer but the timing doesn’t kick in straight away.

If this explanation is not correct please post a more knowledgeable one! 
Cheers.

sunrise keeps getting a ltlle bit later until about 3rd January

[Marmalade]

sunrise keeps getting a ltlle bit later until about 3rd January

So do you agree with my explanation? I looked on a few technical sites but the reasoning seems a bit — well, technical!

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Here you go, some bedtime reading;)...


External Link/Members Only

External Link/Members Only

[threechilliman]

I think it’s to do with the earth’s elliptic isn’t it?

I’m no astronomer, but the way I picture it is like this. The earth follows its elliptical path around the sun. Imagine for a second that the earth isn’t also rotating on its axis. As it starts to move closer to the sun, the angle at which the sun’s rays hits say London, changes. So although the effect is nominal it still makes a difference until the movement along the elliptical is enough to compensate. Days still get longer but the timing doesn’t kick in straight away.

If this explanation is not correct please post a more knowledgeable one! 
Cheers.

Basically correct. The equation of time explains the difference between time according to a clock and time according to the sun.

Funny this should come up as I've known about the difference at the winter solstice for years but never bothered to find out why until very recently.

[Marmalade]

Think it's Saturnalia, the old Roman festival.

Either way, the solstice marks the point as the ecliptic aligns with the constellation of Capricornus, known as the horned goat, popularly the ‘devil’. Instead of jingle bells, maybe we should wish punters a devilishly good time!