The Winter Solstice and The Deer Mother

Hello Friends!

With the advent of the Winter Solstice, I have been doing a little research which led me to a very interesting discovery of a new to me mythology.

It began when I asked Google to find me the date and time of the Winter Solstice 2023 and I was told it is on Friday 22nd December at 0327. I have learned over the years that the Solstice isn't on a fixed date but falls on or around the 21st of December, varying slightly annually.  This prompted me to ask Google how the exact time and date is calculated, much in the way that Easter is not a fixed feast in the Christian calendar. It's a complicated {well, to me it is complicated} calculation.  I won't go into details for fear of embarrassing myself, but if you are interested you can look here.

While I was pootling about, I stumbled across some interesting articles referring to the mythology of the Deer Mother.  I was immediately pulled in as I have never heard of this mythology.  So what is this mythology?  

The Deer Mother is an antlered female shamanic spirit of Winter in which one of our most beloved traditions of Christmas is founded.  As this unfolds, no explanation of what that tradition is will be needed.

The Legend of the Deer Mother

Once upon a time in the snow covered North of long, dark nights, lived a tribe who honoured the spirit Deer Mother, guardian of wild places and bringer of the light during the darkness. During rituals surrounding the Winter Solstice she would appear to the tribe as they gathered to honour her in a sacred grove, her hooves barely touching the snow.  As she danced her antlers sparkled and snowflakes flowed in intricate patterns about her head.  The tribe knew she brought protection, hope, and fertility with the coming of Spring.

It is said that the Deer Mother’s antlers held a secret hidden star that could guide lost travellers home and that those who glimpsed it were forever changed, their hearts filled with wonder and purpose. Some say that the Northern Lights are but reflections of her celestial antlers, a reminder that magic still exists in the world.

She is said to drive her sleigh across the skies during the longest night, to drive away the darkness and ensure the return of the light.  

Long before we told the story of Siôn Corn, Father Christmas, Santa, or whatever you call the jolly old man in the red suit and white beard, the Deer Mother was racing across our Winter Solstice skies.  How many realise that the sleigh is pulled not by Rudolph but by a female reindeer?  Male reindeer shed their antlers while the does retain theirs.  Siôn Corn's lead reindeer has antlers, and is therefore female.  The herds of reindeer are led in Winter by does and every time we tell stories of Santa and his flying reindeer we are actually telling the story of the ancient Deer Mother of old for it was she who once flew through winter’s longest darkest night with the life-giving light of the sun in her horns.

The legend of the Deer Mother is present in many cultures across Northern Eurpe and Russia.  I have given you a brief glimpse of one, so this Christmas season, on the Winter Solstice, take a moment to remember the winter goddess of old and her magical reindeer on the sacred night when the sun is reborn, look for the Deer Mother flying across starry skies.

May the Deer Mother’s light shine upon you, dear traveler, and may your path be guided by her gentle wisdom.

Until next time

Stay safe stay well

Debbie xx