Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings. For today’s Winter Solstice blog post, I will be sharing a poem about the celebration of the Winter Holidays with Elen of the Ways!
Blessed Winter Solstice, Celebrating Gwyl Elen
by Maranda Wabik
A Chill Wind Whistles through the Trees
Bright Snow is softly falling on the Dead Leaves
The only light is the Stars Above
As I make my way through the Faery Forest
On this Cold Winter’s Eve
Slowly but surely, I walk over the Snow
I can hear the call of the Goddess
Looking for Her light in the dark of the night
I allow my intuition to lead the way
Before long, I can see the Flame of the Lantern
The silhouette of Elen of the Ways
Her Antlers, tall and proud
Her Lantern, bright and sound
On this Winter Solstice Night
I have found my way by Elen’s Guiding Light
She takes my hand, steadying my stride
As I nearly stumble over the Snowy treeroots
The Great Goddess Elen of the Ways
Instructs me to gaze into Her Lantern Flame
After which, I will never be the same
Messages of great import are shown to me
After which, Elen sends me
On a Journey back to my mundane reality!
~I hope you have enjoyed this Yuletide poem about a Journey to meet Elen of the Ways. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is a gorgeous Winter Forest Painting by Igor Dubovoy. I found the art on https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Winter-forest/931769/7040959/view?srsltid=AfmBOork-9phSde2xVVMShhU2GEJy9VjiUKMQAjzymjbi-T0PctNcSZ1.
LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries
3 responses to “Blessed Winter Solstice, Celebrating Gwyl Elen: A Poem”
What a beautiful and evocative poem, Maranda! Thank you so much for sharing it with us on this Winter Solstice.
You’ve captured the essence of the season and the mystery of the encounter so perfectly. The imagery is wonderfully crisp and immersive—the chill wind, the soft snow on dead leaves, the starlight as the only guide. It truly feels like stepping into a silent, sacred night.
The moment of finding Elen is so powerful. The description of her silhouette, her proud antlers, and that “bright and sound” lantern is both majestic and comforting. The idea of her steadying your stride on the snowy roots is such a tender, human moment within the magical encounter.
The core of the poem—the silent messages of “great import” received in the lantern’s flame—is beautifully handled. It speaks to the deeply personal and transformative nature of these spiritual journeys, while leaving just enough mystery for each reader to imagine their own revelations.
It’s a perfect Yuletide piece, blending the quiet introspection of the longest night with the hopeful guidance of returning light, wonderfully embodied by Elen. It left me feeling peaceful, enchanted, and full of the solstice spirit.
Blessed Winter Solstice to you, and thank you again for this magical gift of words 🌷🤝
I am so glad that my poem resonated with you so deeply! Blessed Solstice to you as well. As always, thank you for reading and commenting! ❄️ 🎄 🕯️
You are most welcome Maranda 🌷🤝