Greetings ,

The sun hangs low and darkness encroaches. For me, midwinter can be a complex time of year. The compass swings from hibernation cave to feasting hall and back again in steady rhythm.

The festive season can swing from rest to frenetics, kinship to chaos, consumption to heartfelt generosity.

The dark zenith of the year can be uncomfortable, yet surely has its gifts.

One of the gifts of winter, is the inspiration that comes through the darkness. The quality of dreaming and quiet, potent connections.

There's a beauty in the stillness, in the dark, in the quiet, even in the discomfort that is quite distinct from the radiance of summer's youthful bounty.

I've been writing, and have a midwinter gift to offer in the form of an old story from the Arctic, about the disappearance and return of the sun. It's a simple tale and might be one to regale a festive party with.

You can find it on my 'Rekindling the Hearth' Substack page, linked below.

Hare Steals the Sun

In a similar vein, I've kicked up a minor storm with a selection of my favourite podcasts on storytelling, mythopoetics and culture making. There's been a warm response to it so far, and certainly enough audio gold to see us through the longest of winters.

If you'd like to browse my favourite story podcasts, you can find it here:

Favourite Podcasts

I'd say either could be a sweet, free offering to a loved one who might be in need some midwinter entertainment, rooted in the old ways and folk culture. Feel free to pass them on!

Also stirring in the creative depths of winter is inspiration for the next round of Myth as Medicine.

Starting mid January until the Spring Equinox, we'll be embarking upon a mythic journey through a cycle of old tales from the North. This is the 5th series and there's a wave of fresh input and inspiration coming. An enhanced bibliography, companion resources and context. I'm excited about it.

We've got a fine crew of people signed up, but we can welcome a few more. Early bird price valid until the end of the year.

Myth as Medicine

If you find yourself in the North of Scotland in early January, you might enjoy welcoming in the new year with a ceilidh gathering just West of Inverness. It'll be a fine way to start 2026.

This will be my last post of the year as I allow a short hibernation.

Wishing you all the best through the festive part of the year. May the dreams be vivid, the table be laden with fine foods, your kin be merry and hearth warm.

Catch you in 2026

Dougie