Many animals feature prominently in various stories connected to winter holidays.  In the pagan tradition, the story of the Deer Mother is associated with the Winter Solstice, which occurs on December 21 this year.

The Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Because the days begin to grow longer after the Winter Solstice, it is a celebration of the return of the sun. The legend of the Deer Mother portrays her bringing the sun back to the land, carrying it in her antlers.  As the people gather in a sacred grove to honor her, she appears, running through the grove with the sun between her antlers, her hooves barely touching the ground. She brings protection, hope, and fertility, with the promise of Spring.

The legend is most prominent in northern countries, where the Northern Lights are recognized as reflections of Deer Mother’s magical antlers. Another aspect of the Deer Mother story is that her antlers also hold a hidden, secret star, capable of guiding lost travelers home; wonder and purpose are imparted to all who catch a glimpse of it.

This Yule, may the spirit of the Deer Mother be a blessing to you and yours, including all the animals you encounter. May her secret star guide you home, bringing wonder and purpose to your life as the sun returns.