For pagan nurses, is "Happy solstice" the right expression?

allnurses Guide · Nov 15, 2023

vetpharmtech said:

I just learn a new lesson from you. I see myself as a transcendentalist. It is technically not paganism, but it's the other side of the same coin. I appreciate nature and try to live my life according to natural order.

Ever since I lived in America, I have rarely received "merry Christmas" wish. I understand that when people greet me with "happy holiday", they try not to be presumptuous and want to show their acceptance for whatever holiday I celebrate. Interestingly, I sometimes hear atheists wish "happy solstice" to each other. I guess this is because Winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year for dwellers in the Northern Hemisphere, and the longest day of the year for those south of the equator. It seems to be a poetic phenomenon (both natural and spiritual).

I certainly don't want to poke my finger in anyone's eyes. I simply don't like people's assumption that I also celebrate christmas. "Happy holidays" is too politically correct for me to respond to "merry christmas" wish. "Happy solstice" seems to be a better alternative.

I really want to learn more about this. Can you recommend me a book on paganism that deals with Winter solstice, Summer solstice, Spring equinox, fall equinox, and nature-related themes?

Thank you.

Nordic and Celtic traditions venerate the the earth and the passage of time by Calender based on the solstices and seasons. This would be a good area to start you journey to better understanding.

allnurses Guide · Nov 30, 2023

vetpharmtech said:

Actually I asked the question based on one experience I had several years ago with this nurse. I was bit by a dog at work. I went to the ER, got registered, and checked in. The clerk asked me "what religion are you?". I thought for a few seconds and said Buddhism since it was my family's religion. It was about 2 weeks before christmas.

The nurse who gave me treatment wished me "merry christmas". I answered, "Thank you. I am not a Christian. If you checked my chart, you can see what religion I am."

The nurse said, "I'm sorry. I saw what was written. I assume that since you are not an atheist you would be all right with christmas. I believe that everyone needs Jesus."

I did not want to confront her about her assumption, but I felt like I had to speak up for myself. Hence, I responded, "If that's the case, I wish you a happy Winter solstice. Keep yourself warm."

She thanked me and then excused herself.

I thought that I was civil in that conversation. With other people, I only have time to respond "happy solstice". If they are culturally sensitive, they would know the implication under my response.

Interestingly, a different nurse discharged me and said "Jesus bless you". I did not make a big a deal about it because she simply discharged me. Perhaps she did not check my religious background. I simply thanked her and headed to the exit.

It will be nice if Christians try not to make an assumption that everyone else falls under their religious umbrella.

When I raise the OP question, I can guess most pagan nurses will not say "blessed be" to their patients.

Pagan nurses here, can you enlighten me a bit?

"Blessed Be" refers to veneration of Gaia who is the Greek goddess of the earth and mother of all life. There are many other Pagan traditions that do not use that term. As I am extremely comfortable in my beliefs I do not feel the need to correct others for well meant comments. If somone says Merry Christmas to me I respond "Thank You and have a great Holiday yourself."

Also remember there are Two Soltices so which one or both are you talking about.

Hppy

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Jan 17

Important to know though the holidays are reversed depending on the location of the person

You'd be cebrating midwinter solstice/yule. I'd be celebrating midsummer/litha

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