[eryka]

Originally Posted by Valiente

As a more nautical/pagan/useful observance, consider borrowing a sextant, if you don't own one of your own (and you really should, you know) and take noon sights from your deck or dock in the week leading up to the winter solstice (usually Dec. 21). Seeing the sun reach its lowest point on the southern horizon (or highest point on the northern, for certain Wombatish persons) really brings home the sort of global consciousness I feel behooves a sailor to possess. Yule is an important holiday for me, full of symbols and meaning that frankly Christmas no longer possesses. Also, having a sextant means you can literally go out the next day and PROVE by simple observation that summer, despite all indicates to the contrary, is coming in.

Happy Yule, and keep your wicks trimmed.

What a great idea, Val! I need the practice, too - last time I tried I plotted us 20 miles inland.