Pagans Observe Solstice

Andy "Salem" O'Rear has been preparing for the holidays: planning with friends, shopping and laying out his hopes for the new year.

But the Tulsa man isn't getting ready for the traditional Christmas holiday, though he will celebrate his spiritual faith. The founder of the Oklahoma Pagan Association, along with other pagans statewide, is celebrating the winter solstice today.

The winter solstice, sometimes called Yule, celebrates the energy building up to the moment the sun enters the astrological sign of Capricorn, O'Rear said. Though the solstice will happen this afternoon, O'Rear and his coven planned to celebrate the changing season Tuesday night.

Individuals and covens -- or groups -- celebrate the changing of the seasons in different ways, O'Rear said. Full Story

Related: religion, wicca, pagan, Winter Solstice