The Norse step in today with an observance for Sunna, their Goddess of the Sun. In many Germanic Traditions, she was called, Frau Sonne, and Sunday is actually named after her. (According to Ancient Germanic Calendars.)
The Celtic Tree month of Tinne begins today. Tinne, or Holly, rules over the Realm of Winter. We leave the Realm of Light (Oak/Duir) and begin to enter a darker half of the year.
Tinne begins July 8th and will last until August 4th. This is a time of protection, luck, and prophetic dreams. Bring a Holly Branch inside the home so that all the tree spirits know they are welcome. Plant Holly outside your home and the Holly King shall protect you from evil.
The Holly King and the Oak King are brothers– age old enemies of Light and Dark– neither wishing to fade so that the other may take the throne. But there is a respect there, of seasons and of rebirth, for as one leaves, they shall return again. Neither is ever gone for good.
In honor of the Holly King, read Holly itself for the Column: Women, Healing and Lore.