by Daniel Giamario | Dec 16, 2024 |
Seasonal and Sacred Greetings at The Turning Point of The Year!
With the Gemini Full Moon wildly out-of-bounds near the Galactic Edge, and the Sun near the Galactic Center, the Turning of The Ages Mystery School wishes for an expanded connection to Heart, Soul and Spirit, at this time of the Sun/Son at a rebirth. Though our astronomical focus is the December Solstice, we honor all festivals of this season, whether secular or religious: Yule, Hanukkah, Christmas, both Catholic and Orthodox, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day, Saturnalia, and the Lunar Standstill.
I am offering a selection of some of my favorite songs at Christmas Time. Being a Three Worlds School, some of these songs are quite different from our usual religious carols, with two exceptions, including a recommendation from our Totams Team & Media Maven Naraya.
The first ones have been my favorites for many years.
Christmas Song Suggestions
Happy Xmas (War is Over), John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band, 1971
This has always been my number one favorite.
Fairytale of New York, The Pogues, 1988
Often voted as the number one Christmas song in the UK.
Father Christmas, The Kinks, 1977
Featuring Ray Davies’ unique blend of sardonic heartfullness.
I Believe in Father Christmas, Greg Lake,1975
The Chipmunks Christmas Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), 1959
To truly date myself, this novelty song was number one when I was 11 years old!
Still cannot get it out of my head.
Happy Birthday Jesus, Kirtana
This election is from Naraya and beautifully captures the heart and sentiment of Christmas.
When it comes to more traditionally known carols, I have always had one clear favorite:
We Three Kings of Orient Are, or The Quest of the Magi, for obvious reasons!
Written originally in 1857, there are hundreds of versions, but here is quite a good one from my Dad’s favorite singer: Mario Lanza.
Bonus Playlist: My Favorite Anti-war Songs
In a time dominated by the fog of war, bifurcation, and the war of all against all, I offer four of my favorite anti-war songs, from different genres of music.
The Great Mandella, Peter, Paul and Mary, 1966
The War is Over, Phil Ochs, 1968
Note: John Lennon borrowed the title for his Christmas Song
Universal Soldier, Buffy Sainte-Marie, 1963
2 plus 2 is On My Mind, by the Bob Seger System, 1969
I hope that these suggestions bring you enjoyment, heart-fullness and some real authentic sentiment.
Love & Magic,
Daniel