Thunder Mountain Sanctuary Shrine

01/02/2026

HOLDA, GODDESS OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE

Mother Holda, an ancient Germanic Goddess, has many surviving stories. She is connected in several ways to our contemporary concept of Santa Claus. She was a teacher, a spinner, a wise woman. She was a Fate Goddess, a Protector, and Guide of the souls of the dead to their new life in the next world. Even in modern-day, when it snows, people say that Mother Holda is shaking out her down comforter.

An old Germanic tradition that survives is the laying out of an offering of a bowl of milk and food for Holda by the hearth fire on the eve of Her festival day, December 25th. The custom evolved to the setting of a place for Mother Holda at the table the meal before the family went to Christmas Mass, leaving her a bowl of milk when the family left the house, then carrying it outside to pour on the ground or leave for the animals after the family returned. This custom seems very close to the leaving of cookies and milk for Santa by the fire, doesn’t it?

Holda is the Queen of Winter in Her Crone aspect. The snow flies as She shakes out Her cape or Her down comforter. Goddess of Prosperity and Generosity, gold coins drop from Her cape when She unfurls it. But She also holds people to standards of hard work and industriousness. She does not brook laziness. Holda, or Frau Holle, travels in the winds with the souls of the dead, mostly children and babies. She can be heard howling with grief as she bears the babies’ souls tenderly to Heaven.

Holda is connected to the 12 days of Christmas because Her festival days beginning on the evening of the 24th of December began a 12-day party that lasted to January 6th, the Festival day of Her sister Goddess Perchta, the winter hag Goddess. The Catholic Church assimilated both these Solstice festivals in northern Europe as Christmas ending in Epiphany (commemorating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus – bringing gifts).

In Her Mother aspect, Holda appears as the body of the World Tree – front half-woman, back half tree – who gave birth to humankind. The name Holda, or Holle, is also associated with the holly plant or tree, which has been used for centuries to decorate and protect the home for this season.

This Northern European Goddess Holda (Hulda or Holle) is a Triple Goddess who as Maiden appears as beautiful and stately, flowing blonde hair shimmering and shining like the light of the sun, with a white, or red and white, goosedown cape. She flies through the night sky on the night of December 24th bringing gifts and joy. Her name means, “kind”, “merciful” or “gracious one”. It was She who determined who was “naughty or nice”. She rewarded the industrious and kind with good health and good fortune and punished the lazy and selfish.

May Holda bless you with much good health and good fortune in these days surrounding the Rebirth of the Sun.

(c.) Diane Horton

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07/02/2025

Matthew Proefrock

The proposal, called “Powering New York,” will go through an extensive review by New York’s Department of Public Services.

04/27/2025

04/27/2025

The vacation raffle that we are offering!
Cost: $ 5 per ticket
Winner Drawn: 3pm, July 20. Sales end at noon.
(need not be present to win)

Get Jazzy in the Big Easy

New Orleans, Louisiana

Come Hungry for Southern Cuisine and Soulful Music to New Orleans, Louisiana for Four Days & Three Nights at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel for Two, Including a Demonstration Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking (Land Only)

Experience the Omni Royal Orleans, which anchors the beautiful French Quarter at the fashionable intersection of St. Louis and Royal streets. From the marble lobby to the crystal chandeliers overhead, this historic Four Diamond New Orleans hotel reflects a more sophisticated time. Step onto the rooftop pool deck or the wrought iron balcony of select guest rooms to look down on the street activity of the bustling French Quarter. Right outside the double doors, discover the storied architecture, boutique shopping, and cultural experiences that The Big Easy has to offer. Just two blocks away, Bourbon Street resonates with activity and excitement. You can also spend the day immersed in New Orleans culture, visiting the Louisiana State Museum, Preservation Hall, and 1850 House. Explore the enchanting culture of the city through fabulous food, upbeat jazz, and inviting nightlife at our French Quarter hotel in New Orleans.

The entertaining demonstration class at the New Orleans School of Cooking is held in a renovated molasses warehouse, built in the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter. The popular lunch class includes generous samplings of the demonstrated items and recipes, coffee, iced tea, and beer.

Your trip for two includes:
• 4 days/3 nights accommodations at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
• All room-related taxes
• Demonstration class at the New Orleans School of Cooking
• Free concierge reservation service

Estimated Value $2,600

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Demonstration class occurs on specific days of the week and at particular times. If class is unavailable, it may be substituted with an equal or similar experience. The hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Blackout dates: Jan 1, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Jul 2-5, Oct 29-31, Dec 31. A minimum 45-day advance reservation is required. Travel is valid for 18 months from the date of issue.

04/26/2025

Time is drawing short to reserve your spot for our first annual Artisan Craft Faire. Contact us today for more information! A vacation to New Orleans will also be raffled!