Finding Wonder & Light in the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is a threshold — the longest night of the year, holding both stillness and promise. In this special 50th episode of Tree Speech, we linger in that in-between space where darkness is not something to fear, but a place of listening, wonder, and quiet presence.

We begin in the solstice hush, where forests shimmer with unseen life and ancient stories gather close. From there, we travel to Iceland through myth, landscape, and lived experience, speaking with author Nancy Marie Brown about her book Looking for the Hidden Folk: How Iceland’s Elves Can Save the Earth. Together, we explore what it means to treat land as alive and attentive — and how belief in the hidden folk is less about superstition than about perception, reverence, and care.

This is an episode about paying attention, honoring mystery, and remembering that even in darkness, the world is alive — and the light is already on its way back.

Happy Solstice! May your candles burn bright, your windows glow with welcome, and the unseen feel close.

This week’s episode was written and recorded in New York on the land of the Lenapee tribes. This week’s episode was recorded in Massachusetts on the native lands of the ⁠Wabanaki Confederacy⁠, ⁠Pennacook⁠, ⁠Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett)⁠, and ⁠Pawtucket⁠ people

This episode was written, edited, and produced by Jonathan Zautner and Dori Robinson.

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