Winter Solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2021, it will take place on December 21st, at 10:59 am EST. We will experience the longest, darkest nights of the year and the shortest day of the year with the least amount of daylight. The word Solstice is derived from Latin, “Sol” meaning Sun and “sistere” meaning to make stand.
During the time of Winter Solstice, the Earth axis pauses and stands still, then shifts and starts moving in the opposite direction. This process typically takes place in three days.
To some, this time may sound dreary and dark and even depressing, but Winter Solstice is actually a very sacred day. It marks an important milestone for many cultures throughout the world. In Pagan tradition, the Winter Solstice is referred to as the day of “Yule”, marking the birth of a new solar year.
TIME TO GO INWARD
Winter is a time for patience, silence, and going inward - a hibernation in a way. This is a time to lean into the darkness to find your inner light. A time to envision where you want to see yourself in the future projects to work on that you want to birth in the Spring. The possibilities of using your imagination are limitless.
Winter is also a good time to clear our thoughts out. Having more time to sit in solitude with your thoughts, is an opportunity to concentrate exactly on what kinds of thoughts you have running through your head daily and get rid of any thoughts that no longer serve your highest good.
Did you know that you can actually be much more productive when you are in a state of rest and aren’t constantly thinking about “what comes next”? Being able to focus more on the here and now, helps you ground yourself and stay more mindful throughout the day.
TIME TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL SELF
The energy of winter is a sacred time of rest and reflection, it is not the time to run around frantically to stores and stress about the holidays. That’s not the true meaning of holidays anyway, but we’ll save that topic for another post. What we need is to rest and gather our strength for the upcoming season of renewal in the spring. Break down the old paradigm that resting and relaxing is a sign of laziness. Rest is very necessary for future growth.
Let’s all take a lesson from mother nature. While the earth silently sleeps, seeds rest, animals hibernate, it is all in preparation for the massive growth that will take place in the Spring.
DON’T BE AFRAID
We are all cyclical beings, so it is important to allow ourselves to experience nature’s cycles. Winter is a time to bring awareness to those feelings you may have been hiding from, trying to suppress by staying busy. Negative emotions can certainly feel uncomfortable, but they are necessary to understand and not hide from. Not hiding in the darkness can be one of the biggest catalysts on our transformation journeys. We grow by what we go through and allow ourselves to fully experience.
An opportunity to find that inner light, allow your feelings to guide you.
There is a metaphorical significance to the Sun standing still during the Winter Solstice. It is a reminder of the immense power we have within us (reflected in the power of the Sun) and being still is like a built-up of energy waiting to be released as we enter into the new year.
No matter what happens, your inner light never dims.