THE WINTER SOLSTICE AND HOW TO HONOUR IT

June 22nd 2023 — The Winter Solstice

The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin word sōlstitium. Sōl meaning ‘sun’ and sistere meaning ‘to stand still’.

The sun is standing still.

Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. An apex, a turning point and the most yin time of the year.

The Winter Solstice, sometimes referred to as the 'Sun's Rebirth', is a time of deep reflection and gratitude for the sun and the warmth and light it brings. 

Winter is the final phase of the earth's seasons, the death, although there is no end, just as there is no beginning. It's a cycle, as are all things.
It continues as birth, growth, bloom, harvest, decay, death and re-birth…

Looking around, you may see the trees without leaves, frozen rivers or lakes and it can seem like everything has come to a pause. And on a level, it has. 
Yet, beneath the surface, in places unseen to our eyes, the seeds of renewal are gestating.  

SO, WHAT DOES THE WINTER SOLSTICE MEAN FOR US?

Or more accurately, how can we honour this time and cultivate a connection to nature?

Here are some simple practices to honour the winter solstice and reconnect you to the natural world. 

1. Place a candle on your alter or somewhere special to you. Acknowledge it as the light of the sun. Warm and life giving, even in darkness. Meditate there if you so desire.

2. Journal - As you rest in the depths of winter, what small flame are you tending to? What is ready to bloom from you as the sunlight returns? 

3. Watch the sunrise. Today, the sun will rise later than any other time. Make the effort to watch him rise, knowing the light always returns, even on our darkest days.

Or, create your own ritual. Perhaps it’s a meal. Or a long bath with a good book.
Anything is a ritual if you infuse it with intention.