Winter Solstice

Yesterday, December 21 was "Winter Solstice" in the northern hemisphere. It marks the beginning of the astronomical winter, which will end on March 20, 2025. It was the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The days will now start to get longer. 

Up until now, I never even thought about the theory behind the winter solstice. I am suddenly intrigued to know that the solstice is one of the most powerful points of the year. The axis of the earth pauses, shifts and moves in the opposite direction. For three days around the solstice, we experience the power of the standstill point and the shift of direction. The earth standing still and then changing direction is symbolic to how we can change the direction of our lives with intention and build on this energy as we enter into the new year.  

Something else I didn't know is that winter is a season with profound spiritual meaning. For some indigenous cultures running through the snow barefoot will assure good health for the season. Winter is the time for transformation and rebirth. It is time to get rid of our old patterns and beliefs to make room for new ideas. It symbolizes resilience and endurance; hope remains even in the darkest of times. In other words, I have never used winter in the way it is intended. 

I use the quote, "a dark time" as a time where someone is dealing with a difficult emotional or physical issue. It may be just a short period of time, or it may become part of us. A little bit of darkness deep inside us, and we seem helpless to get rid of it. What a perfect time during the solstice to look within and think about how different it would be by letting go of some of the emotions and feelings we hang onto. This is a time of hope, hope that things will change. Even in the darkest of time, never give up on hope, it is always there, your own little support system. 

When I think of the people in my life, I first think of people that are struggling. Those that come to mind are grieving, hurting physically or emotionally, some are dealing with the evils of cancer, and some are trying to make a decision about their life path. I also have people in my life that seem adjusted and are planning trips, living in a warm climate, and have a well-designed life path. The unknown is always there, and one never knows if our lives are about to change to a challenging time or perhaps the best time ever.  

For today, let yourself rest in the peace of darkness, knowing the changing of the season, and the return of brighter days is ahead. I find it symbolic that the earth basically stops moving for three days and readjusts. Would this be something that would benefit us, if we stopped moving and readjusted. I am quite intrigued by the thought of transformation and rebirth during winter. Up until now I thought, "winter is winter, long and cold".