The winter solstice will occur in the Northern Hemisphere tomorrow, December 21, at 4:20 am. For those residing in the US, this signifies the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Although the solstice is the official start of winter, it also indicates that after the 21st, we will begin to see an increase in daylight each day, leading to longer days and shorter nights.
For many, this day coincides with a period of religious and holiday festivities. It is also a challenging time for some, as these holidays bring added pressures, societal and economic expectations, and can emphasize estrangement or the loss of relationships. A solstice practice can be a valuable tool in navigating these difficult times, or at the very least, provide a moment of pause during a chaotic period. What might a solstice practice entail? Simply observe what is happening in nature. After the 21st, the natural world will begin receiving more light, fostering growth and expansion for the spring. The past is let go as the earth starts to nurture what has been planted, preparing for a new season of growth and development. We are encouraged to do the same. What can you release and let go of? What do you no longer need to carry with you into this new season of growth and expansion? As more light surrounds and fills us, what do you want to carry forward to grow and develop as we move into more light and less darkness? For those of us in Western North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene, this period of darkness has been especially heavy, as we as a community have endured one of the darkest times in our history. Yet, I see seeds being planted and energy shifting towards a season of rebuilding and renewal.
As usual, my thoughts turn to the horses. What can they teach us during this time of year? As the days lengthen, they begin to shed their winter coats, letting go of what they no longer need for the warmer months ahead. On this darkest day of the year, what can you let go of? What are you prepared to release?
Now that I know what to release, how do I go about it? Many of us have been holding onto these things for so long that letting them go can be difficult. A fire can offer a wonderful opportunity to release them. Write them down on a piece of paper and throw it in, allowing them to transform and fuel the fire, literally and metaphorically. Let the warmth be what you carry with you.
What seed do you wish to plant for the future? What do you want to see growing in your life, and how can you start cultivating that growth for the coming season? Even though the days will start getting longer, remember that we are still in winter. We are still incubating and turning inward so that, like a seed, we will be ready to emerge healthier and more resourced in the spring.
Beautiful sentiments! Merry Christmas!