Honouring the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice (December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere) is a powerful time energetically and spiritually. A time of rest and reflection. A time to cultivate inner change. If we weren’t so caught up in the materialism that Christmas has become, we would all sense the magic of this season. Miracles happen. Even the coldest hearts soften.
This year’s solstice coincides with a full moon. I don’t know a lot about astronomy, but I do know that the more spiritually awake you become the more significant the phases of the moon seem to be. There is a flow to all of this—monthly, daily. The full and new moon cycles each carry with them unexplainable energy that is sometimes extremely positive and other times more challenging (negative). If you are very in tune or sensitive to energies you may even notice that you have more clarity in the morning and more negativity in the evening. Listening to your body, by observing your moods and energy levels, might encourage you to go to bed early and rise when you feel rested—even if it’s 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning.
Last winter was a transformative time for me. I naturally would awaken at around 3:30 a.m. and begin my meditation practice. By candlelight I would practise yoga and sip superfruit green tea. And, later I would write in my notebook and watch the morning light gradually bring colour back to the objects in my living room. One morning when it was still dark, I opened the curtains to discover a beautiful fox prancing around in the moon-lit snow. Pure magic! Another time, the full moon woke me up in the night. It was shining through my window right into my eyes. “Wake up!” it seemed to call to me. And so I did.
A Time For Meditation
If you’ve considered beginning a meditation practice, now is the perfect time. Welcome the winter solstice by lighting some candles, burn some sweet grass and sage, and use the following poem to guide you into meditation. Namaste!
Be still little one
Winter solstice is near.
Enter your cave of gemstones
How they glitter in the firelight!
Curl up in your bed of furs—
like a little seed.
It’s cold outside
but the fire is so warm
Hear it crackle; see it dance.
You are safe and there is
magic in your every breath.
Amethyst and turquoise blue
Take these gems and place
them close to your heart.
You are prepared now
to meet the challenges of the season.
You are protected. You are loved.
The Goddess lives on in you
Surrender to this night.
© Copyright 2010 Holly Wilson
Author Bio: Holly Wilson is a freelance writer/editor and stay-at-home mom. You may contact Holly at holly@ecoerth.com. If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, etc.☮
Hmm! I thought the full moon brought out all the crazy people. Maybe it is I that has low energy and in my weakened state they (the crazy) get to me. Must try to change my thinking. ;o)
I’m not a winter fan although I know that winter will lead into spring a time of new beginnings so I allow it to share my space for a short time each year. The foxes in the fall are awesome as well and we saw one just the other day and do so love to see them. Where you have moved onto winter I am hugging fall to death. Christmas is a time of giving to me and will always be as I love being able to have the excuse to give where no one has to feel quilty to receive. Materialism only applies IMO to the ones that have not to the ones that need. To those in need it is a true time of miracles where a stranger might reach out their hand and bestow on you the true meaning of what giving is all about with no thought of receiving just a gift for the simple sake that it gave joy to the give.
I am an early riser and pretty much daily am up at 4:30 just to enjoy the piece of the day before the hustle of the real world intrudes. It is my time and I Love it
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That was really beautiful ~ thanks for sharing. I especially enjoyed your meditation.
I’m an early riser as well, up between 4am – 430 at least 5 days a week for quiet reflection, some yoga and lots of writing. It has become my favorite time of the day. I especially love watching the Sunrise with a big Mug of Red Rooibos Tea.
Wishing you and your a blessed Solstice and Holiday Season
Warmest Wishes,
Andie
Andie, you are such a lovely soul. Thank you!! Blessings to you in your life and work. There’s beautiful energy this year. Enjoy the solstice!