Celebrating the Winter Solstice
“This is my wish for you:
Peace of Mind
Prosperity though the year
Happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours,
Fun around every corner,
Energy to chase your dreams,
Joy to fill your holiday.”
– DM Dellinger
On December 21st at 3:02am (MDT), Women’s Quest is celebrating the Winter Solstice! The sun reaches its farthest southward point for the year, marking it the longest night and shortest day. This year is even more special because of the “Christmas Star” Jupiter-Saturn conjunction where Jupiter and Saturn will come so close tougher in the western sky that they will look like one bright point of light. The Winter Solstice is the great stillness before the sun’s strength builds and days grow longer. In fact, in Latin, solstice breaks down to: “the sun” and “to make stand.” It is a powerfully energetic time to pause, rest, and reflect before shifting our lives with intention as we enter the new year. What do you want to leave behind from 2020? What are your hopes, wishes, and dreams for the new year? The winter solstice is a powerful time of the year — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — so get clear on what you want. Meditate. Visualize. Manifest.
Winter Solstice: December 21st
The Winter Solstice marks the official beginning of winter. It is a traditional celebration of the birth of light. On December 21st at 3:02am (MDT), we celebrate the Winter Solstice! The sun reaches its farthest southward point for the year, marking it the longest night and shortest day. From then onwards, we start to have more light. YIPPEE! The Winter Solstice marks a crucial part of the natural cycle. As the sun begins its journey toward longer days, times of growth and renewal are ahead.
The winter solstice (meaning “to cause the sun to stand still” in Latin) has been celebrated throughout time by just about every culture on the planet. This is the point of the year when the sun and the light begins to return. As such, for centuries many cultures associated the winter solstice with birth and death and honored this point with ceremonies and monuments. In ancient Greece, the winter solstice was called Lenaea, the Festival of the Wild Women.
Whatever your beliefs, the winter solstice is a powerful time of the year, physically, emotionally and spiritually. My friend Roland, who is an internationally known Tuscan sculptor (and very wise alchemist) says, “The winter solstice is cause for joyous feasting because it’s the “Christmas of Nature”. This is the time when you flip the frittata.” The frittata is done on one side and the seasons are ready for a turn. Use this time to dive deep into yourself and heart to better understand what is important to you at your core. It is a powerful time of change and rebirth. Use it to help you become a radiant light force throughout the winter.
Tips to bring in the light and focus on comfort and joy:
Restore!
December is a month when cheerfulness is pushed on us in commercial doses, but it isn’t really the mood of the season. The “natural” mood of the month is introspection, self-doubt, questioning, and withdrawal. The elements are turning us inward for our resting season. Animals know this is the season to hibernate, so take their cue and retreat inside for some self-analysis and de-stressing. Be gentle with yourself. Focus on restoration and rejuvenation. Take a break from pushing your body, striving for success, and mental noise. If you have not learned to meditate, give yourself the gift of a lifetime and dedicate some in-time to your mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Join us for meditation quest.
Sleep!
The word solstice derives from an ancient Latin word meaning “stop,” or “to stand still.” Make sure you take time for yourself during the Holy-Daze, especially on the solstice. Live in small moments of luxury — take a warm bath by candlelight to honor your inner being and go to bed early for some extra ZZZ’s. Being the shortest day, nature wants us to get some extra sleep.
Celebrate!
Long before Christmas, people celebrated the Winter Solstice. They felt this made the Sun God happy and hurried the coming of spring. Celebrations were held on the eve of the shortest day of the year, winter solstice. Celebration in thoughtful, appreciative ways such as brewing a warm cup of tea, baking some cookies, or placing sunflower seeds outside for wild birds to munch. It is fun to watch them celebrating with a treat! I enjoy hanging evergreens around my home this time of year. They smell delightful! Their green reminds me that life shines on, even when things may appear dead and withdrawn. Even better, hang mistletoe in your doorway for good luck (and kisses!).
Give Away the Old!
Clean out those dark spaces in cluttered drawers and closets and give away all that you do not use. If you are part of a community or a neighborhood, give away some food and/or clothing to a social service agency to distribute to people in need. This way, you have affirmed the clearing out process and made some room for the light to come in.
Start Anew!
After the winter solstice, focus on your new plans and programs, building from the beginning to make yourself anew. Go slowly. Winter is the time for foundation building and is only effective when built from the inside out!
The keys to staying healthy:
- Stop
- Calm
- Rest
- Restore
- Join us in going inward on the Meditation Quest!