Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice:
Time in nature is cyclical: morning, noon, evening, night; winter, spring, summer, fall. The time of day is dependent on where we are in relationship to the sun as the earth rotates on its axis. For instance, when we are turned away from the sun, we experience night. Every 24 hours the earth rotates completely once, and we experience one ‘day’.

The time of year, or ‘season’, depends on where we are in relation to the sun as the earth revolves around it. Our Earth is tilted on its axis. As the earth revolves or ‘orbits’ the sun, it moves in a way where sometimes there is more sunlight focused on the northern hemisphere. That’s our summer. On June 21, the summer solstice, we reach the maximum of sunlight.

As we continue on our orbit, we move into a place where most of the sunlight is focused on the equator, a place of balance where hours of daylight and night are equal: fall, and the fall equinox.

Moving on, we head towards the other extreme. For the northern hemisphere, this means longer nights, colder temps—winter—as the most sunlight is focused on the southern hemisphere. Winter Solstice, December 21, is the height of darkness for us.

And of course, as we continue, we come back to a place of balance at spring and the spring “equinox”.

Cultures who live closer to nature are profoundly impacted by these movements and changes of season. Imagine a world with no electric lights—how long and dark the nights would be. Think how cold it would be with no electric or gas heating. And in cold areas, all food would have to have been preserved in warmer months.

Our culture, with all its technology, is still impacted by the change of light. Our bodies react differently to manmade light and sunlight and from being inside more. Our inner biological cycles are changed. For some people, this is extreme, showing up as depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

For thousands of years, people have honored the Winter Solstice, knowing that the sun will grow in intensity again. It is the return, the rebirth of the light. It’s no coincidence that many cultures have celebrated the births of “world saviors” at this time, including the Egyptians, Aztecs, and Christians. Light is symbolic as well as literal. Winter Solstice has been traditionally celebrated with fire—light—whether big bon fires, Yule logs or candle flame.

Traditional Mystics have taught us to take care of ourselves at this time. Support yourself, especially if you are sensitive physically or emotionally, by lighting candles or looking at Christmas lights, wrapping up in a blanket (if it ever gets cold!), or listening to some soothing music. Take some guidance from nature, too. This time of year is more inward, quiet, reflective. Our culture creates the exact opposite.

All the parties and festivities are fun, though. What to do?

Spend time in nature each day to give you more of a chance to re-align to nature’s cycles. Getting natural light is good for our eyes and our body’s chemistry. Spending time in nature can ground us and bring us into the present moment. It can reduce stress. Allow yourself some time outside after sunset to absorb and enjoy the darkness too.

Sit on the ground or against a tree for a few minutes each day. Get your bare feet on the earth if possible. Breathe. Become aware of the energy of the earth and the birds, squirrels and other life around you. If your thoughts intrude on your quiet time, practice coming into the now, or capture thoughts with pen and paper and release them from your mind.

Soon, very soon, the energies will switch and gradually become more outgoing again. And on we go in our ever-continuing cycle.

Whichever holiday, if any, you celebrate, enjoy yourself!
(posted 12/2009) copyright Anne Cederberg 2009