Choosing To Celebrate Winter Solstice

I believe I came into this world with the knowledge of ancient ancestors in my DNA. When the world slowed to a crawl in 2020 while so many (were then and still even now, glued to computers in continuous zoom meetings) I was out in the world embracing nature. Somehow I knew that was the solution and gateway to the awakening re-set we were each being called to breathe into our cellular structure. Our ancestors and elders going back millenniums valued the teaching of nature and demonstrated it through various rituals and festivals. There is not a day that passes that I am not outside connecting with the wisest teacher available…glorious Nature. I am happy that I am not the only human being who knows this truth.

Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year occurring in the Northern Hemisphere between December 20-23 and the shortest day of the year happens in June for the Southern Hemisphere. Scientifically and astronomically, the North Pole during winter of the Northern Hemisphere is tilted aways from the sun. Need more evidence this is not some new age , hippy dippy event? On the Winter Solstice stand outside at noon and observe your shadow. It will be the longest shadow you cast! Since the North Pole is tilted away from the sun the height of the arc is low so your shadow looks long! The sun is so low on the horizon that it appears to rise and set in exactly the same place. If you study Latin you will discover “solstice” means “sun stands still”.

Winter Solstice may have been celebrated since the early Stone Age. Many ancient civilizations created and built monuments to honor this Solstice. In Ireland around 3200 B.C. a tomb called Newgrange was constructed in which a tunnel faces the solstice sunrise into a chamber with a window bathing the chamber in glorious Solstice Light for 17 minutes. In Peru on the Solstice an ancient structure shows some of the giant monkey and lizard Nasca Lines touch the spot on the horizon where the sun sets. Similar structures can be seen all over the world aligning with the Winter Solstice.

If you get off your computer and phone and go outside this year, December 21,2022 you might spot Jupiter and Saturn coming together in the sky. Was this the “Christmas Star” written about in Christian belief?

For Solstice I decorate my hearth with pine boughs, holly and red berries, white and red candles , and pine cones . Adding pieces of nature into my inner world I write my intentions to be sent out to the Universe .

Even if we each may have forgotten the teachings of ancient cultures that wisdom lives within each of us. We value and experience the changing of the seasons . Some age old rituals to complete on this years Solstice that may resonate with your old soul are: Sit with pen and paper (writing it out as opposed to typing on computer opens brain pathways of creativity) and write each attitude, belief, and self defeating patterns of behavior you wish to release in order to be the best version of yourself .Look at any behaviors that are misaligned with your core values. Write them all down. Next reflect on any grudges, resentments either very present or buried deep within . Look especially at those things you have absolutely no control over. Ask before you write what would you have to do and who would you be different if you released these things? Once finished writing, create a Solstice affirming prayer or mantra , and place it on your Solstice Altar. On the night of the Solstice, take those written items to release and burn them by the light of a candle or lantern. Light radiates purification and truth. The Winter Solstice is a time of embracing the New Light. Now write at least 5 specific things you want to be radiated by the Solstice Energies. Leave these in a special place in your home to be opened in a year on the 2023 Solstice.

The Winter Solstice holds powerful opportunities to release and expand into a transformational new Consciousness not only for us as individuals but for the Collective of Humanity. Long ago I chose new traditions at this time of year to replace the old ones, and know in my heart all the Ancestors smile at this decision.