❄Winter Solstice❄

Today in the Southern Hemisphere, 21st June, we celebrate the Winter Solstice. In Latin, ‘sol’ means sun, and ‘sistere’ is ‘standing still’. Winter Solstice occurs as the Earth’s southern pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun and appears to pause for a moment, just like the pause in our breath between the exhale and an inhale. We experience the longest night of the year, the shortest period of daylight, and the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the northern sky.

Astronomical events have guided cultures for thousands of years. They indicated the time to sew or harvest crops and guided the monitoring of winter reserves of food, as starvation was common in the first few months of winter. Winter Solstice is viewed as the middle of winter and is embedded in myth, folklore and ancient traditions. It marks the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun and the return of the Sun gods who are associated with power and strength. For hundreds of years, cultures in temperate climates such as the Celtics and Pagans celebrated the midwinter festival, or Yule, as the last feast, when everything was still in plentiful supply before the bitter cold set in. It was the time of year when they gathered around the fire with their loved ones to warm their hearts, warm the soul, connect inwards, and show a gratitude for life and the unseen web that connects us all. Traditionally, in ritual they slaughtered the animals so they wouldn’t have to be fed during winter when feed could not be grown and drank the fully fermented wine and beer that had been produced over the year.

In the Southern hemisphere, Winter is represented in the Southern cardinal direction, by the Earth element, the colour green, and possesses a Yin or Female energy. It is a time for slowing everything down, for comfort and warmth, for nourishing food, and honouring the body’s need for more rest. You can revere this by planning less events on your calendar and staying home more, by wearing warm comfortable clothing, putting flannelette sheets on your bed, using a soft fluffy rug when you sit on the lounge, lighting a fire or candles at night, making hearty soups full of nourishing vegetables, drinking hot cacao, warm baths, wearing warm fluffy socks, going to bed earlier and waking later with the Sun.

In winter, animals go into hibernation and plants lie dormant in the silent Earth. The energy of winter is to go within, into the darkness and silence from which our soul’s yearnings and inspirations have been planted, just as the seed is buried in the darkness of the Earth and begins to emerge into new life with the warm life-giving rays of the Sun. It is a time for reflection of the year gone past, and so, just as the Earth pauses, shifts and moves in the opposite direction, we hold still and shift in a new direction too. At this time of year, we are given the opportunity to use this cold, dark energy to change the direction of our lives and build a stronger more powerful future for ourselves. Spend some time reflecting on what qualities you’d like to let go of, what no longer serves you, what you’d like to release from your life. Give equal time to dream and focus on what you’d like to bring forth for the months ahead, what you’d like to manifest and bring into being.

As the Sun pauses in the sky during the Winter Solstice, darkness triumphs over the Light. This darkness, stillness, can be unsettling and overwhelming. It can feel as though we are all alone, struggling to function and survive by ourselves. But this darkness is not at all to be feared and our personal darkness is not meant to be suppressed or hidden away. If emotions come up at this time, feel them rather than bury them. Allow them to surface and dissipate into the Light. Don’t let the darkness overwhelm you and your fear cut you off from your own personal power, the flame that you hold within. Understand that the darkness plays a crucial role in realising and birthing the Light. For without darkness, there is no Light, no stars to shine at night. Use it as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Make a conscious decision to let go of what has been holding you back, whether it is past experiences, old perspectives and belief systems, negative self-talk, negative people in your life, the burdens that you bare, or material items that are cluttering up your personal space.

For today, just nurture yourself with self-compassion. Allow yourself to rest in the peace of the darkness, knowing that brighter days are coming in the not-too-distant future. Move slowly, consciously, with heart-felt intention, as you don’t have to make any changes right now. Slow down and look after your basic needs and creature comforts first. Contemplate the possibilities, and just like Nature herself, allow the energies of new life build within you slowly, gently, effortlessly, and when Spring arrives you’ll be bursting with new life, new energy and joy.

If you are feeling alone, deserted, or unsupported on your health journey, I am just a phone call away. Book in to see me and we can discover what is standing in your way and holding you back from a life filled with health and vitality. Let’s find the ‘Natural Balance’ you’ve been looking for.

In health and wellness,

Monica ♥