There are some pretty powerful traditions and celebrations that are deeply misunderstood—Winter Solstice being one of them. Connecting with nature and honoring the seasons, offers a wealth of support on all levels. Most humans have forgotten their deep interconnection with the web of life, and in the process of that forgetting, the painful and challenging aspects of life are magnified. Acknowledging your connection to nature through ritual and ceremony, calls you back home into your heart and the essence of your inner light.
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The Winter Solstice, which takes place on December 21st through December 22nd, is also known as Midwinter, the Longest Night, Yule, or Yuletide. It is the time in North America when we experience the longest night of the year and the shortest day. After the Winter Solstice the days gradually become longer. This was traditionally viewed as the return of the light. For this reason, Winter Solstice became a time to celebrate moving out of the cold darkness back into the warmth of the light. Midwinter affords a time to focus upon giving birth to the light within and can also be viewed as a time of new beginnings. Therefore, celebrating the Winter Solstice offers the perfect moment to reflect upon, connect with, and celebrate the gift of light within your life.
Exploring and acknowledging the light in your life affords an empowered support which invites in a powerful sense of joy and hope. Winter Solstice offers the perfect time to reflect upon the things that you are currently experiencing which expand light, and the things that may be intensifying pain and darkness. As you enter the winter season, it is extremely helpful to become mindful of the cycle of light as it is reflected within your life. What fills your days with hope, dreams, joy, and love? What is currently adding darkness and heaviness? Understanding the answer to these questions creates a greater sense of joy and peace within your life experience.
This holiday season may you unwrap the greatest gift of all—the love that lights the path back home to your heart.
Wishing you deep peace and joy now and always,
-Rev. Ann Rene
