Winter Solstice

In the short shadows…of the waning sun…

here we are, at the shortest day, the longest night, of the year.  The winter solstice.  That pivotal moment in the year when the sun appears to pause in it’s diminishing journey before changing it’s path toward it’s utmost strength at the summer solstice… still months away.   Leaving us, in the northern hemisphere,  in the darkest part of the year. Commonly called mid-winter or yule,  in the northern hemisphere; the winter solstice marks the  onset of longer days (with more daylight) and shortening nights (less darkness).

This time of the year can be challenging for some folks.  Those who feel the lack of sunlight and being in the great outdoors.  It is difficult, with snow, ice and cold temperatures; to feel like picnicking this time of the year.  Difficult, but not impossible.

Bonfires and celebrations abound at the time of winter solstice.  There are many Celtic traditions surrounding this yearly event.  Stonehenge, in England and Newgrange, in Ireland,  both appear to have been strategically aligned to coincide with the winter solstice.  Many pagan rites and celebrations are upheld.  Greek mythology tells many fables.

Yule is a twelve day midwinter celebration for German and Scandinavian folk, and many in the northern hemisphere.   Christmas trees, wreaths and yule logs are just a few of the customs of these yule traditions.  Hence, the twelve days of Christmas.

These few words depict, in a very minute part, the ideas, beliefs and traditions of winter solstice.  We all have our own.  And, I think I can safely speak for most of us;  that the passing of the longest night of the year, following the shortest day of light of the year, is like a long winded sigh.  Together with the cold and snow that typically keep company with the winter solstice; the lack of sunlight can feel debilitating.  We want to hide under the duvet and if we do emerge from under it, we want to stay in our pajamas all day with a really good book in hand.

Knowing the longest night has passed and daylight will increase (no matter how minutely) gives hopeful comfort to the soul.  Each day, through the  seconds, adding up to minutes, the increase of light mounts, and before we know it; the summer solstice is here.

But for now, on this, the longest night of the year, traditions and customs pulse like a heartbeat.  They live, they dance, they warm the air in stead of the sun. They provide a brief respite from the cold that wraps us in the shawl of the long winter ahead.

Time appears to stand still, silently meditating, barely breathing; on the cusp of Christmas and a New Year.

Take a few moments, in this glorious season of winter, to let your heart beat in time to the elements of nature.  Watch snow flakes fall and really hear their silent decent on the earth.  Take a look at icicles.  Water, the life giving liquid element, frozen by the frigid air in which they, the icicles, are preserved.  Each with it’s own miraculously molded identity.

Sit for a long while, unhindered by things you “must” do and watch birds feed diligently for survival at feeders full of sunflower seeds and suet. Occasionally a red fox or a bobcat might be seen crouching, stalking, hunting; for the squirrels foraging for seeds on the ground below the feeders.

All of life, in all of it’s glorious forms, striving toward another day.  Another few moments of light, in the heartbeats of existence.  Enjoy this solstice time of year.  Take a cue from the sun and pause for a moment, or a few,  on the cusp of another year, to truly see and live the MANY BLESSINGS…we have been given.

A very Merry Christmas to you all.