Why should you celebrate the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the longest night and its importance has been celebrated throughout the world since Ancient times. Taking place on 21 December in the Northern Hemisphere, this annual planetary event marks the point where the balance of dark and light starts to tip in favour of the light. On the solstice the sun appears to pause before it begins its return journey bringing with it longer days and more light, increased warmth and new growth.
The word solstice literally means “the sun stands still” and you can use the power of the winter solstice to pause and look at your life for your own healing and growth. See it as a time of reflection for the year gone by and a time to look within and to nurture yourself whilst also allowing yourself to embrace this opportunity as a time of rebirth and renewal for the coming months. Chase away your dark shadows and welcome the new light into your life.
Below are a few things you can do to find connection with the solstice
Sit quietly
This is a time to embrace the quiet and allow yourself time to relax, re-set and connect back to your true self. Meditation is a great way to do this, even 10 minutes will be beneficial. Add Essential oils such as pine, cedar, Frankincense or Juniper Berry to a diffuser for extra support from nature. You can also use the healing energy of crystals such as garnet, ruby, bloodstone, emerald or clear quartz.
Let go of the past
The winter solstice is a good time to reflect on the past year. Maybe you have faced many challenges and difficulties in your life this year. Give yourself permission to let go of the past and things that no longer serve you. Use it as a time of rebirth to step out of the shadows of the past and into the light of the future.
Start a future journal
Look at how can you reinvent your life to better suit you and support your well-being. Maybe it is time to move in a new direction. Be honest and allow yourself to dream. Examine your life's goals and purpose but don’t put pressure on yourself to take action immediately, just sow the seeds and allow things to grow at their own pace.
Light a candle
Connect with the light. To celebrate the coming of the lighter days on the night of the solstice light a candle and be grateful for all you have and the blessing of being able to see the coming of the lighter days ahead, especially if this year has been difficult for you. Everything in life goes in cycles and even bad times will pass. Connecting to the light can also remind you of your own inner light which can guide you through difficult times.
Connect with nature
Now is the time to re-connect with nature. Spend some time outdoors everyday. Go for a walk in park or woodland or just around the garden. Notice life all around you, look up at the sky, breathe in the fresh air. Most of us have lost this connection with nature and it is having a damaging effect on our health and well-being. Allow the healing power of nature to support you.
Use this winter solstice to celebrate the dark retreating from your life and welcome in light and renewal. When you learn to tune in to the cycles of nature you can live more in flow and harness it’s power for your own well-being.
In warmth
Sharon K
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Reiki Master/Teacher
