The 21st of December marks the Winter Solstice for the northern hemisphere. This is the day when the sun stands still (which is the meaning of the word solstice) at the lowest point in the sky and begins to ascend again - hence the use of phrases such as “rebirth of the sun” or “return of the light”. We’ve reached a turning point and from here, our days will begin to get longer and longer until we reach the peak of the sun’s height at the Summer Solstice in June.
For some, the Winter Solstice marks the commencement of a new journey around the wheel of the year and the celebration of Yule. Yule is a pagan holiday that coincides with the winter solstice. It is a celebration of faith. In the midst of the longest and darkest night of the year, we hold tight to the hope that the sun will return. Misty Bell Stiers writes my favorite description of this holiday in her book “Witch Please”. She says that “Yule celebrates the tenacity of a world that will not give up in the midst of darkness, a world prepared to welcome in the light.”
Yule invites us to connect with the sacred cycles of nature. We are encouraged to slow down and rest in preparation for new growth in the coming Spring. And much like winterizing our gardens, Yule provides an opportunity to look inward and do a little tidying up - to discard things that are no longer needed or that are no longer serving us.
To learn more about embodying the energy of the seasons or working with the eight holidays within the Wheel of the Year, check out episode twelve of my Spiritual Dance Podcast titled "Dancing with the Seasons." CLICK HERE to listen or read the transcript. You can also find a dance-along-with-me movement meditation for the Winter Solstice on my YouTube Channel
This year's winter solstice is joined by the new moon in Capricorn as well as the arrival of Capricorn season. This is a powerful time to reflect and review the ways in which we value ourselves as well as how we want to show up in this world. You may want to re-examine your goals to make sure they are supportive of the type of life you desire to live. Just remember that this is a time for planning and not necessarily a time for action. If we align with the patterns of nature, we'll see that right now is a time for stillness and preservation.
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign connected to the planet Saturn and father archetypes. It is associated with structure, duty, authority, and institutions. Capricorn asks us to prioritize what matters and focus on the bigger picture. It asks the question "what are we building toward in the long term?" Don't be afraid of letting old containers dissolve completely. Also, give yourself permission to think out of the box.
This energy is also very supportive of ancestral healing and lineage work. Look for any family stories or patterns that are unhealthy, limiting, or toxic. Remember that you have the power to create positive change and write a new narrative for your descendants. One small change can have a ripple effect on generations to come.
Venus is also making a beautiful trine to Uranus right now, helping us to manifest and alchemize new ideas and new perspectives. This aspect is also very conducive to new or renewed energy within relationships. Perhaps you are longing for more friends or would like to call in a romantic partner. Now's the time to put energy behind those intentions - the universe is ready to support your efforts!
