Winter Solstice- So What?
December 21 is the winter solstice- the shortest day of the year..which,of course means short daylight and a longer time of darkness. In our busy lives, particularly at this time of year, most of us don’t even notice or care about this date that was heralded and celebrated by ancient societies, except maybe to complain that we have less time to get all of our “stuff” done!
What did they know that we have forgotten?
Solstice actually means “sun stands still”,–when the sun appears to stay at the same place on the horizon for several days…..so , in their infinite wisdom, these peoples celebrated the rebirth of the sun, as solstice represents the turning point towards the beginning of more light. Interestingly, daylight is seen as more masculine, as it is about activity, and “doingness”, while darkness is the time for quiet rest and restoration, and “beingness” …representing more of the feminine principle…
These two have to work together in harmony…if we were in light (activity) all the time we would “burn out” (hmm….sound familiar?) likewise, if we were in darkness all the time, we would most likely become depressed , and have difficulty functioning. (may sound familiar as well) To be our most productive, we must have a balance of these two energies.
Take some time and rest from all the activity of life and business, and be grateful for this day of darkness..of turning towards our most feminine qualities, so that we may come into the light and manifest our greatest leadership strengths.
Often what we learn in the dark, rich fertile soil , we can grow and nurture into bright action and expression.
Give yourself permission to follow that ancient wisdom….and take a rest to get back in touch with who you are and what you want…something that is challenging to do in our masculine world of “doingness”.
