When I think of Winter Solstice, one thing comes to mind most quickly: three years ago on this very day I pulled my back out something fierce by sitting on the floor, wrapping gifts, making a quick turn to get something on a neighboring chair and ending up in utmost agony for days. That's the first thing that comes up for me when I think of December 21st, not the glowing, twilit majesty as pictured above. No tranquil deer stood in quiet contemplation of the moon on 12/21/08 as far as I was concerned.
But I've become a lot more enlightened since then. Maybe it took that debilitating experience to rattle me out of a kind of pre-Christmas coma of sorts. You know - the days leading up to the Big Day are often fraught with such busyness that one forgets to think of much else besides wrapping and buying and baking and repeating it all. I now have learned that the Winter Solstice, besides being the longest, darkest day of the year, is the time of honoring the dark before bringing in the light. It's the time for letting go of things that don't work for you anymore; often that includes relationships and habits. Winter Solstice is also a time to let go of regrets from the old year - and to forgive those who've harmed you. As long as you also ask forgiveness from those you've hurt.
Sit alone in the darkness for a bit tonight. Feel the old year slipping away and know that, from now until June, days will grow brighter. Thank what is passing for the wisdom it's bestowed. Perhaps write down things you wish to let go of and then ceremoniously burn those scribbles, releasing them. Then reflect on how to bring light into the world. Light a candle and watch the flame's glimmering dance welcome in the new.
A very blessed Winter Solstice to you and yours.
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