Celebrating Our Humanity at Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice marks a crucial part of the natural Earth cycle in the northern hemisphere. In a real sense, the sun begins a new journey toward longer days, times of new growth and renewal of the world begin again. In a spiritual sense, it is a reminder that in order for a new path to begin, the old one must die.

The word Solstice derives from an ancient Latin word meaning "stop," or "to stand still." To the ancients, it appeared as if the Sun and Moon came to a standstill in the sky, and some feared that the Sun would not return. Winter Solstice, or Yule, is the longest night of the year and was a time of both anticipation and rejoicing at the Sun's rebirth. Don’t we need a moment or 2 to stop and stand still? Couldn’t we use a bit of stillness to reflect deeply at this passing year, and review what we have learned and gained?

Observing this event does not require, nor deny a religious framework. It’s a natural cycle of the Earth’s movement. If we can approach this event as a celebration of the Earth, and a reason to reach out to all people, irregardless of beliefs, we bring a new energy of peace and connection that transcends differences. What a perfect moment of stillness.

In many cultures celebrations centered around coaxing the Sun to return by making noises, chanting and singing in sacred places like Stonehenge. People would stay up through the night, to welcome the dawning Sun again. These observances were held in many different cultures and communities because it was important to pay attention to the Earth’s cycles and movements.

Covid aside, there are many ways of celebrating this event. Observances and celebrations should include time to reflect and release the old year’s energy. Allowing an observance to include sitting in the dark or having a ceremony outside at night, will offer an appreciation of this natural cycle.

For residents in the wintery north, the return of daylight is a welcome observance. We can now take note of an increase in Light each day. As the old year passes, the dawning becomes a time to renew and realign to new hopes and dreams. We have the opportunity to begin the deep healing that will lead us forward. Spring will come again.

*Note: Summer Solstice is celebrated in the southern hemisphere and also a powerful way to celebrate peace and connection.

Gwendolyn Evans is a spiritual Guide & Intuitive, artist, motivational speaker and writer, who happens to be blind. gwendolynvt@gmail.com