Winter Blessings!!!
It’s already here — well precisely at 11:28 am EST its here! It’s time celebrate the winter solstice and the December full moon, the Cold Moon! Here in the northern hemisphere it is the shortest day and the longest night we experience in every revolution around the sun. Accompanying this momentous time is the Ursid meteor shower. So much energy flowing through our beloved universe right now!
Solstice is a combination of two words meaning sol (sun) and sistere (stillness) representing what seemed to be a slowness of movement from the sun and moon on the horizon. For me, it also represents the stillness we have during the winter months. We sit in the mornings with a nice steaming cup of coffee waiting for the daylight to break through the darkness of night. We start to see the birds feeding on richly oiled sunflower seeds. The world seems to stay home, bake comforting meals, light all the cozy candles and crochet or knit a new scarf. We stoke our fireplaces up with roaring flames and enjoy each others company as the cold wind whistles outside. It’s a time to introspectively rest and heal, which is exactly how today started… slow and quiet.
After breakfast and a little journaling, we spent some time individually working on today’s tasks (hauling in wood and baking this special cake). We both have our own meditative processes which allow us to clear our minds and set intentions for this next season of life. Near afternoon we came together and started setting up for our meal. We lit candles and ate under their glow. With warm bellies we laughed and talked about how much we enjoy the snow, our fishing adventures and most of all our reflections of life together. I think its important to be intentional about our love, our light and to take responsibility for the energy we cultivate and manifest in our relationships.
Hubs got the fire started while I went outside and collected some special symbols of nature. I foraged a few branches, birch bark, autumn leaves, pine cones, and spruce twigs. Traditionally, the yule log was a special log that was saved from year to year igniting the next seasonal rebirth. While we don’t save charred wood, we do recognize how special the suns eternal light is. We sent all of our blessings and gifts into the fire for our Great Spirit. I let the fire dance on my face as I peacefully watched it all rise into the atmosphere. The thought of it all still brings a smile to my face. The rest of the evening was tea and relaxing in the present moment. No phones, no pictures, no external stimulation. This really special time isn’t about having more light, but its about finding the limitless light we carry within ourselves.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve become quite fond of the seasons. I love the predictable changes in the trees, freezing of the water, blooming of spring and celebrations which carry on late into summer nights. I’ve come to accept it as a rebirth where to step into new possibilities. I hope you take some time today ( or even this weekend) to step away from the holiday madness and get outside. Breathe the crisp air, stomp over the frozen ground and listen to the stillness around you. Put your phone away. Be immersed in nature. Try to let your thoughts just pass by quieting your mind. Write down some new goals. Jot down a poem or sing your favorite song. Send some good wishes into the universe for your family and friends. Intuitively, do what feels right in your heart…there is no wrong way to celebrate.
If I dont see you back here before your holiday celebrations, I send you all best wishes for a joyous gathering of peace and love.
XOXO,
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