21 December 2021
Embracing the silence & stillness – Welcoming the return of the light
The winter solstice, traditionally called Yule, is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Today marks the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere and the start of Capricorn season in astrology.
The winter solstice honours the death of the Sun. It is a time of stillness, silence, rest and introspection. For the next few days, we are observers in the dark, we listen to our inner guidance, we embrace the silence and we keep the inner flame alive. We trust that the light will soon return and that new beginnings lie on the horizon.
Three days later, on what we call Christmas today, the Sun is reborn and we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. We begin to set intentions, we reflect on our goals and ambitions, we make plans for the coming solar year and we look forward to acting on them in the spring.
Today is a good day to declutter the home by cleaning, organising, as well as donating or gifting things that we do no longer need. It is also a good time for reflection and introspection, for looking back at the past year and for celebrating our progress and accomplishments.
On this sacred day, let’s celebrate the inner light of the soul, the stillness of the outer and inner worlds, the unseen forces, the darkness and the impermanence that governs all living things, by coming together in a space of love and unity. Let’s gather to share the warmth of a cosy home, indulge in song and food, cultivate generosity of spirit, and strive for peace, compassion and harmony.
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Embrace the stillness
That has enveloped the land
Embrace the silence
That is unfolding within.
Allow the flames to thrive
In the depths of your heart
Keep the ancient songs alive
Inside your home’s hearth.
Walk upon the resting ground
Breathe in the freezing air
For a promise can be found
In the sacred winter prayer.
Sit with the darkness
Honour the slower flow
For Mother Earth’s slumber
Has great wisdom to show.
Return to simplicity
To make space for the light
Accept mortality
As synonym for life.
Today we grieve the death
of the Old King.
In gratitude, we let him spread
his golden wings.
Today we celebrate the birth
of the New King.
In gratitude, we welcome him,
A bright new beginning.
On the Solstice of Winter
We share generously
And together we gather
In love and unity.
On the Solstice of Yule
We stand still and hear
The heartbeat of all souls
In peace and harmony.
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❄ Happy Winter Solstice ❄
For seasonal imagery, check out the Winter photo album
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