Welcome to the northern hemisphere winter solstice, an annual transition day of cleansing, opportunity and hope.
Some of my friends give me an odd look when I define it that way, then after facts settle in, may roll their eyes. It could be obvious, should be obvious, that the southern hemisphere is basking in the transition into summer. But that doesn't mean we down under don't celebrate there as well.
Acknowledging the solstice has happened ever since humans figured out it's recurring occurrence. It's not uncommon for ruins to be constructed with an alignment feature to the sun's position on that day.
One such place are the ruins at Newgrange in Ireland, just north of Dublin. The large circular mound ancient temple, built about 5200 years ago, contains underground passageways and burial chambers. A main hallway is illuminated by a shaft of light entering through a roof opening on and around the solstice.
Other iconic sites to celebrate the December solstice at include Stonehenge UK, Callanish Scotland, Karnak Egypt, Machu Picchu Peru and Fort Ancient in the US.
It's no surprise that calendars were created with start dates shortly after the winter solstice, and that Catholicism celebrates Christmas then. The Roman empire used to begin their upcoming year's strategic planning sessions of conquest and domination about ten days after the solstice, which gave them time to recover from all-night revelry and travel to meeting places. Their Saturnalia festival of wild and endless partying around that time included give-giving. It was easy to piggy-back Christmas and Santa gifts atop already conventions, and maybe include a hope for civility and kindness as well.
Our @CreativeWorkHour group celebrated today with a cleansing and transference meditation, followed by a virtual drum circle. Our intent was to gather up the highs and lows of the past 12 months, take what we had learned from then, and let them ease from us to make room for tomorrow and beyond. The drum circle was used to elevate our support of each other while finding our own rhythm and voice.
Which is where I leave my wishes for you. Give yourself grace for doing the best you could during the past year. Appreciate what worked and what didn't for what it taught you about yourself and the things around you, and set your sights on the discoveries that lay ahead. Life is an adventure. Live and share it, and lean into those around you that are doing the same. It can provide the humble confidence you're seeking to let your little light shine.
#wintersolstice
#CWH