Sunday, December 21, 2008, marks this year’s Winter Solstice. I must admit, I have not given this special day much attention in years past. But as I’m moving into a deeper connection with the rhythms and cycles of nature, I realize I have been missing one of the most important days of each year.
The Winter Solstice is the day when Yin energy reaches its peak, culminating in the longest night of the year. (This is true for the northern hemisphere and, in true Yin/Yang fashion, it is the exact opposite in the southern half of the world.) At the same moment that Yin moves into its fullest expression, Yang energy is reborn. In the Yin/Yang symbol, the small circle within each swirling half signifies the seed of the opposite within each side. This is what gives birth to cyclical movement from down to up, stillness to movement, death to rebirth.
From the deepest Yin of the Winter Solstice, Yang energy begins to grow and the days gradually become longer. The return of the sun plants the seeds for new life to spring forth. It brings hope.
This has been a dark and challenging year for many of us and for our country. Can you honor both the darkness and the light in your life? Can you remain aware and present, even when it is the dark night of your soul, and remember that a flame resides within, like a pilot light, ready to fire up and light your way into change?
A prayer for the Winter Solstice:
May the light of hope shine in warmth and love within my heart.
May this light shine within the hearts of my family and friends.
May this light shine within the hearts of all beings.
May this light be a beacon of hope for our planet.
Om asato ma gamaya, tamaso jyotir gamaya, mrityor ma amritam gamaya. Lead me from the unreal to the real, Lead me from darkness to light, Lead me from death to immortality.
