A time to pause, reside in stillness and reflect.
This year the Winter Solstice falls on the 21st of December, marking the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Known to be the shortest day of the year or the ‘longest night’- Solstice Night, with a mere 9 hours day light. In Latin, the word ‘Solstice’ combines two words ‘sol’ or sun and ‘sistere’ to make stand.
A time to pause, reside in stillness and reflect.
Celebrated by cultures all around the world, in the Celtic tradition, the Winter Solstice marks ‘Mid Winter 'also known as Mean Geimhridh or Grianstad an Geimhridh in Irish. Seen as a time of rebirth and renewal by the Celts. The Druids called it ‘Alban Arthan’ or Light of Winter in Welsh. Traditions of sitting around the Yule log lit fire and decorations of Mistletoe and Holly date way back to pre Christian times, these Evergreen plants reminding us of continued life through the winter months. From here the light will grow again day by day until the Summer Solstice on the 21st June marking the longest day of the year.
For many of you this year has brought its share of darkness and the growing light will indeed be welcome as we move towards the dawn of 2021. Whilst the darkness feels real and all engulfing at times we are reminded to light the fire not only in our hearth but also in our hearts.
This image of a multitude of billions of lights burning bright in each and every heart around the world igniting a light chain of star-like constellations, like the starry night, brings me immense comfort. Indeed this year's Winter Solstice bears witness to a unique constellation of Jupiter and Saturn which will shine bright and in such close proximity it is thought to mimic the ‘Christmas Star’ to the naked eye last seen in such vigor and glory in 1226.
So reach out this Solstice through the ions and sit in deep contemplation of the magnificent light in each and every heart.
I invite you to light a candle this Solstice as a symbol and reminder of the growing light that unites us all.
Close your eyes for a moment, sit comfortably, breathe in deeply, and blow out the air gently. Sigh deeply and blow away all the worries of the day. Watch them dissipate one by one and turn into sparkles floating high up in the sky.
Place your hands on your heart. Bring up an image of one thing you are deeply grateful for and give a silent and genuine heartfelt thank you. Tone this silently within your heart. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Watch in your mind's eye as a spark lights within your heart. Growing stronger with every thank you. Now imagine this light igniting in the hearts of your family and friends, neighbours, the people in your village and city. Watch this light chain grow in each and every person in this world and universe. See how it unites us beyond creed and race, beyond colour and religion, beyond class and location- one united kaleidoscope of light as the world lights up.
Breathe in the immensity of this vision, feel its power and beauty. Breathing in the light, breathing out the light. Breathing in the light, breathing out the light. Breathing in the light, breathing out the light.
Feel your feet firmly beneath you now, deep roots growing into earth keeping you nourished and grounded. Gently open your eyes knowing you can return to this moment of pause at any time.
Wishing you all a peaceful Yuletide wherever you are in the world. May the light in your warm heart burn bright.
Much love
Karin Muller
About Karin Mueller:
Karin Mueller is co-owner of Solaris tea and has been working in the field of wellness and health for over 20 years now. She is a Medical Herbalist (BSc Hons), practising Midwife (BSc Hons), Massage and Spa therapist and experienced course facilitator and teacher on a wide range of topics related to mindfulness, meditation and women’s health. She is currently also studying in the ‘Medicine of Light’ school to deepen her spiritual practise.
