Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurred at 4:19am EST, December 21st. This is the moment when the Northern Hemisphere reaches its further point from the Sun, and begins moving back towards the Sun. This is the longest night of the year, and the shortest day. This begins the return of the Sunlight, the rebirth of the Sun. It can also be a time for our own Rebirth.

Following the Autumnal Equinox, we may find ourselves turning inward as the days grow shorter and the Sun light becomes less prominent in our lives. Our part of the Earth enters a temporary death as nature turns inward for rest. Rest. That is the entire point of Winter. To turn inward and rest. Connect to our intuition and allow our bodies and minds the opportunity to experience the peace of stillness.

Our culture resists this restful period of the year. We require that we continue momentum even into the darkest of months. We resist the cold weather and darkness and continue our hustle and bustle. This is why many of us may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression in the winter months. We are told it is the lack of Sunlight and Vitamin D, and that is truly a part of it. But it is only a part. The reality is that we are resisting our true nature when we refuse to slow down in the Winter months. Nature is telling us to slow down and rest, culture is telling us to keep going. This internal conflict can manifest itself in our wellness and we become prone to disorder of the body and mind.

Although it is not entirely possible in this world, to just stop in Winter and hibernate, even though many of us (me) would love nothing more than to spend the winter under blankets by a fire in full rest, we can still give ourselves care and grace during the Winter months. Slow down where you can and when you can. Give yourself the permission to take naps, to stay home, to sit by the fire under the blankets and just be. Listen to your intuition when it tells you to rest, and make time for it.

Winter Solstice also marks the Ancient holiday of Yule, which is still practiced by many around the world. Yule is significant as a time of transition, rebirth, and renewal. It is the triumph of light over dark. The Rebirth of the Sun.

Yule is often honored by a big feast of root vegetables, stews, spiced drinks, and Yule cakes. And during the feast, it is tradition to express gratitude for the abundance you have in your life and connect to the Earth and her cycles.

It is also tradition to burn a Yule log or have a large fire to symbolize the return of the light. In some traditions, this log was meant to burn through all of the Yule season.

The tradition of decorating a tree has deep roots in the Yule holiday traditions as a symbol of nature and inviting nature inside your home for winter. Holly was also used as a symbol of life in the darkness of winter. In Celtic traditions, evergreen plants were believed to represent life’s continuity in the darkness of winter.

Regardless of what or how you celebrate, this is a season of renewal, of rebirth, and a celebration of the Sun and her return. Give yourself the love and grace to move into and through this season with an abundance of self-love and with nurturing your intuition. Listen to your guides when they call you to turn inward and rest. Reflect on the year that has passed, and make plans for the year to come.

With Love and Gratitude,

Julie