In ancient times the Solstices, Equinoxes and seasonal midpoints (Sabbats) were some of the most sacred and important days of the year, marking the flow and unity of all life through the unfolding rhythms of nature, cosmos and humanity. In Sanskrit the word Ritus means season, this is derived from Ritam which means the cosmic rhythm, flow, and order. It represents the understanding that all of life is linked through rhythm: from the plants to the seasons, to our own heartbeats and emotions, and all of life here on Earth is inextricably linked to the cosmic.
In modern times we have moved away from a deeper connection to these cycles of life and primarily measure time linearly (in seconds, minutes, hours, days) which works for certain aspects of life, but often does not equate to our inner experience or to the flow of cosmic time. The ancient Greeks understood this difference by calling man’s time Chronos and God’s time Chiros.
The essence of Life is balance, when life is in balance things flow and find their rhythm together; we experience health, peace and happiness from a place of balance within. The solstice is such a time to remember the sacred balance of life; between the personal and the cosmic, the inner and the outer, the mind and the heart, work and rest, physical and spiritual, etc..
The word solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still or stop), because at the Solstices (around December 21 and June 21) the Sun stands still from our perspective on Earth. The Sun pauses at its greatest distance from the celestial equator over the Tropic of Cancer (marking the summer in the northern hemisphere and the winter in the south) or the Tropic of Capricorn (marking winter in the north, summer in the south). At the Sun’s highest point or culmination in relation to Earth it stands still in the sky for approximately three days before reversing its direction, marking the longest day of light or the shortest day of light.
The solstices divide the year in half and mark a point in time when light either begins to increase (December 21 in the north, June 21 in the south) or it begins to decrease (June 21 in the north, December 21 in the south). In northern hemisphere mythology, the Winter Solstice was seen as the birth of the Sun at winter solstice and its increase in light and power. During this time there are many celebrations around the planet, most notably ‘Christ-mass’, which celebrate the re-birth of the Sun/Son- which was originally a pagan holiday. There are many legends around the Earth that celebrate other Sun Gods and their symbolic birth and rise in power. In actuality most modern holidays are based on these ancient celebrations but over time they were changed to suit different agendas.
Symbolically and spiritually the solstices mark our life’s journey through the light and the dark. As we embrace the Winter Solstice it takes us to the depth of the shadow without and within as in the northern hemisphere it is the day of the longest night. As we move deeply into that darkness we emerge into a new cycle of light. This is a beautiful metaphor for the constant dance of energies in our own lives, to truly embrace and honor both our light and shadow. This is the original meaning of wholeness which comes from holy or holiness: to be holy is to be whole.
This year the Winter Solstice falls on Wednesday December 21 at 9:30pm PST (in the southern hemisphere it will be the summer solstice). This marks the Sun’s movement out of the sign of Sagittarius and into the sign of Capricorn. There is a shift from expansive, firey, social, and adventurous energy to serious, pragmatic, responsible, and grounded energy. In ancient days in the northern part of the world this marked the beginning of winter and a time when food and warmth would be harder to come by- so one last party with wine and song was had before a more conservative, practical approach was taken for the rest of winter.
This holiday season is a powerful time to celebrate the union of shadow and light, affirm life and honor the re-birth of light from the inner womb of darkness. It is a time to honor the great mystery, our mother earth and all that we hold sacred in our hearts as life flows on.
Creating ritual is a big part of many sacred traditions that brings a deep awareness and meaning to all parts of life. Ultimately what inspires us and has meaning for us are the things that move the heart. There is no way that you have to do it, in fact the more your inner creativity and inspiration flow the more powerful it will be. May you be inspired to create your own ritual or celebration and honor the Solstice as the flow of life itself.
Here are a few suggestions:
– Celebrate the Solstice! Make the day special, wear nice clothes, buy flowers, do something unique, break the routine.
– Light a candle, create an altar.
– Connect with Mother Nature/the Cosmos – go out into nature, the mountains, connect with the ocean, etc… And connect directly with the cosmic energy through meditation, prayer, yoga.
– Do a ritualized yoga practice: sun salutations, chanting of gayatri mantra or any special prayer for you, while sitting in the sun light to connect directly to solar energy.
– Bring friends and family together around food, music and intention honoring the sacredness and oneness of life.
– Give thanks for all your blessings and remember your connection to the web of life. Send your love and blessings to ALL!
~NAMASTE~
by Saul David Raye and Divine Harmony