Following the seasons and honoring the cycles of nature is, I find, a vital part of living in balance.
As we move towards winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth’s energy turns inwards and if we are in tune with the Earth, we, too, can experience a slowing, a stillness. Our own personal energy spirals within – healing, resting, regenerating, meditating, sharing wisdom, crafting, crying, celebrating, reflecting and remembering.
In this season, we become aware of the darkness more keenly. And, the Sun’s cycle of darkness to light. Coming soon is the Longest Night – the mystical night that marks the journey from one year to the next, and celebrates renewal found in the magical cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Throughout the world, Festivals of Light mark the return of the sun on the Winter Solstice. Gods and Goddesses of light are honored. And, in many ancient traditions, celebrations also welcome the holy child who is born at the Solstice. The virgin Goddess gives birth to the “Light of the World”, heralding a new year and, symbolically, new life. In some cultures, the Goddess herself is reborn – transforming from her Crone guise as the Winter Hag to her form as a young Maiden.
Freya, Kore, Isis, Rhiannon, Lucia, Amaterasu and Sarasvati are all celebrated in the lore and ritual of the Winter Solstice. And, the holy child is Christ, Horus, Baldur and Lucinia.
As I walk with the Goddess this winter season, I find the growing darkness nourishing. A womb of regeneration, it is a quiet birthplace for creativity, ideas, hope. And, from that mysterious, rich, shadowy place the Mother Goddess midwifes as I labor to bring forth my own new dreams.
I notice how we tend to resist darkness. Often, our initial reaction is to get out of darkness in a hurry. But, in the weeks leading up to the Solstice, we can gather strength from time spent with the dark. Embrace it. Sit with it. Quietly. Allow time in your busy holiday schedule to go within, and create a sacred space to reflect on the year that is passing. Recall events, both pleasant and unpleasant. Remember dreams, realized or not. Then, use the darkness to conceive, gestate and create. Imagine the year ahead. What are you letting go of? What are you nurturing? And, what is it you are birthing?
This Winter Solstice may we find wisdom in the Darkness, joy in the Light and renewal in Rebirth.
Feel me now as Mother of Air
Mine are the limitless skies and endless stars.
I am bird woman.
I lift your imagination and carry it on soft, feathered currents to other worlds.
I am bone woman.
I am the stillness between death and rebirth.
I am the stillness between breathing out, and breathing in.
Rest in that pause.
Feel My presence.
I am peace.
From THE GODDESS WHEEL OF THE YEAR
By Wendy Andrew
© Deb Swingholm, 2009. All rights reserved.
Tags: Deb Swingholm, Festival of Light, Goddess, Winter Solstice
