By: Danielle Marie Crume
The winter season officially begins with the solstice – which falls on Monday, December 21st 2009 at 9:47 AM Pacific time this year. The sun is up for the shortest time of the year on the winter solstice, making it our longest night. It marks a shift of seasons – from autumn to winter. The actual date changes each year, always falling between December 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE
The winter solstice has been widely celebrated since ancient times. Actually considered Midwinter in many older calendar systems – or the middle of winter rather than the beginning – this is the day that the sun is the farthest away from us that it will be all year. It marks a key turning point – when the days begin to get longer again. Its the midpoint of darkness in the annual cycle. On this day we begin our journey out of the midst of the shadow and on to the other side. Many of the ancient pyramids and structures such as Stonehenge were calculated and built around this day in which an exact alignment with the sun creates a natural light show inside them at the moment of the solstice. Â
Almost every ancient civilization has a significant celebration at this time that is deeply rooted.  Many held huge festivals on the solstice in celebration of making it halfway through the cold darkness. Winter was an extremely difficult part of the year before our modern technological advances and conveniences. In older times it took great planning to survive through this long, cold season. On the solstice many would feast on their animals to provide them food to eat and to save the food that it would have taken to feed those animals when crops were scarce. Â
They also celebrated the return of light and the gifts it brings – its life giving nature and spiritual knowledge. In the darkness we become more inward oriented and the light becomes more visible. It is in the dark that the light’s power is so obvious and we can connect with it more easily. Candles and stars seem brighter. In simpler times when people saw the horizon – and not much else – they were very aware of the patterns in the sky. The winter solstice became known as the day the sun stands still. While looking at the horizon, the sun appears to stop before reversing the direction of its path. Every year the sun comes back on this solstice. It is the light at the end of the tunnel in which brighter and longer days follow.
Shaman and many other ancient cultures have long believed that the veils between the worlds are thinnest on the winter solstice.  They celebrated this time as an optimal time to naturally see deeper and further into the invisible world – beyond our senses.  As the veil is lifted, we have the opportunity to tune in to the deepest levels with the greatest presence. At this time, they make a conscious effort to access the Divine energy of the Masters. It is direct access to wisdom in which one is plugged in directly to the Source. Here great changes can be made on the soul level.
IDEAS FOR A WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
If not on the actual day of the solstice (Monday), try these on the weekend before or after:
·   Have a wonderful long bath as you awake. Pause for some moments of silence and stillness. Pray and connect with God, The Source, or who ever you are faithful to and consider to be your Divine Creator. Meditate.
·   Do the things that you most treasure – ceremonies or rituals which feel nourishing to you and make your heart sing (examples: writing, music, reading, dancing, exercise, yoga, etc.)
·   Take some moments out to reflect on yourself with the Inner Exploration Exercises listed at the end of this article.
·   Fast or have a feast – in gratitude.
·   Share some time with those who you connect deeply with and love the most.
THE ESSENCE OF WINTER
Winter is the darkest and coldest season of the year. Trees are bare. Animals are hibernating. Flowers return to the dirt, gearing up for birth in spring. Bulbs that contain the beautiful flowers of spring cannot bloom until they undergo invisible internal adjustments during the cold winter. We enter a very similar process, aware of it or not.
Our warm clothes and blankets create a cocoon for our own inner transformational work. It is an ideal time to go inward! People stay inside by the fire, prompting more time at home.  The lack of light invokes a natural lessening of energy in which we are drawn to sleep and rest more. Studies show many people (especially women) experience higher levels of depression in the months where we have the least light – between October and December. Don’t fight it – work with it. It happens for a reason! Retreat, recuperate, and restore your energy. Come spring time, you’ll be glad you did.
We light up our homes, prepare gifts for those we love, and eat warm food. Time is spent with family allowing new perspectives to arise and assisting us in a whole review of where we are now – at the end of another year and embarking on a new one.
This mysterious season is the most philosophical and spiritual one of the year.  It is a natural time of celebration of faith. We are often reminded that everything is going to be all right no matter how awful life gets. We may connect with what we love most or feel the pain of not loving enough. Intuition is naturally peaking and creativity surges. Connect with the deepest parts of your spirit and creativity – develop them and allow them to fulfill you. Â
INNER EXPLORATION EXERCISES FOR WINTER
Create time and quiet space for these exercises on the winter solstice or during the winter season for depth and presence.
Clean out all of the old and make room for the new, both inside of you and in your sacred living spaces. Clearing out and releasing the old and expired will free up wells of energy and refresh you on deep levels. It’s a time of clearing your slates and completion on all levels so that when spring comes our soil is freshly tilled and ready for our new seeds. Go through everything and let go of the things that are no longer serving you. Clean out your desks, clothes you hardly wear, and even friends that may be holding you back. Donate items you don’t use enough to those who will treasure them, and in doing so you’ll free up space for you to receive greater things. File, dust, and sweep. Make all of your spaces sparkly clean and be present in the process. Refine your sacred spaces, rituals, and connections. Revive yourself in them.
As you step into your new year, step fresh and start anew.
*Grab a journal* for taking the following prompts deeper. Write about what you feel drawn to. Expand as you flow (don’t think about editing now, you can go back and do it later. Let it out first!):
In this time of completion and mastery, reflect deeply on your actions and the main lessons you’ve learned over the past year. Where have those seeds that you planted last spring taken you? How did you grow? What are your greatest accomplishments this year? How has this year blossomed in comparison with your intentions?  Realizations from this reassessment process can be used later to start planning for the new seeds that you’ll plant during the upcoming spring season. The seeds of potential are just beginning to stir now.
Take it further and contemplate how your personal creations assist others and the planet at this time. Be honest. Do you enhance others, not affect them at all, or are you detrimental to their growth? Are you in alignment with your highest potential and living the legacy that you want to leave – right now?
Look for opportunities of growth that you are attracted to now. Take note, openly envision them, and follow up with action. Integrate these notes into your weekly check in practices.
This winter enjoy the succession of your last year and give thanks in celebration with those you love and treasure! Spend peaceful time with yourself as well – nourishing your inner seeds, getting to the core, reflecting on what you truly want most in life, and letting go of things that are no longer serving you. Â
Make a fresh start in the new year for your best one yet!
Enjoy 
by Danielle Crume © 2009
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