Winter Solstice: A Time To Rest

December 21, 2022 will mark this year's winter solstice. The solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year. The Winter Solstice has a shorter day and a longer night. And the summer solstice has the longest day and the shortest night.

During the winter solstice, the Sun is considered to reach it's lowest point for the entire year then rises northward again. The rising of the Sun, after the period of darkness signifies a cosmic re-birth.

Time and space is a factor in every thing we do. So knowing what energy is active and how to use it matters especially during the highs and lows of the seasons. Our ancestors were well versed in tracking time and space. In particular, the Ancient Kemetians built the Temple of Amun Ra in Karnak to align with the winter solstice. So that when the Solstice sunrise appears it shines through the Temple's entrance. This phenomenon marks the beginning of the Winter season and has done so for thousands of years.

I learned this later in life that the winter solstice is a time best used to regain control over our psyche, renew our commitment to well-being, and move towards success from a spiritual perspective. If you are just learning this too it's better late than never.

As we join nature in purging and shedding we will make space for the next season of our lives until it's time to shed again.

Here are ways to go within:

• Unplug as often as possible from technology and reconnect with nature by watching the sunrise or sunset; go for a walk daily

• Use color theory for lower chakras and grounding by incorporating red, orange, yellow, dark green and brown; or stick to all white

• Add warming spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cumin to your meals [if you are pitta dominant some warm/hot spices may not be ideal or use minimally]; eat root vegetables

• Add different herbs/teas such as lemon balm, hawthorn berry, burdock, mullein and echinacea

• Try aromatherapy with essential oils like pine or musk in a diffuser

• Add chanting, meditation, mudras and Sun Salutations to your daily spiritual observances preferably in the AM before you go out into the world unless it is a Moon observance

In times like this it is about doing less and being more present.

And always make time to reflect. Consider the following questions in your quite moments;

• How did I do this year?

• What did I do well?

• What could I have done differently?

• What did you learn about yourself or life in general this year?

• What goals, ideas, or plans do I want to birth? What can I do now to make it a reality?

Your questions and answers will lead to deeper discoveries. Please remember to see your experiences as objectively as possible. And

know that everything is working out on your behalf.