Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice this year is on December 21, 2023. The day marks the middle of a 3-day period when the sun is at its most southward course before it begins its return journey northwards. For you and I in the northern hemisphere of Earth, it also marks the shortest day of the year. (in the southern hemisphere, it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year)
Although we experience the Winter Solstice differently depending on the climate where we live (some areas very cold with snow, some much warmer) the effects can vary on a person. For instance, in cold northern climates one can suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) because of the lack of sunlight. There are many devices that people buy that emit full-spectrum light like sunlight to lessen the effects of SAD.
Ancient cultures were very aware of the calendrical aspects of the four seasons (2 solstices and 2 equinoxes), not just from an agricultural point of view but also from a more advanced awareness of the holistic standpoint that we are energetically connected to our Mother Earth. Some cultures view the solstice as the “death” of the sun for 3 days; when afterwards the sun is resurrected to rise once again, and this is paralleled in some religions. And there are many variations of how this event has been interpreted.
This cyclical nature of our Earth’s passage through the four seasons occurs because of the tilt of Earth’s axis at about 23 ½ degrees as it orbits our Sun. But from an integral point of view (mind-body-spirit) we are inextricably connected to Earth’s energies and seasons, as Earth is thought to be a living being. As human beings, on a deep level we experience winter, spring, summer and fall energies over and above, from a higher awareness point of view, any climate effects. Every atom in our body somehow came through our mother from mother Earth.
Hence, we feel the shifts of Earth – as you and I have subtle energy systems such as chakras and meridians, so does Earth have such subtle energy systems like meridians we know as ley lines. Where ley lines cross there are vortexes of energy, such as Sedona, Arizona. Ancient cultures knew very well of these ley lines of energies and located their temples and sacred sites in alignment with the flow of Earth’s energies.
One of the effects of the winter solstice is a signal of our going within and letting go of that which is not needed, a time of inner reflection, repose and self-inquiry. Think of the similarities of trees, plants and animals and how they behave in the winter months. Bears and insects that hibernate until ready to arise.
In the integral view, this is you and I pausing and reviewing our mind-body-spirit holistically to “die” then to rise again in the great cycle of life. Here, “die” is meant to signal letting go of that which is limiting and to be resurrected and renewed in the coming spring of bursting forth with new life, health and awareness.
Take this time to pause for reflection and meditation, a time to go within and contemplate so you may rise again ever stronger and whole.
Richard Jelusich, Ph.D.
Home of Integrative Chakra Therapy®
