It’s the Most Auspicious Time of the Year

The solstice marks the beginning of winter, the dormant season. The trees leaves have fallen. Animals begin to hibernate. Seeds are buried in the darkness of earth waiting to emerge again with the sun. In winter the roots will lie asleep under a blanket of snow.

The winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. The sun appears to almost stand still for three days before it begins its upward route of return. With solstice, we begin the winter season as the length of days gradually increase leading to Spring.

As the earth circles the sun marking a calendar year, there are two points when the tilt of our planet’s hemispheres are either closest to or furthest from the sun. December 21 and June 21 mark the Winter and Summer Solstice. The equinoxes are when the days and nights are equal in length – March 23 and September 23.

In between those dates are four other dates of alignment about six weeks apart. In six weeks from now it will be February 2nd – Candlemas or as we know Groundhogs Day, still in darkness but moving toward the full return of light. Six weeks later, the spring equinox.

Aside from any religion or faith this is the cyclical nature of astronomy and the seasons, but at one time, these were days of alignment were considered the Eight High Holy days. These are important for days ceremony and ritual, and some even believe they are a time when the veils between dimensions become thin.

Because of the planetary alignment, the winter solstice, usually falling around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, is considered an auspicious for setting resolutions - even more than the New Year (January 1) for several symbolic, spiritual, and natural reasons:

1. Symbol of Renewal and Rebirth

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. From this point onward, the days begin to grow longer, symbolizing:

• Renewal: The light slowly returning after a period of increased darkness.

• Rebirth: The alignment of a fresh start, like nature gestating gradual movement toward spring.

This natural turning point encourages us to consider the dormant darkness of winter or the past year, as we rest and plan for the fruitfulness that comes with new light, growth, and potential.

2. Natural Rhythm and Cycles

The solstice is connected to nature's rhythms, making it a more organic time to set intentions. Ancient traditions and cultures often set their calendars and rituals based on the sun's position, recognizing the deep connection between human life and natural cycles. By honoring the winter solstice, you align yourself with nature's energy, which is slowing and shifting.

3. Spiritual and Reflective Energy

Even though the holidays and the New Year are a time of celebration and gathering, the solstice is a time of stillness and introspection, as it occurs during the darkest point of the year. This "pause" in the natural world invites deeper reflection:

• What is the value in the pause?

• What light do I want to cultivate moving forward? What will the new energy bring forth within me?

The winter solstice is rich in spiritual significance across cultures—seen as a time to slow down, set intentions, and reconnect with inner wisdom. It allows for resolutions that are mindful and intentional.

4. Intentionality

The New Year often comes with societal pressure, superficial resolutions, and external motivations. People may make promises hastily without true reflection, leading to burnout or failure. The solstice, on the other hand, fosters a quieter, more intentional process for setting goals. By reflecting during this period of darkness and renewal, you are more likely to set meaningful and sustainable resolutions that hold the symbolism of cyclical change and steady growth over time.

5. Endings and Beginnings

The sun enters its darkest phase as it sinks lowest in the sky. The sun will stay low for three days until it starts to move upward in renewal. The winter solstice represents an ending, an ending of a growth cycle but also we see its seamless and cyclical nature of both end and beginning. As the sun begins to rise again, new life is sparked and growth begins again. So of course we do not live among the stars, we live in these physical bodies, but we can look though to align with this powerful moment as we are not separate from our surroundings. Just as all of life relies on the sun for survival and growth, we can look too towards our light within, our inner light that illuminates and nurtures our inner landscapes.

• Think of the idea of renewing, making new, fresh, or strong again. What does that require?

• Can you see any beginnings or endings in this time of renewal? Maybe its time to put something down. Maybe an idea or inspiration lives as a spark and needs the space to grow and strengthen. Maybe it’s a space within that you wish to become more receptive to light and clarity.

The winter solstice is an auspicious time because it aligns personal growth with natural cycles, symbolizing a shift from darkness to light, womb to birth. It offers an intentional and aligned opportunity to reflect and reset. By honoring the solstice, you root your intentions in nature, symbolism, and meaning. By honoring the winter solstice, you may align yourself with nature's energy, which is slowly shifting toward growth and expansion.

If you are interested in a 1:1 Solstice Meditation Session and Intention Setting - email kelly@powerfulpostpartum.com