Today, December 21, marks the shortest day of the year, but it brings promise of more daylight ahead. In geographical terms, this day marks the exact moment when half of the Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun. It usually happens on December 21 or Dec 22 (depending on what hemisphere you live in) at the exact same second around the world! In this one second, less sunlight will reach the earth, casting the entire world into the same moment of darkness! How amazing is that!
Did you know that on the day of the winter solstice, if you stand outside at noon (and the sun is shining) and you look at your shadow, it will be the longest shadow you cast
The spiritual definition of a winter solstice represents change. The metaphor is the coming of the light and contemplation of the darkness we must walk through to get there. The winter solstice is also the point when the sun shifts direction; we are also encouraged to use this time to change direction within our lives, to build on the energy and to find ways to live our new lives with intention as we enter into the new year.
Today, let yourself rest in the peace and darkness and know the return of brighter days is ahead.
