Light in the Darkness
a Winter Solstice message
Hello Friends,
A gentle snowfall greeted us on the Winter Solstice today, sugaring the trees and swaddling the ground in soft, white fluff. Later, the sun shone and brought a twinkle along the rooftops and sidewalks. It was the perfect balance between light and dark.
Tradition abounds at this time of year. Ancient Europeans lit bonfires during the solstice to welcome the sun’s return and to encourage growth, warmth, and light. This ritual continues today, and although the focus is different, we still find a need to celebrate the coming longer days with Christmas lights, candles, and Yule logs in our fireplace. We see symbols of the sun in our food: round orange slices, dried and hung decoratively on trees, resemble the star we rely on to keep our planet alive. Warm spices, such as cinnamon and star anise, correspond to the sun, and it’s one of the reasons they are prevalent in many recipes at this time of year.
We are emerging from the dark time, slowly stepping into the light. But the Winter Solstice teaches us the value of balancing light and dark. Before we run too far ahead, let’s pause today and honor the dark, understand its value, before bidding it farewell. Dark times are useful for rest and contemplation. Enduring adversity can teach us the value of something we didn’t appreciate previously: illness can help us appreciate our health, losing a job can help us understand the value of menial work. Darkness gives our creative projects depth. (Think of all the songs you love filled with longing in the lyrics and music—Wicked, anyone?) Candles are prettiest in the darkness as are Christmas lights. Darkness needs the light and light needs the darkness, but only when they work in tandem can we fully appreciate their intrinsic nature.
As we move into the final holidays of the year, my goal is to keep the balance of light and dark in my soul. It’s so easy to be drawn into the craziness and commercial emphasis at this time of year, but when I reflect on the quiet, crystalline snow falling outside my window, I light a candle, and I’m reminded that within the dark womb of silence lies the answers I need to live a balanced, wonder-filled life.
How are you balancing your holiday season?
Until next time, enjoy the upcoming celebrations, and if darkness threatens to overwhelm you, keep your flame alive by lighting a candle as a reminder of the Winter Solstice message.
Jan
*All photos by Jan M. Alexander © 2024
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Merry Christmas dearest one. May your days be filled with hope and love. ❤️ 🎄