21/12/2023
In ancestral times, the beginning of winter marked a sacred and deeply symbolic time. Now celebrated by many as the winter solstice, this shortest and darkest day of the year begins our return to brighter months ahead.
In the modern world, the shift into winter is often barely registered. However, when life carries on regardless of the season, we miss the opportunity to connect with nature and our deeper selves, and we forego the lesson that Mother Earth is sharing with us outside.
Ancient cultures such as the Celts, Druids, Inca, Maya, Maori, Egyptians, and many others, all celebrated the solstice. In Chinese Taoist tradition, the winter solstice is considered the most yin (feminine, dark, damp) day of the year - a time when energy comes to a momentary pause, before giving birth to yang (masculine, light, heat).
Yin and yang form the basis of traditional Chinese medicine - one cannot exist without the other, and these two seemingly opposing forces are intimately connected and complementary. This lovely concept tells us that we need darkness, quiet, stillness, healing and rest, just as much as we need activity, sound and light.
As the solstice serves as a reminder that the winter months are a time to rejuvenate body and soul, we hope you enjoy our Christmas break and the opportunity for self-nurturing that the shorter days and longer nights present.
Much love and light. ❤️✨
