12/21/2023
Today, the 21st of December, is the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
The winter solstice represents the shortest day and longest night of the year, and it marks the official beginning of the winter season. This event has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, symbolizing themes such as rebirth, renewal, and the return of the light.
When viewed from northern latitudes, the Sun will make its lowest arc through the sky along the southern horizon. The day of the winter Solstice has the shortest length of time between sunrise and sunset and hence the fewest hours of daylight.
The reason for the season is Axial Tilt, the natural angle at which the Earth rotates on its axis. The winter solstice happens annually when the sun reaches its most southerly declination of 23.5 degrees South of the Equator over the Tropic of Capricorn; in other words, it is when the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun. On the winter solstice all places above a latitude of 66.5 degrees north (Arctic Polar Circle) are in 24 hours of total darkness, while locations below a latitude of 66.5 degrees south (Antarctic Polar Circle) receive 24 hours of straight daylight.
The exact moment of the northern winter solstice is over as soon as it begins, when the sun seems to stand still, after which point the Sun will commence its journey back up North and the days will get gradually longer.
Today is a time of profound spiritual significance, marking the darkest day and the gradual return of the sun. It's a period that has been revered across various cultures and traditions, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and the indomitable spirit of life.
The Winter Solstice/Yule, occurring on the shortest day and the longest night of the year, serves as a powerful reminder of the balance between light and darkness. In many traditions, this time is seen as a moment of pause and reflection, a chance to honor the darkness while anticipating the return of light. It's a celebration of the cyclical nature of the seasons and the resilience inherent in the natural world.
The Winter Solstice has long been symbolically associated with the Rebirth of the Sun, and it's often said to be a time of new beginnings; with the changing of the seasons, we say goodbye to a long, stagnant period of self-reflection and welcome the fiery energy of the sun to propel us forward. This very physical changing of the seasons is a powerful time to manifest spiritual transformations. On a deeper, spiritual level, Yule is a time to go inward, to contemplate the past year's journey and set intentions for the new cycle ahead. It's a period for quiet introspection, for recognizing our inner strength, and for embracing hope. The solstice is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, light is just on the horizon, promising renewal and growth. Yule Blessings to you & yours!๐ฒโ๏ธ.