The shortest day of the year is here and that means that we are halfway out of the dark! The days will start getting longer and that is definitely a reason to celebrate. The day has lots of different meanings, but what is the mystic meaning of the winter solstice?
The winter solstice has lots of different traditions that date back centuries. Nowadays, most people don’t celebrate or really acknowledge it. It’s not like the two days of the year when the clocks change and we gain or lose an hour of sleep, which is definitely something worth remembering. However, if Christmas isn’t enough of a reason to celebrate or you’re in the spirit, then we have some ways to celebrate the winter solstice too.
What Is The Mystic Meaning Of The Winter Solstice?
Looking at Explore Deeply, there are many mystic meanings behind the winter solstice. The shortest day of the year has been celebrated for centuries with people celebrating renewed life, harvest, and the return of the sun.
The return of the sun, means the acknowledgment of life and death again, with the return of life persevering over death. It also represents the revival of energy on the silent dormant earth and our own enlightenment that is connected with nature. Nourishment and warmth from the inside are also connected to the mystic meaning, as we are all connected to the sun.
The mystic meaning also says the day can also be used for rest and reflection as the sun rejuvenates the earth. The winter solstice is when the earth begins moving in another direction. So, it is a time when we can think of our own direction in life. This is particularly so as we head into the new year, a natural turning point and time of consideration.
How To Celebrate The Winter Solstice
One way in which many people celebrate and acknowledge the day is to watch the sunrise and sunset. You can use the time as a moment of reflection. Luckily, you wouldn’t have to get up too early to see the sunrise. However, the rainy weather may dampen those plans a little.
Some people head to Stone Henge for the sunrise to fully take it in. If you like your beauty sleep or missed the sunrise this morning, then light a candle to bring in light. It’s a great and simple way to celebrate the rebirth of the sun.
Traditionally, the day was celebrated with lots of food. We’re probably all going to be filling up on Christmas treats and dinners over the next couple of days. However, you could still treat yourself today to celebrate being halfway out of the dark.
If you have some sparklers lying around from Bonfire Night then you could always light them in the celebration too.
You can also begin your new year’s resolutions earlier. Chose your intentions for what you want to achieve in the new solar cycle. Or, if you want to really go out, you can take part in the mulling cider tradition to bring warmth into the body.
However you wish to acknowledge or celebrate the day, don’t forget the mystic and spiritual meanings behind it. The winter solstice can be of real significance to some. It can be worth getting involved just to feel that new lease of energy.