Today heralds the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. A time when our part of the earth is tilted furthest away from the energy and warmth of the sun. Over the last month we have noticed shorter days and earlier sunsets but after the solstice the days will gradually lengthen again.
Winter solstice has been observed for thousands of years, for as long as our ancestors have marked time using the heavens. With the gentle tilt of the earth, winter solstice is the time of year when the sun travels her shortest path across the sky. This annual phenomenon has been observed by many different cultures who have celebrated and marked this time with festival and ritual.
Although this day is short it gives an opportunity to reflect deeply on life. A time to honour and release the past year and plant seeds of intention for the months and year ahead. Personally, it could not have happened at a better time for me, as it foreshadows a time of transition in my life.
The Winter Solstice is the time of ending and beginning, a powerful time – a time to contemplate your immortality. A time to forgive, to be forgiven and to make a fresh start. A time to awaken.
Frederick Lenz
Today I took some time to attend an online women’s circle honouring the solstice. Women’s circles today are a modern adaption of the ancient tradition of tribal women gathering to support each other. The beauty of circle is the opportunity to nurture, share stories and inspire the creativity that exists within each of us. Often these elements are missing from our daily lives. We can become busy and disconnected from the support and nurturing from other women.
Circle often involves meaningful ritual to welcome those who gather and to honour their presence. Rituals also help each woman focus on the intention of gathering. As women’s circle is relatively new to me, I valued the guidance of a trained facilitator – Anita Houlihan, Brisbane Women’s Circles.
During our two hours together we …
Reflected on the past year and all the lessons learnt from life experience. This was done with a guided meditation followed by journal writing. We each lit three candles to represent illuminating the pathway of our journey as we traverse the winter months.
Released the things that no longer served us. Using a piece of paper and pen we were asked to write down all those things we wished to leave from the previous year. The pieces of paper were then placed in a bowl and burnt. I was surprised how powerful and moving this ritual was for releasing old patterns, thoughts, and behaviours.
Transformed with the planting of new intentions for the year ahead. It was time to open our journals and ponder the answers to the following questions. What seeds of renewal need to be planted and nurtured over the coming year? Who do we want to become? What steps do we need to take to nurture the growth of these new ideas, actions, and identities? Sharing our intentions with others was a powerful step in acknowledging change.
While these activities may be done on our own, the power of connecting with other like-minded women within circle amplified the experience. A beautiful connection of respectful conversation emerged. One of deeply listening to others and feeling respectfully heard.
Women in the later part of their lives are in the perfect position to rediscover themselves and find opportunities for growth and reinvention. For them, it is a time for sharing their wisdom. It is also a time for reflection and renewal. May this time of the winter solstice be one where you reflect on your journey, release what no longer serves you and begin to transform your life.