December Solstice 2022
The sun stands still
December Solstice Day is the beginning of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of Summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
The word “solstice” comes from Latin “soltitium” and means “the sun standing still”. It also represents a turning point and a pause.
The reason we have seasons on earth.
As we know the earth rotates around the sun taking one year to go round once. The earth also spins on its own axis - which is tilted at an angle of 23.5%.
The solstice marks the turning point when the sun seems to stand still for 3 days and then changes directions. This turning point happens all over the world and the nights are the longest in the northern part of the world and the days reach their longest in the southern hemisphere. This is the reason we have the 4 seasons. Twice a year at the solstices and twice a year at the equinoxes - when day and night are of the same length.
Solstices throughout history
People and communities around the world have built monuments and created rituals to mark these moments. Today these celebrations continue to exist, from Scandinavia to Stonehenge, from Bolivia to China.
What does this turning point mean for us?
What does this still sun in the sky mean for us?
The sun in astrology represents our vital energy, our life force, and the center of our being, our self. We can take the 3 Solstice Days as the Sun enters Capricorn, to make a conscious pause, an inner pause, and reflect on our own path along this year.
What did we learn this year?
We can focus on setting our intentions for the New Year during the 12 days between the December Solstice and the New Year.
What do we want to create and develop?
How do we want to shine our light in the new year?
How do we kindle the light in our hearts and the fire in our eyes?
