In Latin, “solstice” is made of two words: sol– meaning “the sun” and sistere meaning “to make stand.”
The days are getting shorter and the nights seem to span forever. We have entered into the dark of winter, where in the natural world a stillness is observed along with a slower pace. The Winter Solstice is the longest and darkest day of the year. It is the mid-way point of the dark half of the year and the moment Summer is born. Symbolically, this day represents the triumph of light over darkness, signaling the gradual return of longer days and the promise of renewed life.
This is also the solar new year, ever since last year’s Winter Solstice the Sun has grown: from birth, to its height at the Summer Solstice, then declined through autumn, until its light finally died on the darkest night. When, simultaneously, it is born again. And a new cycle of life for the Sun begins.
The exact moment of the Winter Solstice is Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 20:50 UTC – 22:50 in South Africa. The energy of winter is that of going within. It’s the fruitful darkness and silence out of which our soul’s yearnings and new inspirations can eventually emerge.
The Winter Solstice serves as a reminder of our intrinsic connection to nature’s rhythms and cycles. It beckons us to embrace the darkness, celebrate the gradual return of light, and find solace in the continuity of natural cycles. Incorporating these reflections into our nature connection practices can enrich our lives, fostering a deeper sense of harmony and appreciation for the world around us.
