What Does Winter Solstice Mean to You?

Over many hundreds of years, and longer, I am sure, the longest day of the year (and its death of light) has affected people. When society was in dire need, with lost crops, it signaled the potential of deeper thoughts of starvation – a very literal thing.
Rituals and celebrations were created to invite Light to reappear, or herald in the return of the Sun, and Life. Germanic traditions burned Yule Logs, had bonfires and feasted in a way of intending that food will last until the blessings of good weather was near.
Others were fearful that darkness and evil would take over the earth during this longest night. They made scary costumes and created strange and loud noises to scare the evil away, protecting them and their families into the new year. Others would eat, visit friends and talk all night to sidestep being bothered by the evil energies.
To me, it becomes a time to retreat and go within. Patience is used and a time to slow down and recuperate, in an attempt to ready oneself for what is to come in the new year. Nature has required us to do so. All the wildlife and growing things show us how.
It has always been a special time, when meditations can be more effective than usual. And insight into the true self is no longer hidden. You find the Light that seems to be missing inside yourself.
I wish for you a strong spiritual foundation formed in this Silent Time. Allow yourself to work the best within yourself!

I consider you a blessing to me, and thank you for your connection.
Melissa Leath http://www.melissaleath.com