Winter Solstice: Return of the light

It's been getting darker for weeks now. Every day a little bit more light is seeped from the sky. That coupled with the cloudy, rainy days we've been having can make the world feel like a dark and lonely place. But, good news! The light is returning!

The solstice, which happens on December 21st this year, is a time of introspection, a time to turn inward and hear what your heart has to tell you, what the universe wants to impart to you in the quiet and the dark time. It's also a time to celebrate the end of the dark days and the return of the light.

It occurred to me the other day that the Christmas lights I have hung on my tree and inside my house serve a dual purpose. They celebrate the season of Christmas, certainly. But maybe more importantly, they're a beacon of hope, hung at the darkest time of the year, a reminder of the return of the light.

A good ritual to banish the darkness at this time of year is to hang lights in the window or light a spiral of tea light candles and as you do, send out a prayer or a wish for the year to come.

If you're looking for a little hope during this dark time, leave me a comment and let me know. I'll light a candle for you. And remember, the days will be getting longer soon.