Thursday 21 December 2023

Celebrating the Winter Solstice

Our Winter Solstice is officially at 03:27 on the 22nd December 2023 when our sun is at its lowest point.  We will have just 7 hours & 42 minutes of sunlight in London. The solstice starts the astronomical winter on the 21st or 22nd of December (the dates change). There is a always a confusion between astronomical & the meteorological winter (1st December - 28th February) 

Solstice means "the sun stood still" from Solstitium in Latin & it seems so on the Winter Solstice which marks our shortest day & longest night of the year.   Our light slowly returns at 4 minutes a day from this midwinters day. 

This is how I marked some previous ones 

2011 solstice 

2012 solstice 

2013 solstice 

2014 solstice 

2017 solstice 

2018 solstice 

2020 solstice 

2022 solstice simmer pot 

It is the time where I bring in more fresh greens like Holly & Ivy, our traditional ones celebrated in the Carol. 

Midwinter was a time when our agrarian ancestors would huddle close to the fire,  observing the changes in nature & conserving food & energy for the long days. Their lives were punctuated by the seasons for survival. A poor, icy winter was fatal to many. 

Candle light brightens up the dark days so I make sure to light a few more to bring in the light. Mid winter is also a time to rest, become more reflective, & to listen more - the silence speaks to those who hear it ... 

Do you pause to reflect on our changing seasons? It is hard to take a step back in Midwinter because it is overtaken by the frenetic pace of the festive season. However, take a few minutes to just be still & reflect on all that is good in your life ... 

Thank you for your visit, 

Dee 🌲🕯️🪴


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