"This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past let's go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath." - Margret Atwood.
THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF WINTER SOLSTICE 2023
As the Winter Solstice 2023 quickly approaches, the energies of transformation, emergence of truth, deep presence and freedom gain momentum. The Winter Solstice is marked by the earth's axis tilting away from the sun creating more darkness for those in the northern hemisphere. This creates the perfect opportunity to spend time with your desires, to reflect on your journey through the past year, and envision the best next steps for the season ahead, making resolutions and plans for necessary life changes.
The etymology of the term 'solstice' derives from Latin and means, literally, "sun stands still." In stillness and darkness, we are better positioned to turn inward and think of who we are, who we want to be and where we want to go.
Think of the energy of winter:
- Animals hibernate.
- Plants freeze in the ice and snow.
- Everything lays still in a time of rest.
Life and time seemingly halt but begin to slowly open to the dawn of bright, warm days, where life and light flourish. What is happening on earth and in the broader universe represents what can occur within: inspirations may emerge in darkness and silence, and our intentions flourish in the sun's light.
The solstice has been and continues to be celebrated with fire and light and is a reminder of the connection we have to the natural world.
As we sync up with these natural cycles of nature, allowing ourselves to rest in the peace of darkness, taking comfort in knowing that our own inner light never dies, we deepen our understanding of self and what is needed for our growth. Our spiritual journey becomes richer and we are richer for it. Try this Simple Ritual for Winter Solstice as you reflect inward on your own journey during this sacred passage.
THREE CRYSTALS TO SUPPORT YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
The shift in the season carries deep spiritual meaning, and crystals can help to shift your energy, amplify your intentions and manifest dreams in what is for many the darkest and coldest months of the year. If you are unsure about how to work with crystals, check out this post on Five Simple Ways to Work with Crystals. And if you wish to take your work deeper, check out my self-paced, digital course, Understanding Crystal Energy.
Here are my top recommendations for working with the energies of the winter solstice, but by all means, all choose your crystals intuitively and work with what feels right for you.
1. Spiritual Significance of Shungite
Shungite is a wonderful stone for purification and clearing out stuck energy to make room for more light to flow in, which aligns perfectly with the spiritual essence of the winter solstice. It works on a molecular level within the body to facilitate energetic alignment. It cleanses all of the particles of the physical body making it good for physical healing. With its deep cleansing and aligning properties, shungite enables the physical body to hold more light, merging the physical body with the lightbody in harmonic resonance. This increases your frequency and accelerates ascension.
When in this resonance, you will vibrate with the frequency of truth and have difficulty orienting to anything that is not rooted in truth. In this way, shungite is supportive to standing in, speaking and aligning with your truth.
Shungite is also a powerfully grounding stone that shields against EMFs, helps to relieve stress and balance the emotions. It is a powerhouse in the world of crystals. To find out more, read this post on Why Everyone Needs Shungite.
2. Spiritual Significance of Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake obsidian supports the root, earth star, and third eye chakras, and has a gentle energy, similar to the lightness of a snowflake. It is a stone of rebirth, drawing emotions and energy to the surface, just like lava from which the stone forms. It has a unique way of bringing fears to the surface to be examined and integrated, making it perfect for supporting the shadow work that we do at this time of year.
Found primarily in North and South America, but also some parts of Asia and Africa, the black of the obsidian and the white flakes created by cristobalite that resemble snow, represent the balancing of the dark and the light which is often what our inner work is all about.
Because this stone can easily remove negativity from a space or from a person, it is great for helping you to remain focused when things seem to be spiraling out of control. It helps to keep us grounded and connect to the earth and in that process, it brings about a general balance to body, mind and spirit, helping you enter a meditative state. It offers tranquility and deep-rootedness that will enable a positive beginning, which perfectly sets us up for the energies of a new year and on into the season of spring.
3. Spiritual Significance of Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful stone made of sodium aluminum silicate that looks similar to a clear winter sky, full of sparkling stars. It is supportive to the third eye chakra and offers support with wisdom, inner knowing and following your truth.
The energies present during this winter solstice 2023 are bringing about a greater dismantling of old paradigms and a realignment of higher truths. It is imperative that we do this work at an individual level in order to collectively bring in the energies of the new earth. Lapis lazuli is the perfect stone for doing this inner work of aligning with your higher truth as directed by the wisdom of your soul.
While you may wear this stone or carry it with you daily, this is one that may yield a powerful experience by meditating with it on your third eye. Lapis is known to activate your psychic centers and enhance communication with your spirit guides, which may support you with finding clarity, direction and purpose. Spend some time with it and journal your findings so that you have it to refer back to. This is one stone that can create soul-shifting experiences that when leveraged during potent passages such as winter solstice, can be nothing short of transformative.
JOIN ME FOR A WINTER SOLSTICE CACAO RITUAL
Make time for your soul during this winter solstice by joining me for this virtual event that will open your heart, inspire the spirit and raise your vibration. We come together in spiritual community to reflect, connect, share and activate deeper aspects of remembering that will empower your journey.
Cacao is sacred plant medicine that guides you gently into your heart to see, know and receive what is wanting your attention. It is a beautiful way to sync up with the natural rhythms of the earth and nourish your spirit.
Purchase your ticket before Dec 14 to ensure your event materials arrive on time!
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