The Magic of the Winter Solstice

By Stephen Thomson

"Twas not the wine of the grape: the illuminated soul drinks only the wine of light." — Rumi

The winter solstice will occur on December 21, 2009 at 7:47 GMT. This time each year marks a shift in seasons, and reflects the continual movement of the earth on its axis. As the solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, we begin our descent into a period of relative inactivity, marked by days becoming longer, but with less affect from the warming rays of the sun. And as a reflection of the dual nature of the universe in which we live, those who live in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing the opposite effect, including hotter weather and more activity. Regardless of where we live, the solstice, and the last days of calendar year lead to the beginning of a new year. These days mark a major shift in our planet's energy and light. A cycle is completing and we are now days away from the influx of new universal energy that enters our world at the beginning of each New Year.

Traditionally, the days and weeks around the winter solstice have been a time of ceremony, ritual and celebration for indigenous, spiritual and religious people across the planet. For example, the December solstice is in our consciousness in part because of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian observances — although, this time also holds spiritual significance in many other ways. As a event on the Wiccan calendar, the solstice is a time when ancient believers honored the rebirth of the Sun God and celebrated the coming days of more light. There are also those sects who believe this to be a time for celebrating the birth of the true light of the world, which they believe was synchronized with the December solstice.

The symbols, rituals and celebrations around the time of the solstice honor the sacredness and the life sustaining nature of the light for our universe. The Master Jesus, for example, was often referred to as the "light of God." The Jewish tradition of Hanukah, near the solstice, is also called the "Festival of Lights." The light, as it exists in our consciousness, is expressed at this time in terms of the life giving nature, and as a metaphor for spiritual knowledge. For instance, many of us think in terms of the sunrise and the light of the east as holding the greatest light of knowledge. Furthermore, since the sun is at the center of our solar system and the source of the life giving light for our planet, celebrations of the solstice also include ceremonies that are intended to honor these characteristics of the sun.

It is important to note that in many rituals, to represent the change in light, some form of fire is used to symbolize the central role of the sun in the continuation of life on our planet. One such example is the tradition of burning a Yule log, which has carried on for centuries, and even up today. On the occasion of the solstice, a large log is burned until there is nothing left but ashes. The remains were collected and either spread over the fields as fertilizer, or kept as a charm or for medicine.

To near the solstice and create a sense of sacredness, free from any dictate of prescribed dogma, provides us the opportunity to be in direct contact with the cosmic, and to receive the blessings and energy of the time. In this way, we can make a conscious effort to access the energy of the Masters and aide us in gaining the wisdom that will help us move beyond the range of our current existence.

There is also a widely held belief, as a part of many spiritual traditions, that, the veil between the worlds is most penetrable at the time of the solstice. The suggestion is that we are able see from our place in the visible, deeper and further into the invisible world, as compared to other times in the year. Or, to put this in other words, we can see into the world that exists beyond our physical senses. At the time of the solstice, according to the traditions of our path and through our practices, we can connect with the most powerful and potent energy through which we live in concert with — the divine mind. Furthermore, we have an opportunity to attune on the deepest levels with the Masters who direct our spiritual journey.

References to the idea of the veils being thin between the worlds, has always created a lot of spiritual, and emotional energy within me, as well as speculation. For some reason, this time has always taken on the ideas of the miraculous for me; that somehow, during these days, I can receive the wisdom from the Masters far beyond the limitations of my own thinking and beliefs. There is so much power that comes with believing, and in this case, in a childlike way, I hold hopes that something major will happen. (Could that be Santa on the roof?) I think perhaps a door will open and that I will receive a direct transmission of the knowledge I am always seeking. Each year the solstice is a reminder for me that reminds me about the level to which I am able, available and open to receive. There are terms and conditions I operate with that create the boundaries of my spiritual journey. Most notable is the challenge I face in my willingness to experience change in my life. There are parts of my life that continue to be works in progress as I continue to surrender my ego to a higher spiritual vibration.

The lifting of the veils happens every time we achieve a certain degree of harmony between our lives and the Divine mind. The veil does become thin and parts for each of us many times over the course of our lifetime. And in this moment, we receive a direct influx of information from the Cosmic Masters. Or answers to long held questions are received. For some of us, the experience occurs within a few days of the solstice. And for others, it can happen at any time during the year. In this moment, there may be a perceptible change within us. Or as happens in most cases, the event goes by without any change in our lives. On some level, we know we have changed on a soul level and our lives are different from that day forward.

The solstice is a good time to shed some new light on our path. When we first step onto our path, we soon begin to discover the two parts to our unfolding. The first includes the teachings and Masters we are attracted to that begin to create new lives for us as spiritual people. This is the light of knowledge. The second step becomes our willingness to fully participate in our ascension process. Are we living our lives in a way that represents the spiritual people we aspire to be? It's a hard thing to convince our ego to let go and trust that a plan or path with unfold before us that is bigger or better than anything else we could create by the force of our being.

As we are nearing the end of yet another year, we need to take some time to journey into what we hold in our heart and mind that we are unwilling to let go of or change. The solstice marks the end of a calendar year, so it is a times to think about what we want to bring to an end. Would we be happier giving up the telling and retelling of our "story?" Are there people who we need to let go from our lives, so we can continue to grow and become the spiritual person we aspire to be? Based upon the incredible changes going on in the world at this time, how do we change to meet the new demands of living in a world with less? Where do we need the light of knowledge to shine in our lives and uncover our truth?

Starting with this year's solstice, we can begin to create our own traditions to mark this auspicious occasion.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Dedicate all of part of the entire day to meditation, intentional prayer, fasting or a banquet celebration.

Include the element of fire to represent the essence of light.

In preparation, begin with a long, warm bath.

Mentally call on the Masters and invite them to join into a deeper personal relationship.

Make a commitment to release any ideas of being a spiritual beggar.

Hold no expectation as to the outcome or impact of the days celebration.

Think of ways to be receptive to the influx of information from the Divine mind.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at steve@stephenthomson.net.

PS. If you haven't bought a copy of Cal Garrison's new book, The Astrology of 2012 and Beyond, be sure to order a copy from the Ma'at Bookstore. It contains the information you need to know during these end times.

About Stephen Thomson

Steve Thomson is a writer, teacher, and psychic, well-known throughout the United States. He leads workshops about metaphysical practices, including meditation, expansion of the psychic senses, spiritual magic, the Tarot, and the Kabbala. He also guides journeys to sacred sites around the world. For over 20 years, Steve has been a member of the Rosicrucian Order AMORC and he has been a student of Paramahansa Yogananda's, Self-Realization Fellowship for over 10 years. His book entitled The Secret Key is available through our website. He is currently working on a new book entitled Discovering Your Spiritual Truth — A Primer for the Path — Things to Think About, Meditate On and Journal, which will be available by the end of 2009.

You may write Steven personally at Steve@stephenthomson.net
or visit his website: www.stephenthomson.net