Today is the official marking of MIDWINTER, known to be the shortest day (and longest night) of the year in the northern hemisphere. Solstice has origins in the Nordic word JUL that means wheel...it is the turning of seasons that points us in the direction of time, and SOLSTICE is revered as a time for inner renewal. It is an honoring of the darkness and preparation for LIGHT. The darkness is akin to the darkness that shelters a newly planted seed or hibernates a newborn idea, a bear of a problem or even a sleeping giant...Whatever is planted or asleep in your dreams, it's a time and opportunity for fostering hope and expectations of growth and renewal, wisdom and wonder. Winter Solstice is the beginning of a new solar year, often celebrated as the rebirth of the sun.
One of my favorite traditions for greeting the sun on this day is to ring bells at dawn. It awakens my senses and inspires my spirit with the hope of renewal for the coming year. Another way to reflect on the SOLSTICE of Winter is to simply light some candles---or just enjoy pictures of candlelight on Gary Woltal's blog about LIGHT. (Many of you know him already, but if you don't, you will always find a candle burning brightly on this blogspace.)
Tonight will also be a perfect evening for starting up the yule log, because this is a time of firelight and dreaming. While it's a busy, bustling time, it's really a time for relaxation and repose-itioning... to prepare ourselves for brighter light now, and a new beginning...if you are still... really, really, still for a moment, you might be able to feel the brink of a new beginning, sort of like that moment just before you open a present. Maybe a new beginning for you will include buying a first home or moving to a new one GLORY BE! to new beginnings, stirring our hibernating hopes from slumber... bringing them home.
In this season of LIGHT, may your joys be plentiful, and may every step of the year ahead be a journey of the heart, an enrichment of the spirit, bearing gifts of wisdom and PEACE.
© This posting and the contents written here are the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved
Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.
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Hi Mara, on the shortest day of the year, all the more need for light in our lives. I have tremendously enjoyed your words of wisdom through the year and appreciate your insight into the world on your life's journey. Merry Christmas!!
We have a second even that perfectly coincides with Winter solstice: Today is my brother-in-law's birthday and tomorrow is my sister's birthday. I haven't been to Auburn or Opelika since I left AU (in my 30's) in 1991 - I bet it sure has changed.
Hi Mara, after several 70 degree days, we finally have some COLD in Alabama! Finally an opportunity to get a good fire going in the fireplace.
I hope your family has a wonderful Christmas!
Hi Mara...
Gary mentioned this post in WIR. As a former amateur astronomer, I enjoyed the significance of these events .... I also like to look up sunrise/sunset times for different latitudes. We don't have the dramatic shift in daylight hours here in the South, and I'll enjoy about an hour more of daylight today than my family in Pittsburgh!
Mara, I can remember a lot of sunsets like the one in the picture and they still never get old. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mara - It sure was Winter here in Mass today! Tons of snow for Christmas:) Hope you and your family have a great holiday!
Mara, beautifully and poetically written. You are a light that brightens my days with your pretty smile. Have a wonderful holiday. Tell me though, did your neighbors like the bells at dawn? Lol!
Mara...nicely said! It's great to read things like this...helps one keep their spirts up. Talked with fellow agents this past week and it's tough out there. We all need a little something to pep us up...and you did just that!
The picture looks fab....we are planning to head to Pensacola for New Years....use a couple days to business plan and recharge from the ocean!
Here's to 09!
Beautiful sentiment and words to really remember...Thanks for sharing them!
A wonderful telling of the Solstice symbolism. Thank you for sharing. So much is said about Christmas this time of year it's nice to see a post about my holiday. :) To celebrate I made peach pancakes yesterday morning (I usually don't eat breakfast) and the man made Gumbo for dinner. I kept the spirit of the day all day long and hope to all season long. The sun begins to return.
What a lovely post on this important time of year. Your words are very heart warming and I really enjoyed it.
Hey Mara, I always love thinking and paying attention to the fact that the days are getting longer. Love your post, heart warming and positive. Yes, the year has been a struggle for many, but we need to remember to count our blessings. They are many.
Gary - You are such an inspiration here on Active Rain, and SO much for me! You seem to pull the sun---carried from the horizon in a festooned cart pulled by reindeer---across every page, illuminating each point, ringing home the heart of daily life...We sure did have some fun at your blogspace this year, and I look forward to hanging out in 2009!
Ken - You have a lot to celebrate with all the birthdays too! Enjoy all those lighted candles. Auburn has been growing a lot since I arrived 4 years ago...I can't even imagine what it might have been like 30 yrs ago when you say you were here---were there shepherds at Toomers Corner?
Patricia - Your enthusiasm really made me grin from ear to ear...You must bring such joy to the holidays! Merry Christmas!
Ann - Brrrr! It FINALLY did get cold, which puts me in a much better mood for the holidays. I'm such a winter person. You are rockin' B'ham and it's inspiring! I enjoy seeing the business growth in this state. Have a most wonderful holiday with your family. CHEERS!
Richard - I've always enjoyed astronomy...the patterns above us and the interrelationships that might, perhaps, profoundly exist...it's like REAL TV, I think---a natural, continuously running broadcast...even the reruns are unique...like winter solstice...I always frind these events an opportunity to know ourselves, our God, and our place of possibility in the Universe a little bit better. The humility empties me...the inspiration fills me. Enjoy the STARlight!
Danny - it always amazes me, too... no matter how many sunrises, sunsets, new babies, etc we see, the moment we see it ALWAYS captures something within us that never tires of the newness brought to that very moment and into our hearts. I can never find words to describe it---which, for me, is a real loss!
Bill - Can you please send me some snow so that I can make some snow angels? They could really help me right now! Have a wonderful holiday, and thank you for helping to make my year a wonderful one!
Susan - You always make me laugh. You're the best! Do you have pannetone around your place at Christmas? As for the bells...I love ringing bells so I'll use any excuse. (I rang a few times this month for Salvation Army...the store mgr told me I was the best bellringer he'd ever heard--my poor bell fell apart regularly LOL!) Merry Christmas!
Thom - That's the spirit! '09 will be a GOOD year, no matter what. Enjoy the recharge at the ocean...that will be wonderful. We'll make a plan to get together in the new year, so get ready to share some of that ocean inpiration. Happy Holidays!
Vanessa - Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you!
Whoever You Are - I am so happy that it brought something to your heart...ALSO, I think if you can get up and make peach pancakes ANY day, you ought to have breakfast about EVERY day! YUMMY!!! Blessings for the season, and thanks for stopping by.
Caren - Thank you for your kindest words. I wish you and your family a happies holiday...may it be filled with wonder and LIGHT the whole year through.
Happy Holidays Mara! Hope things are well in Auburn!
Rob Saxe
My hopes are waking up from a long winter's nap. Wake up little sleepy heads....yawn....stretch..... smiling.
Hugs,
Rebecca
Audrey - You are so right about so much that we have to be thankful for...always. Our days may be numbered, but our blessings are not...seems as soon as I begin counting them, they begin to multiply! Happy holidays to you!
Rob - Things are well here, thanks!
Rebecca - keep those sleepyheads well-nourished and loved...watch over them with your heart. Big hugs back to you. xox
Thank you Mara.
What a refreshing post. I lit my candle last night, for the first night of Chanukah. Your post is a reminder that everyday is an opportunity for growth and renewal. And your photo is stunning!
Continued success.
Ah yes! Winter solstice. I get to sleep a lot longer in the dark than on all other nights.
Thank you for this post. I asked my husband just yesterday if he knew when the solstice was, and he said late January. I couldn't stand that thought (I'm a Colorado gardner, so eagerly wait for the first chance to see new life springing up in the gardens). Now, I'm much happier, I just had a feeling things were about to turn around.
Love the idea of ringing bells in the morning!
Mara ... thanks for this nice article. During this season of celebration of the come and birth of Christ ... and therefore the real Christmas ... may your joys indeed be plentiful. Best wishes. Harrison
Mara, I loved your explanation and things to do for the solstice. We too consider them important and do some of the same things (ring bells)---we also use mirrors outside to capture the moonllight during the winter solstice. Many of these reasons are exactly the same, to get our bodies in sync and to follow yin and yang principles. Loved your blog!!
Mara,
Thank you for your beautiful Post!
My family & I have also started Celebrating the Winter Solstice instead of Christmas a few years ago. We all gather for a special Brunch at home & give ourselves the present of our company instead of something store bought. In the evening we light up the decorated tree and candles around the living room & rejoice at the thought of the longer days ahead. Of course since we are now in Honolulu (instead of upstate NY) the difference in the days's lenght is not that great!
Glad to find others that honor this annual event too...
Peace & Harmony for 2009,
Monique
Good Morning Mara, What a cool post! I do agree as I have been hibernating some ideas that I want to get implemented for next year...
Wishing you and yours, Peace and Prosperity in 2009
and a very
Merry Christmas
gotta give you Da Boot...
featured in Blogs Happens...
Terri - I thought it was unusual for Chanukah to start late this year, but how appropriate, too, of the Winter Solstice...when the light begins to return. Mazel Tov!
Gabe - sweet winter dreams!
Joetta - Ir seems uncanny how we can just feel these things in our bones, stirring our spirit...All the best for a beautiful season of LIGHT...
Harrison - So true! May the LIGHT of Christmas rise in your heart throughout the year. May the Christ, LIGHT shine brightly in your heart and home this Christmastime...
Carole - The mirror idea is fascinating...I pretty much feel that everything mirrors GOOD and reflects LIGHT...I need to learn more about how you capture moonlight...It always certainly causes me to reflect...Bells, bells, I LOVE! I love anything musical...Joyous blessings to you for a wonderful holiday season...THANK YOU for your presence throughout this year! Looking forward to more sharing, growing and learning in 2009!
Monique - Hawaii is quite a change from NY! Do you miss the snowy landscapes? I've learned that, wheerever I am, there is an abundance of GOOD and LIGHT...I love your tradition of celebrating on the Solstice, too!
Michael - Let all those wonderful ideas start stretching and yawning for the new year. Very cute puppy boot! Thanks for the sweet message, and may your Christmastime and New Year be joyous and full of LIGHT.
Hi Mara! Beautiful post and photo! And, I too, LOVE to read Gary's posts--I am a positive person but, he still manages to lift my spirits!
What a breathtaking picture. A lovely post to accompany it too. Merry Christmas.
Mara - I love the winter solistice because I know that with every day brings a little more light!! Many blessings!
Mara, what a stunning yet peaceful photo! Where was that taken at?
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Regina P. Brown
What a wonderful post. Bless you and yours this holiday season and have a happy NEW YEAR.
Terry Miller
I enjoyed reading this post and your words of wisdom. May your light continue to shine today, tomorrow and in the future. Hope you had the merriest Christmas.
My husband has two phrases that I have to put up with all year long:
He's a sun bunny.
Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in 2009.
I just love this post and your perspective Mara!!! I also posted on the winter solstice - my favorite day of the year - I consider it my new year really.
DEBE - I just love all the inspiration around the RAIN...I know exactly what you mean with Gary's posts!
ELLIE - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. This photo was taken at a very special place.
TAMI - Many blessings to you, too, for YOUR BEST in 2009!
REGINA - Thanks for the invite. I'll join today.
TERRY - Thank you for stopping by and all THE BEST to you in 2009.
REBECCA - Thanks for your sweetest message
JIM - That's funny...now you COULD live in the southern hemisphere half the year and never have a short day again! :-)
DEBORAH - I appreciate YOUR perspective and comments...all the best in the new year!
It's never made sense to me that the New Year doesn't start on the solstice.