The sun will arise later this morning than it will any other day of the year.
But not yet. Only a few streaks of orange are colouring the early sky.
It’s the Winter Solstice in Australia.
Winter may be all cosy fires and hot soup, but I’m not a fan of dark mornings and early evenings. Today, in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re now tilted furthest from the sun. From today, even though the daily temperatures will continue to fall, at least the sun will shine for a little longer each day. We’re starting our tilt back towards summer.
Another year has passed.
I acknowledge the Winter Solstice like others celebrate New Year’s Day. For me, it’s a time to plan for the coming year. Today, I’ll prepare some of the garden beds, ready for the planting. Other beds are already flourishing with winter crops now well established.
I’m more connected to nature’s sequence – the Solstices, Equinoxes, and lunar cycles – than dates on the calendar. Not everyone is, of course. I once worked for an accountant, and for him, New Year’s Day was 1st July. The first day of the financial year in Australia. Anthony the Accountant celebrated with a day off and a new financial year diary.
For me, the full moon is more noteworthy than noticing in my diary it’s the first day of the next month. It does help to live away from the night lights of the city.
Some witchy woo-woo types align with the monthly moon cycles and consider the new moon the start of each month. As the new moon waxes and builds in power, it’s a time to start new projects and take new directions. After the full moon, as the moon wanes and falls away, it’s a time to let go of things that don’t serve us well. I don’t know if there’s any truth to this lunar energy theory, but it seems like a way to live mindfully.
Does the full moon hold a special power for setting intentions, and does it affect us by drawing the water in our bodies as it draws the tides in the ocean? I don’t know.
I do know, however, the bright light of the full moon makes it harder to sleep. I understand how earth-centered and ancient cultures might have sat up for hours by a full moon campfire, or danced around it.
To bathe in the light of the full moon is invigorating. The light feels cool, clear, cleansing and powerful. Last month, I sat in a steaming outdoor hot tub with light from a full moon illuminating me. It was a time for reflection and appreciation.
One lunar ritual I do ascribe to is putting my bowl of crystals beneath the full moon for an energetic cleansing. (I also rinse the dust off them at the same time, which is possibly the real cleansing they receive.) I don’t really believe the crystals hold any special powers beyond being a pretty collection I’ve built over time, but this ritual acknowledges time passing and the trinkets from Mother Earth.
Did you pause to notice the Winter Solstice this year, or the Summer one if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere? Or are you more attuned to the passing of the days and months in your calendar, like Anthony the Accountant?
Discover more from Treechange life
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I love this celebration of natural cycles, Jen! I admit to be more tied to the calendar than lunar cycles these days. Too many appointments to keep. But I love, “To bathe in the light of the full moon is invigorating. The light feels cool, clear, cleansing and powerful. ” Yes, yes, yes!
Happy Winter Solstice!
LikeLike
Hi Wynne! The calendar and alarm clock still loom large for me too – but that side of my life is harder to celebrate!
LikeLike
Man, the winter solstice feels so far away given our current heatwave. I am thankful that our days are now gradually but steadily growing shorter; I’m one of those weirdoes who loves the early darkness and late sunrises.
I kinda wish our months did align with the moon cycles. I feel like that’s nature’s intention anyway.
LikeLike
Is it better to eat cheese curds in summer or winter, I wonder?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The correct answer is, all year long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂 Thought this might be the case!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only set an alarm when necessary, a luxury I appreciate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful observations and writing. It’s always interesting to read your insights, and indeed good to be away from urban lighting. Witchy-woo! For me, it feels natural to note and take some guidance from the moon light and cycles, as well as the nuances of the seasons… so cold so early this year compared to recent. We’re fortunate to have a good vantage point for the sky’s happenings. For me, crystals are both talisman and energetic. We just acquired a large jade dragon head. The calendar and clock, plus diary and electronic reminders are needs must to keep up with the wider world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your dragons head sounds very interesting. I do find something special about Rose Quartz and I love holding it to my chest – perhaps I should get some on a necklace. How do you feel about alarm clocks – waking up to your own sleep cycle feels so wonderful to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I paused to notice the Winter Soltice, and felt sad I don’t have a veggie garden at the moment as it would be a time to plan for me too. When we have land again (soon!), the local indigenous seasons will guide me over the Western seasons. When I lived on the Mid North Coast, I felt I already did this intuitively, Dunghutti Country has been my family’s home for 45 years, and Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter never quite fit how the weather shifted each year. As a small business owner the financial year is a metronome ticking ominously towards a third year in a row of financial loss, so I try not to think about it too much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your business brings you so much joy and creative expression, not to mention the joy your products give your customers – does this counterbalance the finances? 🙏♥️
I hope you soon have your own patch of land again to care for – I can sense your longing for that connection xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d like to say yes Jen, but working my butt off and not breaking even sure puts a dampener on any creative spark!
I miss our bush lifestyle so much, it actually hurts. Longing is definitely the right word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww Kathy can you find ways to connect with your local environment? I still sometimes miss the pockets of nature I used to walk thru when I lived in the city.
LikeLike
The estate we live in is surrounded by wetlands and birdlife, and I go for a walk every morning, but as soon as I get home I feel claustrophobic again. Nature in small doses doesn’t fill my cup anymore. After getting used to waking to sparkling light through the treetops, critters at my doorstep, fresh air and QUIET. The constant hum of traffic from the highways is maddening. We went for a bushwalk at Mt Sugarloaf on the weekend, and it wasn’t peaceful at all with the traffic noise echoing through the valley. I lived in the city most of my adult life, but we moved away for a reason, peace. I’m trying to make the most of being near the wetlands, but it’s sad at the same time that it’s being developed all around, pushing the wildlife into smaller pockets. None of us should live this way.
LikeLike
Oh Kathy I hope this is a stage of your life you can move through quickly. The hum of traffic would be annoying. Have you tried walking the Tramway Track at Glendale – I used to go there and some parts are nice.
LikeLike
I haven’t been there, I’ll go check it out soon! Thanks for the tip Jen. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed reading this and to pause and reflect on our mysterious moon. I recently learned the tides don’t come in and out but rather that’s the earth moves through the tides which are constantly pulled by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon. Blew my mind. I like the idea of moon bathing although I tend to be indoors by the time the moon is up these days. I find the seasons help me to reflect far more than the date on the calendar. Thanks for giving me pause to reflect. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s hard to get out in the moonlight when it’s cold in winter – but the outdoor spa helps!
That is interesting about the tides. Every summer holiday when we camp near the beach I renew my fascination with the tides, and the waves – isn’t it wonderful to be endlessly curious?!
LikeLiked by 1 person