‘Solstice’ named from the time of the Vikings, conjurs up ideas of Pagan beliefs and values. It literally means ‘sun stands still’.
On the 21st June, we will experience the shortest day of the year and whilst many Pagans perform rituals designed to raise the energy from the Earth and send it out into the world, it is said that the Winter Solstice is a time to reflect on what has happened throughout the cyclic year and I will be celebrating it by creating a healthy relationship with nature.
It is through understanding nature and the Great Mother and her rhythmic cycles, that we can begin to look within, to ourself. For me the Solstice starts with meditating at sunrise at my local beach, or my labyrinth, my powerful sacred spot. Symbolically it represents a positive time for me where I become aware of any hidden masks and energetic dross.
I have found that walking the labyrinth is a great way to honour the time of the Solstice. The metaphor for me is about putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward within my life knowing that there are no straight roads, just lots of curves and meandering paths leading me to the centre. A time for me to reflect on the year and walk and let go. By simply being ‘present’ with myself and my breath, I become much more aware of my own light. As that Divine light is my life. A light I prepare to let shine again.
Before I begin the walk, I write a list of things that are termed ‘things to be released’ like relationships or personality masks. I also write down the feelings and other intimate things I want to manifest in the coming year. When I get to the centre, I ceremoniously burn the list in a SACRED urn and offer gratitude and prayer. On the path out, I will be reintegrating everything I received at the centre, knowing that I have released my burdens and stepped out into the unknown again, full of the joy and of the possibility that I am no longer the same.
A few ways you could celebrate the Winter Solstice are:
- Meditating at sunrise giving GRATITUDE for ……..
- Creating a vision board for the new energy of transformation
- Reintegrate the new energy by creating a ‘Spirit Stick’ as a beautiful symbolic process for the new energies to be manifested. I love this process as it is extremely meditative and powerful, or
- Join me on 21st June at Sydney Centennial Park at 9.30am to be part of a FREE community walk at the Sydney Centennial Park Labyrinth.
Karen Quant is the founder of SACRED CLEARINGS and BOORI BOORI Labyrinth in Bucca Wauka, near Gloucester, NSW.
This beautiful stone labyrinth is the inspiration behind Karen’s mentoring, workshops and retreats, and you can find out more on her Boori Boori Facebook Page.
For more information about the Sydney Centennial Park Winter Solstice Walk click here or go to www.sacredclearings.com.au to sign up for Karens newsletter on labyrinth events held at her own labyrinth “Boori Boori” near Gloucester.