To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower.
To hold infinity in the palm of your
Hand and eternity in an hour.
~William Blake
Since the dawn of day, mankind has always searched for the deeper meaning in life and the world around us. Ancient cultures used the seasonal changes and the natural rhythms of life to connect with the higher purpose and the Divine. On Friday, December 22, we will witness the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere–the darkest day of the year–and that reminder of the balance we have in our world. The balance of duality, of the sun and the moon, of light and dark, of external and internal influences and of how it impacts us personally as well as globally. During this sacred time, there is an opportunity for us all to reflect on our spiritual literacy, to our personal understanding of the Divine and spiritual concepts, as we settle into winter’s period of introspection.
The Dance Between Sun and Moon
Prior to any of the Abrahamic religions, there were spiritual leaders studying the sun and moon. The Sun’s presence (or lack thereof) meant the difference between feast or famine for many tribes, empires and nation-states. From Helios of Ancient Athens to Hu Gardarn of the Druids, Horus of Egyptian mythology to Pithras of Persia. All of these deities were revered at some point for their power over the sun.
As we enter closer to the Winter Solistice, many celebrate the dance between the sun and moon. Traditional religions hold their High Holy Days around this sacred time including the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Muslims, as well, reverie the change from dark to lighter days.
And of course, astrologists are fascinated by the impact of the Sun and Moon. If you know your zodiac sign, you’ll be surprised to know how it’s not just about stars and your birthday. The “zodiac” itself is the apparent path of the sun over Earth, and originates longitude and latitude on our little third rock from the sun.
For those who study astrology, it is known that we are experiencing one of many “Mercury Retrogrades.” This is a time when the Universe calls on us to seriously review patterns that keep appearing in our life and to be aware of Universal messaging on next steps needed for our life’s purpose. It is a time for introspection as we head towards the longest night of the year on December 22.
Key Considerations During Introspective Time
Even though Mercury Retrograde has been happening throughout this month, you still have time to be actively involved in the process. Here are some key considerations for you.
- Over the past year and a half, have you been having a certain issue or situation appear consistently? What is it and what have been the key themes for you?
- Over the past month, have you noticed any specific patterns that keep appearing in your life? What are they? And how you would you like to see them change? In particular, be sure to focus on what you can do specifically to see changes in this area rather than hoping that the situation or people involved will change.
- Simply be aware and open to what is happening in your life. Notice when you receive guidance to go a certain direction or engage with certain people. Simply being aware can be helpful during the integration period (December 22 – January 10)
During this time, it is important to consider your role in changing any scenario that is not what you wish to have in your life.
After December 22, it is a time to integrate and move forward with the insights garnered. The introspective period usually is focused on something that is a significant issue for you, or a life-long pattern that needs a new approach, consideration, and/or larger perspective for change.
What to Consider During the Integration Period?
Once you have had time to reflect and develop the list of considerations. Take some time to review all that you have received, consider what areas you would like to see changes and take time to quietly reflect. From December 22 through January 10, it is a powerful time – as the nights begin to get shorter – to integrate those changes.
- Outline the issues, patterns, relationships that you are ready to seek change.
- Determine what you are willing to do to see change in this area. Avoid seeking to blame another, instead ask what you can do to compassionately make changes in this particular area. Take just one small change and see what happens in your life.
- Consider if you are able and willing to forgive the situation, person and your role in the event. If you need help with this area, I encourage you to read “Radical Forgiveness” by Colin Tipping.
Moving Forward: What’s Next?
From the birth of the sun to today’s many religious views, now more than ever you can explore freely and deeply. Spiritual literacy comes in many parts and you can dive into any of these areas during the winter months while cozied up next to the fireplace.
While not an exhaustive list, there are many aspects of spiritual literacy:
- Attention or simply being aware;
- Devotion/reverence;
- Love/compassion for you and others;
- Gratitude/forgiveness/redemption;
- Hospitality/openness;
- Imagination/wonder, and
- Life’s purpose/meaning.
There are ways in which you can invest in your own spiritual literacy through small acts daily throughout the winter season. You could endeavor to dedicate each week or month to one of the above (or other) aspects of spiritual understanding. Just as Thanksgiving Day is a natural holiday that gives us a moment to pause and be grateful for all that we have, you can dedicate specific days throughout the season to celebrate and honor compassion, showing forgiveness to those who have wronged you throughout the year, seek redemption from a friend or family member who you have crossed, and more. Further, you can go to the local library or bookstore and pick up a few ancient sacred texts on topics of interest to you. You can read some each day as devotion to your spiritual literacy practice. These small acts, done consistently, build upon one another and helps you grow as a more whole, virtuous person.
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There is quite a bit of scientific study being done about the potential of human hibernation. These would allow humans who are seriously or terminally ill, injured in an accident, or even during long-distance space sojourns, the survive these harsh and prolonged circumstances. But, you don’t need this new technological revolution to seek inner solitude during the winter months to gain more spiritual literacy. Honor your connection to the sun and its life-giving energy, ask yourself deep questions, and strengthen your spiritual understanding.
What are some ways in which you reflect on and develop your spiritual literacy during the winter season? Let us know in the comments!