The Winter Solstice: Return to light

Let’s unite in brilliant darkness and celebrate the return to light!

The meaning of Solstice

According to its Latin roots, the word Solstice means “sun standing still,” and for millennia the Winter Solstice has been celebrated around the world – acknowledging the shortest day of the year as a return to light. The Solar New Year marks the end of a cycle as the Earth begins her return to innocence – the rebirth that is Spring. 

A time for reflection

Pre-Christian Scandinavian Yule, Iranian Shab-e Yalda, the Roman Empire’s Sol Invictus celebration, the Pagan festival Saturnalia, ancient Egypt’s January 6th and Christianity’s Feast of the Epiphany all honored sun gods or winter’s arrival – eventually metamorphosing into Christmas, the return of the sun, or “son.” 

In all of the celebrations revering time, darkness and protection, there is also a simple yet profound observation of the stillness between the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next. This is a time to reflect and assimilate all of the wisdom, thoughts and feelings that have been cultivated in the dark, and bring them into the light.

An astronomical event

The most ancient civilisations knew that the sun’s path across the sky, the length of the days and the location of the sunrise and sunset all shifted throughout the seasons. To follow the sun’s annual journey, mysterious monuments, including Stonehenge, in England, and Machu Piccu, in Peru, were built.

Today, with access to the vantage point of space, we know that the Solstice is an astronomical event caused by Earth’s twirling dance through the universe. 

Her elliptical orbit around the sun is not a perfect circle, and when we’re closest to the sun (in early January) our world moves fastest. Right now we are moving faster than our average speed of about 18.5 miles per second (30 kilometers per second).

As Earth orbits tilted on her axis rather than upright, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres trade places in receiving the sun’s most direct light and warmth. Summer and winter are caused by the tilt of the Earth.

Astrological meanings

Winter begins as the Sun moves into the Saturn-ruled, tropical zodiac sign Capricorn. Saturn rules aspects of the Earth that feel predictable, steady and grounded in reality. It offers slowness, the wisdom that comes with time and clues about our life’s purpose.

In an elevated expression, Saturn sets clear boundaries and strong commitments. Its detrimental side may be judgmental or cold. Capricorn is known for its pragmatic ambition and discipline, but watch out for stoic pessimism.

This year, there is a great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter – a constellation that last occurred 400 years ago! This rare encounter, called The Christmas Star, lights our way into a new era.

Setting intentions

This cycle is a perfect time to realign with our goals and ideals in preparation for the year ahead.

By clarifying and setting intentions during this significant solar standstill, we receive the support of ambitious earth sign Capricorn’s persistent energy and Saturn’s responsibile maturity. Both remind us to dream big whilst keeping our grand visions rooted in reality.

Contemplating and refining intentions leads us to our path and illuminates our way along it – from the faded past, through the darkness of winter, toward the bright future.

A Winter Solstice ritual

Activate your intentions for the new year by turning inward and awakening your inner fire with this Solstice ritual:

Create a cozy meditation nest — dim lighting and candles, soft blankets and pillows, ambient music… Brew your favourite tea or cacao… Light some sage or incense, or put a few drops of earthy sandalwood in your diffuser… Gather paper and a pen… Settle in and…

• Connect to the energy of the Earth. With your eyes closed, visualize roots growing from the soles of your feet, your tailbone, or whichever parts of you are connected to the ground. Down to the center of the Earth around which you wind your roots and your awareness. You’re pulled a bit tighter into your seat. Breathe deeply and allow your body to relax and experience the sensation of being completely supported by the Earth upon which you sit.

• Reminisce about the past year, allowing memories to surface effortlessly. Write down all that arose which you’d like to bid farewell to or let go.

• Burn the paper, to symbolize those energies being transmuted into creative passion for your adventures to come.

• Visualize the year ahead, dreaming up everything you’d like to manifest. Write down all of your hopes for the coming year. Add, “this or something better,” as the Universe often has more magnificent plans than we could possibly imagine.

• Fold this paper and bury it, to represent the seeds of these intentions being planted in your future path. And then release, be patient, these seeds need time and space to sprout.

A Winter Solstice Prayer 

– by Edward Hayes

In the heart of every person on this Earth
burns the spark of luminous goodness;
in no heart is there total darkness.

May we who have celebrated this winter solstice,
by our lives and service, by our prayers and love,
call forth from one another the light and the love
that is hidden in every heart.

Ignite your fire

Synchronise your breath to strong, intuitive movement with this dynamic, core-powered yoga class to amplify your practice.

Yogi's Guide to Winter

In the dark, wet, windy and cold days of winter it can be a real struggle to get up and get onto our yoga mats. At this time of year the idea of hibernating until spring grows ever more appealing! What we do know is that a regular yoga practice is one of your best defences against illness and remedies when a bug does strike.

It is important that we change with the seasons just as nature does by adapting our daily habits, yoga practice and food choices. During the winter , the energy of the Earth and its creatures is drawn inward. We can use this time for restoration and introspection, just as many plants and animals use it for hibernation. In preparation for the spring, it is important to slow down and rejuvenate.

Here are our top Winter survival tips:

WINTER YOGA POSES

The winter months are notorious for colds and flus, so poses that open the chest, throat and sinuses will aid in improving congestion and supporting your respiratory organs. The following poses are metabolically invigorating and help to warm the kidneys and clear phlegm.

1. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara):

This invigorating invocation to your yoga practice helps build heat in the body. 

2. Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

This supine backbend/inversion opens the throat and chest. 

3. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana):

Open your chest with this backbend. 

4. Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana):

This supported inversion helps with stagnation of lymph. Hold for at least eight breaths

5. Locust Pose (Salabhasana):

This “baby backbend” opens the chest while strengthening the back. 

6. kapalabhati breathing,

a practice that builds internal heat and eliminates mucus from the respiratory tract. These are rapid, sharp exhales, passive inhales, and a snapping of your lower abdomen. You can start with cycles of 30 breaths and gradually increase up to 100, for 3-5 rounds.

WINTER FOODS- warming the body and soul

If your natural tendency is to eat warmer and heartier meals during the winter, you are on the right track! In response to cold weather, the body constricts the pores on your skin and the superficial connective tissue to prevent heat loss. This directs heat away from the peripheral tissues and into the body’s core. Because of this, your appetite becomes stronger in winter.

However, although we are designed to eat more in the winter, the selection of foods is still important. Try to pick foods that will keep your immune system vibrant and that minimize congestion.

• Eat a plentiful amount of soups/stews, grains (oatmeal, rice, barley, quinoa, etc.), healthy oils (coconut, avocado, olive, ghee) and cooked seasonal root vegetables (kohlrabi, turnips, rutabaga, celeriac, carrots and turnips). Avoid vata-provoking foods, such as salads and cold drinks.

• Drink warm teas. It is beneficial to start and end the day with a glass of warm lemon water to aid with digestion.

• Be sure to eat a hearty, warm breakfast to break the fast of your night’s sleep, feed your digestive fire and lubricate your bodily tissues. Oatmeal, porridge, or cream of wheat are all good options.

• Warming spices to include to any and all meals: cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, fennel, cumin, coriander and nutmeg.

Life Style Choices

• Try doing some kind of invigorating movement –yoga or other exercise in the morning to boost immunity and mood and kick-start the movement of lymph. This helps prevent build-up of mucus and congestion.

• Start your day by 7:00 a.m. This might be a bit later than you are used to, but Winter encourages us to hibernate a little longer at night. Remember that Winter is a natural time for resting. So at night, do peaceful and calming activities that promote a sense of stillness. Try to go to bed earlier than you are used to.

• Use a warm-mist humidifier at night to help keep your sinuses clear. Have you tried a neti pot? During winter I use once a day to irrigate and moisten your nasal passages.

• Soak up as much sunshine as you can by sitting by a window or taking a winter walk. Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D (which is crucial to ward of illness), relaxes the muscles, combats seasonal mood disorders, and aids the body in maintaining healthy sleep cycles

The seasons come and go. Winter turns to spring, and autumn into winter. We go through times in our lives full of prosperity, and others are in poverty. As the world changes around us, our time on the mat can be a consistent source of comfort and grace.

Knowing you can count on your yoga practice promotes mental clarity, a sense of security, and a healthy muladhara chakra. Keep it up. No matter what is changing in your life or in the world around you. Yoga is peace, and peace is the language of the world.

Four ways yoga helps to nourish yourself this Winter

Winter is the season of introspection, manifesting, integration, hibernation, and surrender. It’s the perfect time to curl into your practice and go deeper. The long dark days of winter can lend themselves to physical stagnation, stress and fatigue, and rolling out your mat can help you call upon the light within by honouring the pause. Find a delightful fragrance in the exchange of surrender and support.

Being the fourth season, winter is a time for stabilising. The number four relates to the grounding nature of all things as well as nature itself — the four seasons, the four elements, and the four directions. This foundational number also corresponds with the heart chakra — the fourth energy centre. And the heart chakra, much like winter, is the bridge between the spiritual and the physical.

The winter blues are very common this time of year, with many of us experiencing a mood shift during the colder & darker days of winter. The chilly air might make you less than excited for your yoga practice, or to even leave the house at all. We have got you! Plunge into your practice in our warm studio set amongst cosy lamps and candles.

Here are 4 ways yoga can help you beat the winter blues:

1. WARM UP WITH HOT YOGA

Hot yoga is one of the best ways to warm up during the coldest months of the year! Not only does hot yoga help you to sweat out toxins, but practising hot yoga loosens stiff muscles, and creates flexibility in your body and joints. If your hands and feet are always cold, even a few minutes in a hot yoga room can increase circulation and help spread heat from your core outwards towards your fingers and toes. Stay healthy this winter by sweating it out on your mat!

2. STRETCH YOUR TIGHT MUSCLES

We have a natural tendency to hunch over more in the winter – especially when we need to bury our faces in our scarves and coats in order to stay warm. When muscles are cold, they tend to be less flexible, and movement can sometimes become painful. Yoga (especially in heated classes) gives us the space to open up again. Taking time for heart opening asanas can help counteract ‘the hunch’ and creates more space in your physical body.

3. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM & MOOD

Research shows that doing yoga regularly can help reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. If you find yourself missing sunshine and struggling to boost your mood, carving out time to be on your mat can help! Yoga has also been proven to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Say goodbye to that winter cold and set the tone of your Winter.

4. YOGA PRACTICE

Between the lack of sunlight and frigid temperatures draining your energy, winter is a time when energy levels are at an all-time low. Yoga is a great way to naturally boost energy! Increased breathing allows our blood to constantly receive fresh oxygen, and movement stimulates blood flow and circulation, which increases energy and benefits the entire body. Yoga can also counteract some of the harmful effects of sitting down for too long! Plan for your workplace to start a corporate wellness plan and hold each other accountable. For corporate packages please get in touch with us!

The following four yoga postures are gentle and nourishing for the cold winter months ahead and will help to support your immune system, gently squeezing toxins from internal organs and lowering stress hormones in the body. With these supportive poses in your pocket, old man winter can bring it on.

• Supine Twists

• Legs up the wall

• Lizard Lunge

• Reclined butterfly pose

Winter Solstice Rituals - The Ideal Winter Routine

Winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere occurs in June each year, marking the shortest day of the year with the longest night. From this point onwards, the daylight hours start to lengthen and the nights shorten. 

Many cultures have celebrated, and continue to celebrate, the winter solstice and the lengthening of daylight hours as a time of rebirth - organising festivals and other community events bringing people together. However, as the winter solstice is accompanied by the cooler weather of the winter season, it also brings a great opportunity to slow down, restore and reflect inwards. With this in mind, we have chatted with members of our yoga community to find out what rituals and self care activities they like to undertake to get through and to relish the cooler months: 

Journaling

As mentioned above, the winter season is a great time for reflection. Whether you write down your thoughts on paper, or simply spend some time alone, it can be a great opportunity to recalibrate and to reconsider what you want for yourself, and what it may be time to let go of.

Tea + hydration

Tea is a great way to keep warm, to provide comfort, and also some nutritional benefits! Our skin also has a tendency to become quite dry in the winter season and we often experience less thirst, so tea or warm water with lemon can be a great way to help keep hydrated, whilst keeping warm. 

Massages + treatments

Whether it is an at home treatment, or splurging on a salon treatment, the slower pace of winter can be the ideal time to indulge a little and treat yourself. 

Keeping up with physical activity routines but also being kind when rest is needed

Often the cooler weather makes us want to hibernate and stay in bed a little longer, or head straight home after work! However, seasonal changes do not make movement any less important. As many people can experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to some degree, it is important to maintain healthy activity habits and connection with your community. That being said, know when to be kind to yourself and rest instead.

Yin classes and kirtan

The winter season can be  a lovely time to incorporate some yin or kirtan into your schedule. These practices are less about physical exertion and more about breath work, calming the mind and a sense of community. Plus being warm and cosy!

Walks and hikes

Nothing beats a crisp winter hike! Getting out of town to explore a different area such as the Blue Mountains can be a great way to do this. 

Spending quality time with friends and family, staying in more

This is a big part of winter solstice rituals traditionally. Coming together with loved ones to share a meal, or whatever it may be.

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