Dear yoga friends & dancers,
I wish you peaceful, Merry Christmas holidays & happy New Year 2023, full of love, happiness, health & prosperity.
About Christmas and Winter solstice 21.-24.12. 2022
Winter Solstice:
According to old legends, it is on this day, when the power of the life-giving Sun is at its weakest, that the combined forces of darkness reach the peak of their influence on Earth and the boundaries between our world and the forces of the underworld disappear. According to ancient tradition, the Sun god was born in this period, which was skilfully used by Christians. The celebrations of the winter solstice were thus replaced by the Christian Christmas among the Slavs, when the celebrations of the birth of the solar deity were replaced by the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Christian tradition of decorating the tree has its roots in these pagan celebrations. Families would bring a live tree into their homes to protect the wood spirits from the cold of the harsh winter months. Small delicacies were hung on the tree as gifts of food for the spirits, and a five-pointed star - a pentagram, a magical symbol of the five elements - was placed on the very top. Since ancient times, it has been customary to decorate one's abode with mistletoe - especially mistletoe from the sacred oak was supposed to guarantee people good luck throughout the year.
The border between worlds is open
During the winter solstice, when the border between our world and the world of the dead is open, the souls of the dead move freely around the world. For this reason, it was customary for the Slavs to place a table at dinner for deceased family members, who are invited before dinner and in whose honor a toast is then made. Ancestors can also appear in the form of unknown visitors during the winter solstice, so everyone, even unknown visitors, must be treated properly.
During the winter solstice, however, not only the souls of deceased relatives, who are usually favorably disposed to us, but also various underworld spirits who can be dangerous to people enter our world. The most reliable protection was the proximity of the sacred fire, the protective effect of garlic was also widely used.
The winter solstice marks a key part of the natural annual cycle. In a material sense, the Sun embarks on a new journey towards longer and longer days and a new season of growth and renewal. In a spiritual sense, it reminds us that the old way must always die so that the new can begin.
ABOUT WINTER SOLSTICE:
Following the Winter Solstice on the 21st, the last New Moon of 2022 is Friday, December 23rd. This moment marks both an end and a beginning. The year is coming to a close and the new year is upon us. The days surrounding the solstice and New Moon can be a transformational time to reflect and take inventory. Try to just sit with how you feel, without repressing anything or talking yourself out of feeling them. This is also a great opportunity to sit in the "in between" - to think about the end of this season and the start of the next. Right now is an ideal moment to take a look at your life, and to reflect on all of your experiences in 2022.
▪️ What have you outgrown? What can you let go of that is holding you back?
▪️ How can you make space in your life for a whole new chapter?
Try to make peace with the endings in your life, and see them as necessary transitions for your personal growth. Endings are the last step before a new beginning can occur. When you can recognize each part of the growth cycle as a learning experience, you can become more grateful for your own life’s seasons. Additionally, the Capricorn New Moon is encouraging you to take action on what gives you a sense of purpose. And because it is the last New Moon of 2022, this is a potent moment to set intentions and co-create your reality - not only for the next month, but the entire year ahead.
▪️ How do you want to spend your valuable time?
▪️ Where do you want to apply your energy?
▪️ What do you want to manifest?
For some of us, the end of the year can bring anxiety because we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough. If this is true for you, try to give yourself a break and accept that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Remember, it is never too late to start again, to change course, or manifest something new. Take a leap of faith into 2023 by trusting yourself and allowing the universe to meet you. ❤️💫
With love Veronica
Inspiration: The Pattern and kudyznudy