Happy Holidays 2022
Happy Holidays 2022
The last two weeks of December are a ripe time for deep reflection as we gather with loved ones for holiday cheer, nestle into some of the darkest days of winter, and anticipate the upcoming new year. A lot of feelings can arise during this time and all are welcome. Some may be feeling joyful for the wonderful family and friends that surround them. Others may be missing loved ones and feeling isolated and alone. It’s important to remember to be extra kind to one another during this festive, yet fragile time for us all.
The commercialized version of Christmas with Santa Claus and eight tiny reindeer materialized in 1822, but before that, it was observed as more of a religious holiday. Rewinding back even further, this time of year was celebrated by the pagans and indigenous cultures as a time to step into the darkness and understand more deeply the cycle of death and rebirth.
We see this with the upcoming Winter Solstice that will be happening on December 21st this year. The Solstice marks the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun; the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and begins to grow again. This passage in time always reminds me of the quote from Clarissa Pincola Estes from “Women Who Run with the Wolves” who writes:
“Like the chambers of a heart that fill and empty and fill again we “learn to learn” the rhythm of this life/death/life cycle instead of becoming martyred by it. What must die, dies. We might try to fool ourselves for various reasons, but we know. By the light of the fiery skull, we know.”
We know the importance of letting go, but oftentimes we wrestle with the complexity of it. During this Winter Solstice, I invite you to step towards that darkness you may have been carrying and release it into the fire. This year perhaps think about a ritual that you would like to offer to reclaim this right of passage that connects you closer to Mother Earth and all of her wonders.
Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season my friends! With all this talk of darkness, please also remember to balance it out with plenty of egg nog, holiday parties, and sparkling lights! In lieu of reindeer this year, I will be taking off the next two weeks to reflect upon this past year and to spend time with loved ones.
Please keep a lookout for my special newsletter that will be sent over New Year which talks about resolutions, a special offering, and astrological predictions for the upcoming new year!
In Gratitude,
Shane Young
