December 21st, Midwinter or Alban Arthan, is the darkest day of the year, yet every day from this point on becomes a little brighter. Therefore, at Midwinter, we celebrate the return of light.
The days remain dark and cold for a long time. The ancient Eastern agricultural calendar speaks of the "small cold" (early January) and the "great cold" (around January 20th). But the cold is often experienced as more bearable because we are experiencing the return of light. Long before Christmas was celebrated, the birth of light was celebrated around this time. In Celtic tradition, this light was called Mabon, the child of Light who, if nurtured, would bring summer. And with summer, a new harvest and life force. During these darkest weeks of the year, rituals were organized for three weeks. There was singing, ritual dramas were performed to invite fertility for the coming year. There was also looking ahead and interpreting omens. This doesn't mean, however, that the future was believed to be fixed. I've never encountered that idea in lessons about the ancient East, the teachings of the Celts, or among shamans worldwide. Previously, we carefully examined which energy flow presented itself and how best to respond to it to maintain balance and achieve a desired result.
Light a candle. Look at the light of the candle flame. Reflect on what you need or desire. Reflect on what's holding you back. Blow three times what's blocking you into a piece of wood, such as a skewer or a match. For example, if you need more peace, blow "my tendency to overbook my schedule" into the stick. Burn it. Then gently place your hands above the candle flame, feeling the warmth. Take a spoonful of the warmth and light and bring that energy to your head. Set the intention to deal with this issue with the greatest clarity. Repeat and bring it to your heart. Set the intention to deal with this issue from the greatest love. Repeat and bring it to your hara—your lower abdomen. Set the intention to deal with this issue with decisiveness.
Take a walk in the dark on a clear night. Gaze at the stars. Feel the vastness of the universe. Find the North Star—it's in the north. Tip: the handle of the Big Dipper always points in that direction. Gently touch your hairline, just above your forehead. Gently touch your lower abdomen, just below your navel. Visualize a connecting line from your head, through your heart, to your lower abdomen. Perhaps you can visualize some starlight in it. In the past, the North Star was the star that provided direction in the Northern Hemisphere. The two spots you just gently touched are named after it. Only you can determine your own direction by tuning in to your clearest thoughts, the message from your heart, and your intuitive wisdom.
All stretches on the back of your body are beneficial in winter. These allow the Bladder and Kidney meridians to flow, which are associated with the water element and winter. - Make a large "yes" motion - Stand up and lean forward. Let gravity create space between your vertebrae. - Come back up and stretch, alternately extending your arms upward.