Winter Blessings and Beauties, Day 51: The Light at the End of the Tunnel

We have now arrived at Yule, the Winter Solstice - the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern hemisphere. From now on days will gradually lengthen and nights grow shorter - although imperceptibly at first. Although we passed the halfway point of winter a few days ago (the exact midpoint between Samhain and Imbolc), it is from today onwards that we begin the climb back up towards the light half of the year from the deepest, darkest days of Winter.

Understandably (and especially this year), many people choose to celebrate the returning light at Yule, but I think we should also be honouring the dark at the height of its power. This year - probably because I've been posting daily about the Blessings and Beauties of Winter - I've felt a pang at the idea that Winter and the season of darkness is already beginning to wane. Is that weird? I think it's actually good that the practice of actively engaging with the positive side of Winter every day has changed my way of thinking about this much maligned season.

Which is not to say I'm not looking forward to the first snowdrops and the warmer, brighter days they herald! But for me at least, even in this most difficult of years, the 'Winter Blessings and Beauties' experiment seems to have sped up the first half of Winter, and helped me more consciously enjoy the things that make Winter unique and special. I hope it's helped you too. 

Winter Blessings and Beauties - Day 51

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

We have journeyed through the dark together into the very heart of Winter - savouring every step of the way, lingering over the pleasures and treasures we have found en route. As the sun stands still at its nadir, let us too pause and take stock. Looking back over the first half of Winter, remembering the all the facets of the season that we've explored and savoured so far... then turning to look ahead at the light at the end of the tunnel, beckoning us forward. What adventures and discoveries await us in the second half of Winter, as we journey through the growing days into Spring?