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The wisdom of winter with Sophie Lutz
Finding ease in the season of good cheer
Women’s Wisdom column by Sophie Lutz
I’m writing this on a soggy windy day thinking about the headlong whoosh towards 2022. The next few weeks are punctuated with festivities: office parties, then Christmas itself and finally New Year’s Eve. It’s as if we are being swept along by all this merriment, to forget the dark mornings and afternoons, cold fingers and chapped lips.
Moving within
In Winter the wheel of the year turns away from the light towards the darkness. Pagans recognise this as a turning inward, to a more contemplative time when we consider our roots and our unconscious. We honour our ancestors and light fires like the one on bonfire night to remember the light that will return.
Yuletide is coming
Then comes Yule, or the Winter Solstice, tippexed over by the Christian church as Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth (the historical Jesus was probably born in Spring according to Biblical scholars). The shortest night of the year falls on the 21st December and has been celebrated with feasting since the middle ages.
How can we manage to savour this season, rather than mindlessly letting it devour us and waking up feeling sick on New Year’s Day both in mind and body?
Saturn is your friend: just say no
Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival took place in December. Saturn is the stern father planet. He says no. Boundaries are so important. Don’t get dragged into what you don’t want or cannot manage. Better to sensitively but firmly decline than blow out at the last minute or attend resentfully.
Find your inner light
Make space for inner work during this frenetic time. Candle meditation is great for this. Light a candle, fix your gaze on it. Breath with ease. A few minutes can transform your day from chaos to calm, at least on the inside.
On the subject of gifts
It’s easier said than done but a small thoughtful gift or experience is so much better appreciated than a glut of tat that will end up regifted or in that drawer. Instead of spending money, spend time. Time spent making or really thinking about what a loved one really wants or needs is a gift indeed.
I wish you a mindful, delightful Winter Season. Gift yourself the boundaries, ease and space to be able to relish and enjoy it. Merry Yule and Blessed New Year. n
