Joyful Aspen

On this Winter Solstice, I find myself drawn into the quiet embrace of the season—a time of introspection and connection to the cycles of nature. This longest night of the year holds a deep and sacred meaning for me as an “elder” in the Druid tradition. It is a moment to honor the darkness, not as a force to be feared but as a space for rest, healing, and transformation.

The Gift of the Dark

In the hustle of modern life, the darkness of winter offers a gift often overlooked: the opportunity to pause. As an older man, I no longer approach the season with the urgency of youth, trying to fill every moment with activity. Instead, I see this time as an invitation to slow down, embrace the stillness, and acknowledge the importance of quiet growth. Just as the seeds lie dormant beneath the frozen earth, I allow myself to rest, knowing that this rest is fertile ground for the visions and actions of the coming year.

The solstice night also reminds me of the cycles I’ve seen play out in my own life. There have been times of great light—joy, abundance, vitality—and deep shadow. Both are necessary. The darkness has taught me resilience, patience, and the value of emerging stronger after facing life’s challenges. The winter solstice mirrors these lessons, a reminder that the sun’s return is always assured.

Rekindling the Light

The solstice also celebrates light, even in its smallest forms. In my practice, I light a single candle on this night, a simple act with immense meaning. It symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of brighter days. As the flame dances, I reflect on the light I wish to carry within me into the year ahead. What wisdom can I pass on? How can I nurture warmth and kindness in those around me? These questions guide me as the returning sun will guide the lengthening days.

Connection to the Land

Living in the Southwest desert, the winter solstice takes on a unique character. The stark beauty of the landscape—a palette of earthy tones and open skies—feels amplified in the quiet of winter. The absence of lush greenery does not signal emptiness but reveals life’s endurance and adaptability here. The hardy creosote, the towering saguaro, and the soft glow of winter sunsets remind me of nature’s ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions.

This connection to the land is central to my spiritual practice. On solstice morning, I often greet the dawn, offering thanks to the spirits of place and the earth herself. The rising sun feels like a promise renewed, its rays painting the mountains in golden light—a reminder that, even in times of darkness, the cycle of life continues.

A Time of Renewal

For me, the winter solstice is a celebration of nature’s cycles and a personal call to align with them. It’s a time to release what no longer serves me—old fears, grudges, or habits—and to set intentions for the coming year. These intentions are not grand resolutions but small, meaningful commitments: to listen more deeply, to act with compassion, and to continue seeking wisdom in the world around me.

As an elder, I feel a responsibility to embody the values I hold dear and inspire others to find their connection to the sacred. The solstice is a moment to renew that commitment, to let my life be a light for others, even as I remain open to learning and growing myself.

Embracing the Mystery

Above all, the winter solstice reminds me of life’s great mystery. The interplay of light and dark, death and rebirth, has been unfolding for millennia. To stand in the stillness of this night is to feel a sense of belonging—to the earth, the cosmos, and the great web of existence.

As I light my candle and welcome the returning sun, I honor the darkness for its gifts. It is in the quiet and the shadow that we come to know ourselves, to plant the seeds of what will one day bloom. And as the wheel turns once more, I step forward with gratitude, humility, and hope, ready to embrace all the next cycle will bring.