Winter Solstice and Chakras

CELEBRATING THE SOLSTICE

Congratulations!! We've made it to the Winter Solstice. The solstice is the official beginning of winter.  It the longest night and shortest day of the year.  From now until June, the days will be getting longer.  It may not be noticeable for a few weeks, but each day, the sun is shining on our part of the earth a tiny bit longer.  It begins with adding a few seconds of sunlight to every day, but by the summer solstice in June, our days stay light more than four hours longer than at the winter solstice.  

It is generally noted that people feel happier when the sun is shining.  Things that affect our emotions have a big effect on the chakra system, and in the case of sunshine, we tend to feel more positive, upbeat and hopeful when the sun is out.  Some people are so sensitive to daylight, that a lack of sunshine can lead to seasonal affective disorder also known as SAD.  It's common for many people to feel winter depression that lifts as soon as the sun comes out.  

Not only do the lengthening days affect humans, but plants and wildlife respond to more sunlight as well.  Did you know that plants can actually track the length of a day?  They chemically measure the hours of darkness, and when the days reach a specific length, the plants release hormones that begin to make buds.  Their timing must be exactly right in order to flower in the spring.  So beautiful.    

Birds that migrate are always monitoring light and dark.  Longer days signal it's time to return to their breeding grounds, but if it's too soon, there is a danger of frost.  If they return too late, the best places to nest will already be taken.  The survival of their species depends on their ability to be in tune with winter solstice.  Nature is truly amazing.

So even though there is snow on the ground as I write this blog, I carry the knowledge that spring is on its way. Happy Solstice to all.  Let the sun shine in.