Winter Solstice 2021
by Donna DeNomme
Winter solstice is the shortest day and the longest night, having sunlight almost six hours less than its sister day, the summer solstice in June. In Colorado, this happens on Tuesday, December 21 at 8:59 am. The actual solstice is an astronomical event in a moment’s flash as the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky and after a pivotal pause, begins to tilt toward the sun so our days grow longer. This year is 12-21-2021, an auspicious number as 2021 reduces to a 5, the number of shifting change and the entire date reduces to 11, the psychic master number bringing forth inspiration and spiritual guidance.
When contemplating “The Longest Night” you might wonder what significance this has for you. Throughout time people have celebrated the returning of the sun, and many of our holiday traditions have been adapted from ancient practices. The primary focus was in releasing the dark and embracing the light – both literally and metaphorically.
- As we look toward the growing light, it is a prime time to also sense within our own shadows
- To pull forward insight and wisdom from those typically unseen parts
as those are the “light” held within our own darkness
- Winter is the season for stillness, reflection, recovery and healing, and preparation for proverbial planting in the spring for a new harvest.
- The traditional practice of smudging or burning dried herbs can cleanse, heal, and restore positive energy. A salt lamp is a strong clearing tool, too.
- Do a meditation in the evening or in the morning before sunrise. Take some time this week to be in the physical darkness … and contemplate your dark places, and those of the world right now. Learning to be present with the shadow builds our resilience and quells our fears.
- You can celebrate the returning of the light by gathering a circle of family or friends and lighting candles while speaking appreciation for all that is good in your life.
We focus on knowing that in the resting time of winter, we hold confidence in the hope of spring. Again, this practice helps us to become steadfast when times are challenging, knowing we can draw closer to our goodness waiting around the next corner.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in
winter. Who would think those branches would turn green again and blossom, by
we hope it, we know it.”
- Plan a traditional winter solstice feast with squash soup, crusty baked bread, and a pecan pie!
- Or serve up a hot mug of spiced cider or hot chocolate with marshmallows on top
- Ask for sharing from those young and old: how do you like to “rest?” In what ways do you practice going within yourself? And how can you use this time to regenerate?
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” -Edith Sitwell, poet
This time of the year can get quite hectic, so remember to carve out time for yourself, drawing close your self-care. And encourage your family to create traditions that draw you in close and cozy within the family, too. Winter is the time for home.
Please enjoy a 30 second audio pause before the video begins. This will allow you to center prior to the video beginning. There will also be a time of intentional darkness on your screen in the middle of the video.
Donna DeNomme is a conscious energy teacher, shamanic healer, and ceremonial facilitator. As a Master Success Coach, Donna has assisted clients since 1987 and was voted Colorado’s “Spiritual Health Guru” by the prestigious 5280 magazine for her innovative healing practices.
Donna offers psychic readings and empowerment sessions through For Heaven’s Sake. She is the award-winning, internationally published author of Turtle Wisdom: Coming Home to Yourself (series), Ophelia’s Oracle, 8 Keys to Wholeness, and As You Feel, So You Heal: A Write of Passage available at For Heaven’s Sake bookstores.