On December 21st, the winter solstice ushers in the shortest day of the year as well as the official start of the winter season in the northern hemisphere. The winter solstice also coincides with the official start of Capricorn season. Now is a time of hibernation as we turn our energy inward to create a practical plan for forward movement. The winter season is an excellent time for personal, deep, serious reflection. Although some consider it to be a somber time of the year due to the cold weather and barren landscape, this is an excellent time to make space to focus on what matters most. This is the season for making plans and planting seeds in the coldness of winter so that we can experience the buds of life at the spring equinox.
The winter solstice beckons us to withdraw for consideration. Just consider the animals that go into hibernation. The leaves are stripped bare of their foliage. The ground is cold with a blanket of snow. The temperatures are cold and off-putting. Retreating to the warmth of enclosed quarters gives us a chance to focus on what matters. For just a season we put socialization and gathering on hold to shield ourselves from the harsh cold outside.
In some ways, the winter solstice brings change that calls us to reflect so that we can create the change that we want to experience in a practical manner. Oftentimes change starts in the dark away from the light and perspectives of others for us to process before it is seen in the light of day.
Seasons Of Change
The winter solstice coincides with the sun’s entry into Capricorn, a cardinal, action-oriented zodiac sign. The four seasons are associated with change, and this includes winter. Temperatures change. How we interact with the environment changes. Animals hibernate. Under the coldness and harshness of the winter terrain, we seek shelter away from the outside world. In doing so, there is space to consider who we are when away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The Capricorn influence at the winter solstice is connected to the distancing of ourselves in order to reflect. The change offered at the winter solstice is solid, thought out, and practical. We have time to consider where we are headed…even if conditions are not necessarily the best for moving forward.
Ultimately the winter solstice offers change that can’t be seen immediately. It is the change that begins within the self before it is reflected in the external environment.
Taking A Step Back To Move Forward
Wintertime calls us to retreat in order to move forward. While this may seem contradictory, change does not always manifest in the way that we may want. The journey to self-reflection begins with the fall equinox as we must accept that the days of warm weather and outward-focused energy are drawing to a close. Once winter arrives, we are familiar with the journey inward. Now, we are asked to go even deeper. Where are we? How did we get to where we are? How do we plan on moving forward?
It’s hard to answer these questions when we are distracted by the warm weather and outward-facing energy of the spring and summer seasons. Winter creates the perfect circumstances for the self-reflection needed to make a shift. While taking a step back to consider our realities may appear like a failure, it is not. How will we know where we are going if we don’t withdraw to consider the path forward?
The winter solstice presents the perfect environmental conditions for inner reflection so that we may reflect before we move forward.
Brewing Up A Master Plan
The winter solstice is the perfect time to draw up a master plan for future execution. While some may think that winter is a desolate time of coldness and isolation, this doesn’t have to be the case. Like a cold breeze hitting the face, winter provides a chilling reality check. Since we don’t have the distractions of warm weather and being out and about, we can focus on where we are now.
Do we like being with ourselves? Do we like being with others? Is our life what we would like it to be? If so, why? If not, why? These are important questions as it is difficult to create a master plan without clarity and accountability. The most effective, feasible plans are not created overnight. Creating a master plan takes time and understanding of the self, and that can only happen under ideal circumstances that make space for awareness, accountability, and responsibility.
Contrary to belief, the winter solstice doesn’t stop progression. It just offers a much-needed delay so that we can get clear about our realities. Beneath the coldness of winter, seeds are being planted and steps are being made for a path forward that leads to something grounded and practical.
But first, we must reflect. Master plans don’t just create themselves. They are fashioned from the personal understanding that comes from the value of personal reflection and practicality.
Planting Seeds In The Midst Of Winter
Use the winter solstice to plant seeds that will see the light of day at the spring equinox. It is no coincidence that the winter season correlated with Capricorn energy and the end and the beginning of the year. Effective change is a byproduct of responsibility and accountability. Just consider how many people start a new year armed with resolutions only to abandon them at some point. Did they have a plan? Did they know where they were going? Did they know what they wanted to achieve? Resolutions and goals are empty without practical intention and a solid plan for execution.
This is where the retreating and hibernation of the winter season is an advantage. Although conditions may not be the best for being outwardly expressive, it is a perfect time to create a plan and plant seeds in the dark. The best success stories come from those who work quietly and move in silence. The outward symbols will come eventually. For now, the real work is done without fanfare.
So, plant those seeds for growth in the darkness of winter while dedicating energy to creating and executing a plan that produces tangible results.
In all, the winter solstice is a time to appreciate the ability to go inwards to create results externally. There’s a reason and season for all things, and winter offers the opportunity to reflect on where we currently are so that we can create grounded, considerate plans that lead to practical results. Yes, this will require effort, but in the end, it is worth it.
Here’s to deep reflection and personal self-awareness at this winter solstice.
