December 21 marks the arrival of the Winter Solstice – a time of profound significance for our ancient ancestors.
Anna Marikar writes:
“In this sacred pause, as the Earth tilts away from the sun, we find a moment of stillness that allows us to introspect, set intentions for the coming year, and renew our connection with the natural world. This celebration, observed since ancient times transcends the mere change of seasons. It embodies the return of the light, the rebirth of the sun, and the promise of new beginnings.”
As we enter the holy dark of the longest night, and the quiet stillness that this provides, we enter a kind of sacred ground where the potency of the creative life force, exists. This is the realm of the divine feminine. It is here, in her presence, where we surrender all that is complete and embrace the possibility of something new.
The idea of this holds great meaning for me, especially as I reflect on this past year, and the many choices that are beginning to define for me, a different way forward. We are creative beings who, through our thoughts, words, and actions, manifest our reality, each and every moment. So, this makes me wonder… how can we use this understanding to fuel a human renaissance? A collective new beginning?
December 2025 is, according to Molly McCord, a time for “spiritual clearing, pulling back the final veil so illusions, false narratives, and worn-out energies can fully depart.”
As the “sacred pause” of the Winter Solstice nears, we are provided with the opportunity to enter the stillness of our dark interior, to pull back the veil, to glimpse the fullness of our storied minds. If we permit ourselves to see what lay beyond the false narratives of our manufactured reality, we just might find room for ourselves and others in the space that is revealed.
The Invitation
Over the course of this holiday season, spend some time in quiet stillness. “Maybe light a single candle and consider the year that’s passed; where you’ve struggled, when you were surprised, and what you’ve discovered along the way” (Carol Ames). Then, looking forward consider, what you want to create for yourself in the coming year. More than resolutions, what intentions feel deeply and meaningfully aligned for you? Maybe, for the world around you? How can you leave space for the unexpected?
PINECONES represent this seed of new beginnings as well as the potential for growth and the cycle of renewal that the Winter Solstice brings. They remind us that from the darkness of winter comes the rebirth of spring. So, as you set your intentions for the year ahead, you’re invited to find a pinecone, maybe allowing it to serve as a symbol of your commitment to growing something new, something filled with potential and renewal.
To close, I offer the following thoughts that reflect for me, this moment in our collective “solstice”. Written by Carole Ames, this piece is called “Our Soul is Waiting”.
In whatever way we choose to approach this season,
know that we can make it a positive and nurturing time for us, and those around us.
We can light a fire or a candle; think of one thing we accomplished this year;
remember one person who made a difference in our world;
or consider one thing we might do to make this world better, at least for today.
And we can relax – knowing that our blankets will be there when we need them.
Wishing you peace as you enter the potency of this solstice season.
In love and gratitude.
Denise
OFFERINGS
The first offering of 2026 takes place on January 15.
This will be a New Moon, New Intentions Community Breathwork Circle.
To register: https://forms.gle/183gEoevJHUqCJkF9
Limited spaces available.