In the Heart of Darkness: Peace

When we seek inner balance, we are intentionally tuning-in to the natural Cosmic Order of things.

All the magic of life demands this constant re-balancing — its essence reflected in the birth-death-rebirth of our seasons, the ever-present waning / waxing of our Moon, and the many other cycles we live with every day.

The Solstice is one of those milestones. In this hemisphere its approach signals an expanding darkness, a deep exhale and time of profound stillness before the re-emergence of the light.

Our culture’s collective need to focus only on the light — busying ourselves with all manner of extra tasks, noisy gatherings and online gift acquisition, can end up robbing us of the opportunity this deepening darkness provides.

Any self-respecting alchemist will tell you they do their best work in the in-between times, at the edge of the shift from night to day and back again.

The gloaming just after sunset, and the hour before sunrise when the birds sing back the sun, offer daily windows into the time of the changeling. Similarly, the upcoming winter Solstice brings on the Dreamtime: an energetic container in which we can rest, rejuvenate, and plant seeds of intention for the coming year.

The 2025 Chinese Astrological year of the Wood Snake ushers in deep transformation that helps us reveal our authentic nature (think: shedding your skin) and embrace the feminine principles of earthiness and flexibility.

This pre-Solstice period is an ideal place to just pause and contemplate. Taking time to review and release what was opens the field for the shifts ahead.

Consciously deciding to slow down in this pre-Solstice time can look like:

•  Doing one less thing on your List
•  Taking short breaks instead of pushing through with a project
•  Proactively carving out regular quiet time for you
•  Intentionally withdrawing yourself from any drama around you
•  Gently but firmly saying ‘no’ (especially if you’re feeling pressured to say yes)

These are subtle but potent ways we can reclaim the sacredness of this transitional time and better prepare for the transformation to come.