Thoughts on the Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice has just passed and now the days grow in length again...but still the nights are long.  This can be a slow time, to reflect, to go inside (literally in one's dwelling and also in one's own being).  

An aspect for health for me involves being in touch with natural cycles and being in my own rhythm with that.  I definitely feel the need to go inside myself at this time and am feeling the need to slow down.  There is something stirring in me that feels a bit elusive right now.

On the Winter Solstice, we had a gathering of friends where I live and below are some of the intentions and seeds for thought that were offered forth.
  

Intention:  in the quiet earthy darkness and stillness there is a light that emerges, a spark to tend, a light to share.


Seeds to consider:  What is the light that emerges from embracing and honoring the darkness?  Where there is light there are also shadows, and how do we acknowledge them?  How can we support each other through these times?

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Healing, feeling, being one.
Take your time go slowly.
Listen deeply to yourself.
Simple things are holy.

(from a song i learned at Free Cascadia Witch Camp. 
i don't know the origin or if i have the lyrics correct...however i do like this version)