In the northern hemisphere, we are rapidly approaching the Winter Solstice, which is December 21, 2019, at 4:19UTC. It marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. It is when the sun in our sky’s dome reaches the farthest southward point for the year. At the Winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere has its shortest day and longest night of the year.

Today, we know that a solstice is an astronomical event, caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis and its motion in orbit around the sun. At the Winter solstice, the Earth is positioned in its orbit so that the sun stays below the North Pole’s horizon. As seen from 23.5 degrees South of the equator, at the line encircling the globe we call the Tropic of Capricorn, the sun shines directly overhead at Noon. This is as far South as the sun will ever get. All locations south of the equator have day lengths greater than 12 hours at the December solstice. Meanwhile, all locations north of the equator have day lengths of less than 12 hours.

Can you imagine the amazing wisdom of the ancients and indigenous populations around the world that figured this all out without technology? Remarkable.

Those of us in the northern hemisphere know that the shortest day comes at the Winter solstice. After the Winter solstice, the days get longer, and the nights start to get shorter. It is a seasonal shift that nearly everyone notices.

Nothing is so fundamental as the length of daylight. After all, the sun is the ultimate source of all light and warmth on Earth. No matter where you live on the globe, a solstice is your signal to celebrate!

Let’s look at it from a Feng Shui perspective and consider the Five Element. Solstice is a powerful change point in terms of Qi. The Winter solstice is the Yin phase of the annual cycle. In Feng Shui, Yin is also considered to be the feminine aspect and it is at its peak.

From a Feng Shui perspective, the sun is Bing/Yang Fire element. In the Winter season, the dominant element is Water. In the Five Elements cycle, Water extinguishes the Fire. The lack of fire element means that the Yin polarity of energy is strengthened. This time of year is when we experience Water element at its most vibrant and the wheel begins to turn towards Yang polarity of energy as the days start to get longer.

Water element also relates to emotions so, this is an ideal time to find the stillness on the outside to explore our deepest self. We can use natural energy shifts around us to help meditate and see what emerges from the silence. When you get inspiration, then it is time to take action!

Consider taking some time this week to journal, examine your emotions, envision you want for the next six months, and decide what you want to expand.

Feeling like you need some balance right now? This would be a good day to light a fire or candles to add warmth to your physical environment. Remember to share some kindness and compassion during this time, too.