This year, the winter solstice occurs on December 21st, with the solstice moment happening at exactly 10:27 EST. Also known as Yule, it marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year, when the sun seems to stand still in the sky. As such, it is a time when many religions and cultures ponder the natural cycles of dark and light and rebirth.
Many seasonal symbols today have roots in winter solstice rituals — lighting candles and bonfires, burning the yule log, decorating with mistletoe and holly and evergreens. Feasting and singing are also traditional, especially the sharing of the wassail punch and the ringing of bells to welcome back the strengthening sun. The celebrations often lasted for twelve days, much like the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” an echo of the ancient belief that the sun actually did pause in the sky for twelve days.
It is our human inclination on this, the longest night, to gather with our friends and family, to make merry and celebrate warmth both literally and metaphorically. But the solstice is, as its name reveals, a time to honor stillness. It is the energy of The Hermit, the card of solitude, introspection, and soul seeking, a card that urges us to slow down, take stock, look within.
The Earth herself is moving into the dark time, the cool time, the time of shadows. Humanity has created a million ways to pretend this isn't happening. We turn up the lights, sing louder, drape tinsel, laugh and plan and move hither and yon, busy and busier.
This holiday season, consider the bear. Bears know how to hermit better than anybody, so start planning the ways that you can honor your inner ursine. Plump the cushions in your cave. Make ready to spend some time in luxurious hibernation. It is a fact of our culture that one must carve away solitude, carve it like Michelangelo freeing the angel from the marble.
But do carve. Because the angel is there. And The Hermit promises to help you find it.
PS: Still looking for a gift for that special someone? Consider a certificate for a tarot reading. There’s no better way to start the new year, and right now I’ve got all my hour-long readings on sale. But hurry! Like 2023, this offer ends at midnight on December 31st!