“The beauty of the Cailleach reflected the beauty of winter. The lines on her face all told stories. She did not have the wrinkle-free smoothness of a young girl, but rather the wisdom of age and experience. Her eyes spoke of death, wonder and determination, all of which were found in the harsh snows which blanketed the land and reminded people of their own mortality. “
–From the book ‘Visions of the Cailleach’ by Sorita d’este & David Rankine
We have nearly arrived to the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. As the darkness cloaks us in its deep mystery, and the land here in the northern hemisphere tucks itself in for a long nap, we too feel called to rest and allow the wisdom that can only be found in silence and stillness to reveal itself.
The Wheel of the Year and the seasons of nature all correspond to aspects of ourselves, and stages of life. Here, at the Winter Solstice, we are at the Elder stage.
No matter what our age, we all have an inner Crone, Elder or Wise One within us. This part of us may be as ancient as time, our wise soul that has lived through many lifetimes. It is the part of us that has learned to love and let go, to make mistakes and grow, and gather wisdom from experience. As we nurture our inner Elder, we find valuable gems of wisdom to take with us beyond this lifetime, and share with others while we’re here.
The Winter Solstice invites us to embrace the darkness- the Great Mystery, the dark womb of potential, the void from which all dreams are born. This is a potent season for rest and dreaming.
Melatonin- also known as ‘the hormone of darkness’ is released by the pineal gland in response to the sky’s natural darkening. This helps us sleep and regulate our wake-sleep cycles. This is nature’s way of saying ‘It’s time to rest, time to dream, time to recharge’.
Unfortunately, due to modern schedules and light sources, especially the blue light from our screens, melatonin production is inhibited, making it harder for us to get the refueling sleep and dreamtime we need. Lowering the light in our homes, and putting away screens after dark or before bed are ways we can allow our natural melatonin production to form and get more satisfying sleep. I enjoy using candles, crystal lamps, dim lighting and try to limit time on my phone during the evenings of these darker months.
The land is also taking its time to rest now, a necessary dormancy period that is a vital part of the fertility cycle. Dormancy gives bulbs and seeds the energy they will need to sprout in the warmer months. Without a dormancy period, many plants will not sprout. Some plants require more dormancy than others, anywhere from weeks, up to many years before being able to germinate.
Like seeds, us humans require quiet, non-active periods of rest, especially during this time of year. Letting the busy-ness and stress of our culture’s version of the holiday season burn us out can prevent the germination of new life in spring. If possible, take some time this winter to slow down, simplify and try an earlier bedtime. Embrace stillness, silence, reflection and receptivity. Create fertile soil for your dreams to germinate. Your body, spirit and psyche will thank you!
Winter Solstice is also a celebration of the return of the light. While this increase in light is often not very noticeable until Imbolc season in early February, we can open our minds and hearts to hope and know that new life is on its way! We however must be patient and let new energies incubate and reveal themselves in their proper timing. Surrender and faith are qualities we are invited to cultivate during this time.
As we slow down and allow ourselves to enter a receptive state, we can begin to form new visions for the coming year. Winter is a great time to tend our inner soil, our inner foundations and strengthen our roots and bones.
While January begins the calendar new year, it is not necessarily the best time to jump into starting a whole new paradigm, or expect immediate results on anything. Radical diets and big changes often fade out by February because of the energy-conserving, slow-moving nature of this time. Changes can be made, but with patience and small, realistic steps forward. It is more conducive to integration and inner alignment- a time to open to possibilities and let our intuition and inner wisdom guide us forward.
The Cailleach
It is at this time of year that I often feel the wise, strong and powerful presence of the Cailleach- the ancient, giant, primordial Old Woman that predates the gods, venerated in Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man and all over Britain. She has roots in Spain and beyond as well. Her presence expresses itself through the harsh cold of the season, creating storms, snow and darkness. She also is known as a shaper of the land, creating hills, stones, cairns and lakes.
Through Her connection to the land, the Cailleach is also a goddess of Sovereignty, able to grant kingship. She also rules over herds of deer and tends the animals. Her myths and stories can be traced as far back as two thousand years ago. She is truly an ancient, wise presence to behold, and Her energy serves to awaken our own inner strength, sovereignty, power and ability to move through challenges.
Some see the Cailleach as the dark mirror of Brighid- the goddess of fertility, spring, the hearth and the light, who is celebrated at Imbolc. Their relationship is a dance between the forces of life and death, or light and darkness, which are energies that seek balance within ourselves.
My favourite depictions of the Cailleach and Crone imagery lie in the Wisdom of the Cailleach oracle by Jane Brideson. I love seeing powerful, inspiring imagery of women as elders- a lacking depiction in our culture. This beautiful deck is my go-to every Winter to tap into the powerful energies the Cailleach holds.
Curious to see what the Cailleach and your Solstice season has in store for you?
Take a moment to ground and centre yourself. Take 3 mindful, deep breaths. Then, when you’re ready, gaze at the cards below and ask ‘What do I need to know for this Winter Solstice Season?’ Then, choose your card…
Remember that number! Now scroll down for your message. Messages from the deck creator, Jane Brideson, and then my own words in italics.
- Moon– Intuition, Dreams, Illusion
- Imagination, inner vision, creativity.
- Recognition of your body’s cycle and energy levels.
- Heightened awareness, insight, and understanding.
- A time to use your intuition and follow your dreams.
The moon offers us the wisdom of cycles and flow. We don’t have to remain the same forever, or follow the same routine rigidly. We can change, shapeshift and move as we feel called to. It’s ok to be moody, and to follow your feelings. It’s ok to change your mind or grow out of something. Give yourself permission to be multi-faceted, to go through phases, to be a changeable human being. Lunar consciousness is counter-cultural, but oh so needed to bring us into balance. What phase are you in right now? What do you feel called to explore or express? Where can you invite more flow or wildness into your life? What are your dreams showing you? This can be a great time to track the moon cycle and notice how its energies interplay with your own.
2. Possibilities- Trust, Hope, Potential
- Hopes, dreams and plans for the future.
- Trust that all will be well in this moment.
- An opportunity to explore your potential.
- Time of optimism and freedom.
Do you allow yourself to dream big? Remember the wonder and awe you felt as a child? Take some time to sky-gaze and envision possibilities for yourself in the future. Sometimes we get caught up in old stories from the past and believe in a more limited future than is possible for us. We also forget to look up at the night sky and remember just how big the universe is, and how much we have yet to explore and discover. Perhaps you are feeling called to expand your world a bit with travel, a new course of study, an inspiring experience or trying something new. This card encourages you to go for it! Even a small change in activity can create new neural pathways in our brain, transforming the way we see the world and keep us young. What do you feel curious about? What thoughts create a feeling of expansion and liberation in your heart and soul? It’s time to open up to more. Believe in your potential!
3. Old Woman
I am
gnarled hands that knot the past into the present.
Preserving myths, keeping ancestors alive.
I am
Your heritage, your hard lessons, the kindnesses, old conflicts, the good blood and the bad.
My crooked fingers unravel knots, free tethered thoughts, release the ties that bind.
I am
the parting and the letting go, which heals your broken thread.
What experiences, challenges and triumphs have etched themselves upon your soul in this life? Our life brings us love, loss and so much more, changing us deeply and making us wiser. This is a time to reflect, to gather all the yarn and weavings of your life, all your key experiences and appreciate all that brought you here- the good and the bad, as they have strengthened you. You are sacred, blessed and a deeply important contributor to this world, with so much wisdom to share. Are there aspects of your past or your ancestral inheritance that can be preserved for future generations? Are there aspects of your past that are weighing you down and can be let go of? As you continue to weave the tapestry of your life, what beauty, inspiration or wisdom would you like to keep, pass down or share with others?
4. Wise Woman
I am
softening skin creased by a million smiles.
furrowed brow planted with seeds of hope, slow uncurling of inner vision.
I am
The arrow that flies to the heart, spiral path that snakes across the land, the whitethorn by a sacred well.
I whisper charms as breathing slows in rest, then tip-toe to your side. Our arms entwined, our bodies light, we dance into the Many Coloured Land.
The darkness is what shows us the light. As we age, we feel more gratitude for the simple things, the small moments that make up daily life. We realise just how precious life is. What moments bring you that deep joy and gratitude for life itself? What small acts in your daily life can become moments of mindfulness or gentle ritual? If you have been feeling heavy with the complexity of human existence, come back to simplicity. Make a list of 5 things in everyday life that touch you deeply or that you feel grateful for, such as the smell of coffee, the sound of the wind in the trees, or seeing a loved one smile. Open to the sacredness found in each and every aspect of your everyday life. Also, take note of your nightly dreams and any wisdom or inspiration that can be gleaned from them.
5. Ancestors- Origins, Forgiveness, The Past
- Your roots, your ancestors, your heritage.
- Lessons learned, time to move on.
- Understanding and forgiving your former self.
- Time to leave behind your past, old patterns and beliefs.
Our ancestral inheritance comes with many gifts as well as challenges. Oftentimes, we unconsciously carry beliefs that were instilled in us at such a young age that we don’t think much of them operating in the background of our life- through our self-talk, the decisions we make, the obligations and fears we carry. Is there something you’ve been carrying, perhaps not only you, but your family has carried for generations- that is holding you back from being your whole self? Or from manifesting your dreams? Traumas can repeat themselves in our life until we heal. Is there a pattern from your past keep that keeps repeating itself? Seek out support and guidance if need be to help you untangle any roots that are not conducive to your growth. If you’ve already been doing this work, acknowledge how far you’ve come. Also, tap into the many gifts that you’ve inherited. Take the good and leave the bad behind.
6. Tribe- Community, Celebration, Support
- Family, chosen family or community.
- The mutual support, comfort and help of friends.
- Undertaking responsibility and assisting others.
- Time to celebrate and share with others.
Who’s in your circle? It’s not the size of it that matters, but the quality. When we vibrate at our own authentic frequency, we attract others who align with it. You may be in a transition in your community circles, where some friends or groups are falling away, or no longer in your best interest. Perhaps you’re experiencing a dry spell or have been a hermit for a long time. As you come closer to your authentic self, you will start attracting people who resonate with you that you can have a more supportive and nourishing connection with. This is a great time to nurture your aligned connections by offering support or reaching out, as well as taking the time time to honor where you’re at and envision what type of circles you wish to be part of in the future. Or perhaps, you feel called to start your own community?
7. Sun-Joy, Energy, Prosperity
- Happiness, warmth, and good health.
- Good luck, success, a positive outcome.
- A time to enjoy sunlit days, a holiday.
- Time for pleasure, fun and play!
It’s too easy to get bogged down in the seriousness and heaviness of life these days. We cannot bring our dreams into the world or help others unless we allow joy and light in! Thankfully, this card is an indication that your own energy, vitality and strength are increasing and will flourish. Keep up the positive things you are doing for yourself and others. Nourish joy in your life. Surround yourself with candles, invigorating colors, music and imagery that keeps your heart light and inspired. Get creative, nurture your passion or let your inner child out to play! The world needs this energy more than ever. Allow it to exist in you!
8. Well- Healing, Nurturing, Self-care.
- Health, physical and emotional tranquility.
- Nurturing self or others.
- Connection to nature, ritual, meditation.
- Take time out for refreshment, reflection and healing.
Wells are sacred sites for healing and prayers to healing spirits. The well calls you now to draw your healing energies towards yourself. Perhaps you’ve been at the beck and call of others for too long or come through a period of intensity or hard work. It is time to regroup, gather your energies, process and nurture yourself. This could be a great time for a retreat- whether through travel or simply by giving yourself some time out at home to replenish. Your soul is calling you for some attention. Reflect on your deepest needs, desires and wishes. Journal, meditate or take a walk in nature to reconnect to your inner self. What is your body telling you it needs at this time? What does your heart long for? What brings your mind some peace? What does your spirit crave? Allow yourself to receive the healing energies the earth is offering you.
I hope your card resonated!
If you’d like to delve deeper into your own inner wisdom, the Cailleach and the magic of Winter Solstice, I’d love for you to join me online on Friday, Dec 20th @7pm EST for Winter Solstice Circle- Honoring Our Inner Wisdom. We keep it small, cozy and intimate for ease of sharing. All genders, paths and experience levels welcome. I’d love to see you there!
Winter Solstice Blessings to you,
Serena
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