Winter Solstice

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” - Albert Camus

On the eve of the Winter Solstice, I came upon a swan and heron in a flooded field. The heron quickly took flight to bring his medicine elsewhere, leaving myself and the swan to enjoy the rain together. Comforted was I by the presence of these two creatures, both deeply connected to the myths and legends of these lands. Both carrying such rich symbolism in our culture and for myself personally.

Associated with An Cailleach, the wise crone, the heron bird reminds us that we are in the depth of our winter. We must be willing to embrace death, to allow what no longer serves us to die.

The medicine of the swan has made itself known in my life during two distinct periods of dying. She heralds the death of aspects of myself, of relationships, of a home, and this year, the death of my beloved dog. She tells me, “Show up for death with grace, because there is much life on the other side”. 

We must trust the initiation that death brings, we cannot be reborn without it.

Comforted was I, surrounded by these symbols of death, to know that although we are now faced with our darkest night, we are simultaneously celebrating the return of the light.

Winter Solstice and Great Conjunction Blessings 🙏