in the northern hemisphere, today (december 21st) marks the winter solstice: the shortest day of the year, in union with the longest night. it is also the first day of winter and the beginning of capricorn season — in many ways this day marks the beginning of the new year

the word solstice means “when the sun stands still.” specifically, in reference to the winter solstice, it marks a time where the sun hovers at its lowest in the sky

our ancestors were in tune with the archetypal energies of the earth, with many cultures celebrating this day as sacred.

from this day forward, until the summer equinox, the sun will continue his climb in the sky, regaining strength and beginning to shower the planet with more sunshine: a symbol of hope during shadow season

our ancestors did not consider this point in time to be the “end” of the year, but rather the beginning

understanding that the sun will shine at his fullest radiance again and the plants will blossom and bloom come spring invites parts of us to remember that we, too will find the light in our divine timing

winter innately ushers us into a time of self reflection, nudging us to intuitively explore our subconscious, manifesting inner strength to keep the internal pilot light on while other parts of us rest + recalibrate

it’s natural that many of us struggle at this time, as we are confronted with the shadow aspects of ourselves

yet, nature reminds us that we ARE nature! it is normal, natural and cyclical to return to phases of darkness + shadow. it is 50% of this realm, which is coated in the illusion of duality

if we can learn to master our relationship with the darkness, through loving and holding ourselves through it like the most loving mother would, than we may just have an easier go at things

and remember — spring will come again.

now is the time to lean into our inner winter to harvest the gifts of this season

in order for us to collectively receive the gifts of our inner winter, we must take time to recalibrate, rest, and nourish ourselves

self care and tending to the younger parts of us that remember our most tender moments full of hardship is so crucial right now. be gentle and kind to yourself.

remember to hold yourself sweetly and softly while simultaneously remembering how much strength you have from within

the growing sunshine will remind you of this strength that will return with each passing day, as the light returns once again

with love,
carleena

if you wish to learn more about cyclical living and attuning to nature as a compassionate guide for spiritual (r)evolution, be sure to mark your calendar for march 21st, 2023 when my upcoming book the akashic alchemist: a cyclical guide to remembering your soul’s ancient wisdom is released in print and e-book

about carleena lara-bregatta

carleena lara-bregatta is a spiritual coach, embodiment mentor, author and teacher. she teaches how to return to cyclical living, sharing grounded tools on how to reclaim your vital energy, find freedom and tap into your divine birthright to create. she weaves together modern neuroscience with earth-based indigenous wisdom for a holistic approach to shadow work, trauma healing and manifestation.

through a decade of spiritual study she created her 7 phase process to spiritual (r)evolution, teaching this now to her clients and students through her online wisdom school and 1 on 1 coaching, inspiring souls to break free from societal conditioning and old limiting beliefs for a life of empowered freedom.

carleena is the host of the akashic alchemist: a spiritual podcast, and is releasing her first book aptly titled the akashic alchemist: a cyclical guide to remembering your soul’s ancient wisdom coming in early 2023.

she is a certified usui reiki master, 800 hour e-ryt, certified hypnotherapist & past life regression therapist and holds a b.a. of psychology and m.a. of international non-governmental organizations. she routinely holds yoga teacher trainings, reiki trainings, and retreats across the united states and internationally.