I’m always sad to see the Yule season end. I like the anticipation and the coziness of the season, and while it’s fun to ring in the new year with celebrations and champagne, I always find myself a little let down by the sudden wintry reality that follows. Not just back to work again after a break (which is always too short), or the putting away of warm and cheerful decorations, but the seemingly cold feeling of waiting for spring that follows the celebration of the sun’s return.
There’s quite a lot of waiting in the winter, and it feels strongest to me right around the beginning of January. Our weather is such that we dont have long to wait for spring, but it’s frequently rainy and chilly here right now, even if we do get warm days in between. Though the sun is returning, the light doesn’t seem to change quickly enough. It’s still dark when I leave for work, and almost dark when I get home.
I’m looking forward to driving during the sunrise again, in a month or so, and to the days warming up into spring.
This year, though, I am trying to pace myself and savor this time of year. This time of year is so quiet, and I want to take advantage of that. We know the sun is returning, and the patient waiting offers an extension of the time of reflection that usually follows Samhain. I can make plans for my garden, perusing seed catalogues and diagramming garden beds, but I can also take the time to meditate on the cold (or even IN the cold, for short periods of time).
It’s also a good time to enjoy the quiet in my house after the bustle that defines November and December. The early evenings offer more reading time and time to spend preparing my house for the busier times of year, as well as time for deep reflection and increased devotions.
Instead of always looking ahead, this year I want to try to really dig into this period of stillness before Imbolc and the return of spring in March. I will light candles, burn incense, cook warm and hearty foods, and keep the fire of my hearth bright and welcoming.
Then when spring does come, I’ll be rested and ready for growing things and being outside again.
[…] was reading a blog post by Druid in the Swamp earlier and it inspired me so thought I’d write a bit about what this time of year means to […]
You did a very good job of articulating the feeling that comes after New Year’s Day. I realize I feel the exact same way after reading your post. I also plan to step up my devotional practice (to daily)! It will be very fulfilling I think.
Blessings,
Victoria
Let me know how your daily devotions turn out! I’m not good at doing anything on a truly daily basis, but I’m hoping to step things up some to be more regular. Considering a prayer or devotion to Sunna that I can say in my car, since I’m usually driving during the sunrise!
That’s a great idea! 🙂