The following is a Winter Solstice Meditation by the Seraph, Julian, read by Camille Albrecht.

There is a rhythm to the universe, a pattern of escalating energy that brings about change, and there is the rhythm of seasons that permit change within our world.  Within ourselves is this same rhythm; for as above, so below; as within, so without.  No change can occur outside of the structure of the rhythm of the universe.  through understanding the energies of the solstice and equinox, we can use these energies more fully and work with more understanding when bringing about change in our own lives.

There are two active, or launching seasons, and two maintaining seasons.  One of the easiest ways of comprehending these seasons, these energies, is to think in terms of farming.  In the spring, seeds are planted and set into action.  This is a time of great activity.  In summer, we weed, bring balance, and nurture what we have planted.  In the fall, once again, we have great activity through the harvest and celebrate in its fruition.  With winter we now turn inward to mend our “harnesses and fences,” looking within and planning again what to launch in the spring.

Often it is thought the spring equinox is the most powerful of the seasonal energies.  It is powerful because it is the bursting forth of all that has lain dormant.  It is a time of great activity, a time of great push to create.  Day and night are equal.  Creativity is made manifest; the seeds we’ve planted now sprout.  The very blood in our body flows fore freely.  We discover our own resurrection from the inward turning of winter.  We start blooming along with the first flowers of spring and take responsibility for the new seeds we have planted.

After this great push to move forward, we enter a maintenance period, the summer solstice.  This is the time to nurture what was set forth.  There is a calmness, almost a mesmeric quality to this rhythm.  We set a rhythm of what we need to do and just keep doing it.  This is when the sun is closest to the Earth, and we experience the longest day of the year.  We bask in the relaxing warmth of the sun, as a kitten curled in her afternoon nap.

With the fall equinox comes great celebration, for now we harvest.  This is the time of reward for all our efforts put forth.  Our payment comes home—how we acted, how we spoke, how we felt, and what we did.  now the fruits of these return to us.  This is the turn-around energy, because what we sent out now returns to us.  This is the time of fruition; a merry, dancing energy.  Thanks giving.  We can rejoice in what we have created for ourselves and appreciate it.

This is an exciting, stimulating energy.  Now, what we reap may not be exactly what we had initially set out to do.  We may have accomplished a parallel goal or a facet #47 of our initial goal.  So this is a time of reexamination:  What worked and what didn’t?  What were the holes?  Was there enough focus?  And yet, we rejoice in the successful parts.

This is a time of cleansing, of falling away and returning to Earth.  The natural rhythm of the earth is to replenish itself.  We turn under the stalks, bury the child, so to speak.  This is the period of launching of the quiet distant sun.

And now we come to the winter solstice,  when the sun is furthest from the Earth.  The longest night.  The Earth and all life is immersed in the deep darkness, the silence.  This is a time of introspection, of inner mending.  It is time to spend within ourselves.  We have sought outside of ourselves for years.  Now it is time to reacquaint with our very depths; to be in touch with the power passed to us that resides within; to be in touch with the leadership and power that resides within; to assume our responsibility in the running of our universe; to look for God within.

The winter solstice energy says, “I now open up to my responsibility to whatever it is that’s going on.”  I am willing to take hold of it and work with it.  this is a period of deep stillness, silence—a very powerful energy.  Now all of the rhythmic energies are equally powerful, each in its own way.

This is a time to pamper yourself; take the long, luxurious baths, slather yourself with lotions, be good to yourself, befriend yourself.  Look within and see the beauty that you are.  “Now I can be delicious with me.”  This is the rhythm of the winter.

This is the time for planning.  Reorganize, revamp your budget, plan your future, release the “yes, buts…” from your planning.  Throw out habits and attitudes you not longer need.  Let go of the past; throw out those old jeans you no longer wear.  This is a “let go” time.

Love and soothe yourself.  As the bear hibernates to strengthen itself for the activity of spring, nourish yourself.  Empower yourself.  Be at peace with yourself, for this is the energy of the winter solstice.