On December 21, winter will make its entrance. The sun will rise at 7.36am and set at 16.44pm. It will be the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight. It might sound strange but this is also the time when light is celebrated. Incidentally this year, the solstice will be immediately followed by the full moon and shooting stars. Let's discover its origin and spiritual significance.
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On December 21, winter will make its entrance. The sun will rise at 7.36am and set at 16.44pm. It will be the shortest day of the year in terms of sunlight. It might sound strange but this is also the time when light is celebrated. Incidentally this year, the solstice will be immediately followed by the full moon and shooting stars. Let's discover its origin and spiritual significance.
The winter solstice has its roots in various nature-based cultures, such as Wicca and Paganism, where it is also called Yule. Traditionally, it was a day to spend with friends and family and generally celebrate having reached the end of another spin around the Wheel of the Year.
The winter solstice, which falls on December 21 this year, marks a transition period in which days begin to lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere and shorten in the Southern Hemisphere. The night of the winter solstice will be the longest of the year in our area. This is because the Earth's poles are at the maximum inclination with respect to the Sun.
The tilt of the Earth causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive less sunlight during the winter solstice than the Southern Hemisphere.
It is the moment of transition from a phase of darkness to one of rebirth, in which we leave the darkness behind to turn towards the light. The opportunity to give impetus to one's life, getting rid of the ballast, of negative thoughts.
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The solstice, the full moon and the spiritual meaning
The 2018 winter solstice will be accompanied by the so-called Cold moon, the full moon of December. In fact, Friday's will still be a growing gibbous, the last stage before the full moon.
Spiritually, his energy corresponds to the feeling of anticipation before completing a great project or reaching a long-term goal. In other words, this is a phase that carries with it many expectations, reminding us that everything we have done so far will soon lead to reaping the fruits of our work. This moon phase is associated with growth, development and progress.
Full moon: December 22, 2018 18:50:27 PM
How many times do the solstice and the full moon coincide? The last was in 2010 but after 2018 we will have to wait until 2094 to see them again together or at such a short distance.
The solstice, between conjunctions and meteors
At dawn on December 22, the day after the solstice and coinciding with the full moon, we will also be able to admire the conjunction between Jupiter and Mercury. The two planets will rise together on the eastern horizon, in the constellation of Ofiuco, followed by the star Antares of Scorpio.
But it won't be the only sight to admire. The night between 21 and 22 December, the Ursid meteor shower will also arrive. Observable throughout the night, this year, however, it will be disturbed by the presence of the moon. In any case, it is always worth a try as it can generate sudden meteor-rich displays.
The map below shows the northern horizon at approximately 20pm:
Two days full of surprises, in the name of rebirth.
READ also:
- 7 things to know about the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year
- Winter solstice: traditions, rituals and celebrations
- How light is celebrated on the darkest day of the year
Francesca Mancuso
