This winter solstice, I had the immense joy of joining a beautiful ceremony hosted by my dear friends Kent Combs and Angelica at the Tibetan Meditation Center in Olympia (a name soon to be chosen by the community). The evening was filled with light, reflection, and connection as we gathered to honor the longest night of the year and welcome the slow return of the sun.
The heart of the ceremony was the enchanting spiral of light. Each of us, from the youngest child to the wisest elder, held a candle nestled in an apple. One by one, we walked the spiral pathway, descending into the center to light our candles before placing them along the spiral as we journeyed outward. The sight of the glowing spiral growing brighter with each participant was nothing short of magical.
This ancient ritual predates Christmas traditions and holds profound significance. The spiral symbolizes life’s journey: inward for reflection, healing, and clarity, and outward for renewal, growth, and action. Walking the spiral on the darkest day of the year reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we hold the potential to bring light—to ourselves, to others, and to the world.
The Sequence of Life: Youth and Elders
A particularly poignant aspect of the ceremony was the order in which we walked the spiral: youth first, followed by elders. This sequence speaks to the essence of life itself. The youth, with their vibrant energy and boundless potential, light the way forward, embodying hope and new beginnings. The elders, rich in wisdom and experience, follow, illuminating the path with their guidance and steady presence. Together, we created a collective light, a reminder that each generation plays a vital role in the shared journey of life.
Community and Connection
After the ceremony, we gathered for a potluck, sharing food, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. It was a time to connect, to catch up with old friends and make new ones, and to express gratitude for the warmth and support of our community. As I marveled at the event’s beauty, I felt a deep sense of gratitude—for Kent and Angelica, for the circle of friends and strangers who came together, and for my own willingness to show up and participate in something so meaningful.
I couldn’t help but wish my children had been there to experience the magic. But now I know: they will join us next time, as this ceremony has become an annual tradition.
Reflection and Invitation
The winter solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the coming year. What does the solstice mean to you? How have you celebrated this sacred turning point in the past, and what traditions or stories hold significance for you? I invite you to share your experiences and reflections with us as we continue to grow and learn from one another.
As we look ahead to 2025, let us consider how we can best use our energies to rise in consciousness and create a world that honors the beauty of ancient practices while staying present and grounded in the here and now. Together, through rituals like the solstice spiral, we can illuminate the path forward and co-create a life filled with purpose, connection, and light.
To those who joined this year’s celebration: thank you for your presence and your light. To those who will join us in the future: welcome. Let us continue to walk this spiral of life together, hand in hand, heart to heart.
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