A cool time

The time of the year is the Winter Solstice. It's when the sun is far away and it means tomorrow will be the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year. It will be very dark and so daylight will be limited. On 21st December, the Earth's axis will tilt away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing in winter. The Southern Hemisphere leans closest to the sun and that gives them a Summer, which means their seasons are reversed.   

Since time began this occasion was celebrated as it was about the death and rebirth of the sun. Many festivals such as Yule and Saturnalia were enjoyed throughout. People celebrate the astronomical event in different ways. Some see it as just a scientific celestial event, while to many this is purely spiritual and holds deeper meanings. There are many stories and legends centred around the Winter Solstice, mostly about the birth of some powerful gods like Helios, Adonis, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha and Mithras. 

From the 21st December the daytime will slowly and gradually increase. It will be very dark and so all in the Northern Hemisphere keep a light and stay warm. People in the Southern Hemisphere also celebrate the Solstices but for them this is the Summer Solstice and their Winter is in June. A topsy turvy world!  

So my message to you is simple and sweet as a gingerbread biscuit. Keep healthy and have plenty of warm fluids, have fun and be strong. Beat those cold illness germs. All of you have a very happy and warm Winter Solstice. 

Storm Valkyrie

Tiredness in winter

 

Winter is a season of darkness and this also means causing tiredness. Sometimes we may have short sleeping patterns, or schedules to fulfil that make us tired, but we're naturally sleepy when it's dark. The reason is because winter has a draining effect on us. Certain animals hibernate. Humans go through a tired sleepy sensation, that even if  awake, we want to go home and curl up in the warm. Winter causes us to produce more melatonin, a hormone that causes sleep.

During winter, there is lack of sunlight and also vitamin D deficiency. We get vitamin D from the sun, and this causes healthier bones, muscles, immunity and energy. Without vitamin D we get sick, suffer rickets, osteoporosis, bad immunity, increase of diabetes and cancer. 

Winter causes our brains to change mood. Seasonal affective disorders come during winter months. Our bodies experience circadian rhythm and the winter period upsets it. Serotonin is changed and this alters our mood and emotions because winter's darkness has caused us to be more unhappy. 

The Christmas and Yule season actually helps people during this dark time. Celebrations and festivities can help people emotionally and even physically, restoring mood and energy. It releases dopamine of fun energy hormone can restore a healthy mind. Peoples emotions are uplifted and benefit from happiness, cheer and excitement, the thrill of holiday and what it means to us individually.

Storm Valkyrie and Shadow Girl

Yule themed book

 

"The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas: Remedies, Magic and Brews for the Winter season" book to mention. Author is Ellen Evert Hopman gives the reader a deep insight in season of winter plants and folklore properties. Along with sacred rituals, traditions and Yule festivities, this book delves into plant based secrets, as well as fun mystical elements to do with Yule and winter. This book contains warm sweet recipes, art and crafts, tales of Santa and other interesting visitors plus animals and tree lore.  

Have a beautiful day!

Storm Valkyrie