The Winter Solstice: the darkest day precedes the brightest light

*photo by ORLANDO HENRIQUES

Today marks the Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year, and one recognised the world over with festivals of light that gratefully celebrate the gradual return of the sun. 

During our current time of such upheaval, the solstice reminds us that the dawn indeed follows each dark night. When that night is long and we feel weary, we can easily lose sight of the fact that all things move in cycles: there are rhythms within the natural world and within our own lives. Each point in that cycle has significance; we honour the darkness as a teacher and as the fertile soil of all re-creation. Its challenges transform us.

We also see, in the growing light that follows the longest night, that renewal and healing is always available to us. Our work is to locate the tools and nourishment we need for the journey.

*photo by Simon Berger

The Winter Solstice & the Great Conjunction

We are also witness to another celestial wonder taking place just after the solstice, a rare occurrence known as the Great Conjunction. The planets of Jupiter and Saturn, both newly entering the constellation of Aquarius, will appear tonight close enough to Earth that they seem to be a single shining star. 

This event has been interpreted as a shift into a new era, one described by the airy, expansive, qualities of the sign in which these planets now are positioned: a focus on the collective, its shared power and concerns; on the social realms of communication and ideas; on innovative, forward-thinking. There is more space to breathe, yet hard work is still in order: our ideas and visions need to be examined and thoughtful, as we consciously shape the world that is being born. 

That this takes place on the solstice, which itself represents new beginnings, amplifies this energy of emergence, and fuels the intentions we set.

At this solstice, we wish for you to know both the fruitfulness of the dark, and the bright clarity of a new day. 

We also offer you a recipe for a celebratory treat, something to delight in on this long night.

*photo by Dilyara Garifullina

A Longevity Diet Recipe: A Festive Oat Crumble

Apples and pears are Yin-tonifying in Traditional Chinese Medicine, nourishing the fluids in our bodies. The cinnamon and the baking brings warmth to otherwise cooling fruits, making this an ideal dessert for a winter evening.

For the fruit filling:

1 kg fresh apples or pears (peeled, cored and chopped)

½ cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup)

2-3 tablespoons flour or arrowroot

Grated zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup flour

½ cup almond flour

2 tablespoons shredded coconut

2-4 tablespoons brown or coconut sugar

¼ teaspoon sea salt

8 tablespoons (113gr or 1 stick) organic unsalted butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 190°C/ 375°F.

Make the fruit filling. Combine sugar and flour (or arrowroot) in a medium bowl, then add the fruit, vanilla and lemon zest. Toss gently to coat, then pour the fruit filling into the baking dish.

Make the crisp topping. Combine the dry topping ingredients. Cut butter into small cubes and, using your fingers, combine them with the oat mixture. If it gets too soft, stick it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.

Scatter the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture, leaving large clumps intact. Bake until the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges of the baking dish and the topping is golden and firm to the touch, 35 – 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.

Serve warm with organic cream or yoghurt, dairy or dairy-free.

*photo by Debby Hudson