Winter Solstice: A Return to Stillness

As we approach the Winter Solstice — the longest night of the year — I’m reminded of how deeply our ancestors honored this threshold.

In ancient Armenia, influenced by Zoroastrian sun traditions, people gathered around fire altars to welcome the rebirth of the light. It was a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the quiet rhythm of nature. They understood that the dark season was not something to fear, but something sacred — a time of purification, stillness, and renewal.

In our modern world, it’s easy to forget the wisdom of this slower rhythm. We move fast, push through, and rarely allow ourselves to rest. But the Earth is showing us another way. The trees have shed their leaves, the soil is resting, and beneath it all, life is quietly preparing for a new beginning. The same is true within us.

Winter invites us to soften — to release what feels heavy, to sit with ourselves in honesty, and to tend to the parts of our soul that need warmth and care. When we allow silence to enter, we begin to hear what our hearts have been trying to say all along.

Our candle and tea making gathering is inspired by this ancient knowing.As we pour the wax, we pour intention — one candle to keep, and one to give as an offering of love. As we blend our tea, we honor the beauty of simple rituals, the ones that ground us and reconnect us to presence. These small acts become prayers: for clarity, for peace, for light returning both within and around us.

The Solstice reminds us that the dark has its purpose. It teaches us to listen, to rest, and to trust the slow work of transformation. In time, what feels hidden begins to bloom again — stronger, clearer, and more true.

May this season be your time to pause, to listen deeply, and to remember your own inner light — steady, alive, and quietly growing.