How to Remain Enchanted and Buoyant through the Darkness of Winter

Once we cross the seasonal threshold of Samhain, there’s a dramatic shift as Mama Earth gives way to winter. We find ourselves waking up in darkness and leaving work in darkness, and the decrease in sunlight may disrupt our body's circadian rhythm and lead us to feeling blue or melancholy.

For some folks this it can mean winter-onset Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) which is not simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk but can come with much more challenging symptoms such as:

• Problems with sleep such as oversleeping

• Tiredness or low energy

• Changes in appetite and weight (craving high carb foods)

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feeling sluggish, agitated, hopeless, even suicidal ideation

It’s important to not brush off these kinds of symptoms but to talk to a health professional such as your Family Doctor or Naturopath to receive help.

From an Animist viewpoint, our Soul and the Earth are deeply and inextricably connected. How conscious each of us is about that differs, but learning to reconnect and build deep spiritual and energetic intimacy with the Seasonal movements is ultimately empowering.

Think of Seasonal energies as being ancient amplifiers similar to the Moon’s cycles. In many cosmovisions and medicine wheels, the seasonal energies are connected to the four winds. In the old Celtic lore, this translates as the Airts. Whether we know them as the four directions, the four winds, or four guardians, I’ve come to intimately know the Airts as the ancient bringers of change. They’re often the first to bring us a headsup on whether it’s time to plant or harvest, prepare for vacation, start something new, or let go of that which is ready to die. They carry old wisdom teachings about the elements, stories, songs, and festivals available to support our journey not only through the seasons but also through cycles and seasons of our life and relationships.

Interestingly, we are often unconscious of their presence thinking that some of our decisions are based on a hunch when in fact that hunch has been a deep instinctual and spiritual knowing that’s come from a moment of connection with the Airts.

Once we come to know the Airts, we learn to expect their arrival just before seasonal doorways. For example, I often sniff the air or sense the wind on my cheek for days waiting for the next Airt to arrive. I’m sure you’ve experienced this right? Have you ever left a place with a friend, chatting as you walk through the carpark, only to put your key in the car door to stop for a split second and notice something about the air? Maybe it smells sweeter, or richer, or more crisp, but you instinctively notice. Often one friend will say to the other, “Huh! It feels like there’s a hint of Winter/Spring/Fall on the way!”

In Winter we meet the Airt of the North which brings many teachings about darkness and vulnerability. It teaches us how to be still and reminds us that even though we can’t see, we aren’t necessarily lost. It teaches us how to stand still in life’s challenges and drop our ego defences to embrace vulnerability by moving our awareness within, rather than avoiding or reacting.

As we move more deeply into the darkness of Winter, you might like to see how it is to surrender to the wisdom of the North Airt because there is much to learn. Although the darkness may amplify feelings, moods, or mindsets you have going on, it can be helpful to simply become aware and bring consciousness (light) to shift troubling energy.

Here’s some ways you may encounter the darkness along with spiritual salves and small rituals to help you through:

• LONGING: You may notice layers or waves of grief and longing. Gift yourself some time and space to allow the waves to move through. If the emotion feels stuck, try journalling, listening to specific music, or watching a sad movie to get the tears flowing. You can also receive support by visiting the Ocean whose spirit is big enough to receive all the tears. Take a small offering of salt and gift it to the Ocean in gratitude for receiving any grief that feels too much for you to carry.

• ANGER: On the other hand you may feel a strong resistance or anger around letting go of certain things. This is also OK, just be mindful of how it’s happening and that anger is often a passage to get to the grief beneath. You may also want to utilize the angry energy to get things done rather than turning it inwards or projecting it outwards.

• GRIEF: Maybe you find yourself thinking more than usual about a friend or loved one who has passed on or is no longer in your life. Give this some space and honour them by creating a small altar, writing them a letter, or dancing to their favorite music to move the energy.

• REST: Sometimes at this time of the year, we can begin to feel the edges of really needing deep rest and space to unwind. LISTEN to your body! This is part of the healing that the dark half of the year provides us and is your body’s natural response to Mama Earth slowing down.

• DISORIENTATION: If you are “in the dark,” confused, or unsure about something important, then the dark months are a great time for divination. Try drawing cards, doing a spirit journey, holding a steady intention in your meditation.

• DREAMING: This is also the season of dreaming. You can write out an intention at bedtime about something you are “in the dark about” and as you go to sleep continue to gently focus on that attention. You might like to do this over a series of nights and see what dreams come forward. Remember to write down what you experience or see in the dreams no matter how small it is. (Dreaming is a muscle and needs consistent flexing to get results)

Finally, if you are feeling blue, melancholy, or depressed, or you know you have a tendency to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, take a listen to this podcast by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman. I’m avid listener of the Huberman Lab podcasts and last Winter I implemented many things such as cold showers (cold immersion), viewing morning light, weighted blanket, and a strict sleep regime to create a much easier journey through the seasonal darkness.

In heartfelt connection - even in the darkness

LittleBird