Winter Solstice marks the change in the solar cycle. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted the farthest away from the Sun. The Sun has the least angle to the Earth and thus we receive less sunlight and warmth.

I tend to think of Winter days being the shortest, and the least light. But actually, it is during Autumn that the days are shortening. At the beginning of Winter (the Solstice), the days gradually begin to lengthen. Admittedly, it is a slow lengthening. Daylight on the Solstice (December 21) is 8:11:00 (hours:minutes:seconds). The following day gives us an addition 3 seconds of daylight! But 30 days later, we are up to 8:53:57. 

I am learning, from the trees, to see time on a different scale. To have more patience for change. In the dormancy of winter, we can find time to rest and renew. To allow emergence of new inspiration and growth. We can embrace this sacred cycle of Great Nature. And recognize and honor our own cycles.