New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| As the calendar rolls toward the longest night and shortest day of the month-the solstice-many people notice a decreased mood and energy level. Some may even feel full-blown depression, often called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Although SAD is often treated with light, new evidence now suggests the mood alterations are affected by our failure to mesh with cyclical, seasonal changes.
Make your own attempt at winter hibernation. Begin each day with a welcome to the sun. Eat seasonally: soups, stews, hot cider, roasts, and root vegetables. Turn the thermostat down, and don wool sweaters and fuzzy slippers. Keep the lights low after sundown, and engage in wintry activities: work on magickal tools, study divination, read, or plan the spring herb garden. At bedtime, turn out the lights and whisper blessings of gratitude for the nurturing comforts of winter and for the gift of light, which will soon return. |
