The Sun Shines on Everyone

The Sun Shines on Everyone
By Mehtab, Founder of YOGA YOGA
December 2009

The oldest and most universal, the primal and most sacred, the elementary and most profound holiday of the year is almost here. It is the day when the Sun returns, when the days become longer, and the darkness is vanquished.

Winter Solstice arrives in Austin, Texas at 11:47am on December 21st!

Since the most ancient of times, in all cultures, and before all religions, the day of Solstice (both Summer and Winter) was considered the turning point of the year, the time when the Sun "stood still" (which is actually the literal translation of the word solstice).

Many communities centered their most holy and sacred buildings such as tombs and temples upon the direct alignment with the solstices. And there is speculation that the first science, astrology (which later transmuted into simple astronomy) was developed to observe these powerful days of the year.

The Sun in both yoga and astrology represents the energy of the Soul. Many practices in yoga are based on working with the body's internal solar energies, from sun salutations, to surya bheda (right nostril breathing), and to some of the oldest mantras.

On Summer Solstice, we celebrate the time when this solar energy is the highest, the soul's light the brightest, and our ability to connect to this light during the longest day of the year the most opportune.

Yet Winter Solstice in some respects is the greater cause for celebration. On this day that is the shortest day and the longest night, we come to an understanding of the soul's journey. We are present when it is the darkest night of the soul for it portends the return and the increase of the Light.

It is the time of movement from darkness into light. It is the time of Guru, a word that literally means "dark" (Gu) and "light" (Ru). Together, the Guru is the transition from darkness into enlightenment.

When we have our teacher, our inner guru, we are guided from darkness to light. And this is the promise that was made to the soul before its birth. You will always have a teacher, a guru, a way back to the light. The darkness will not last. The light will return.

And so this promise given to all souls is revealed, affirmed, and celebrated each year with Winter Solstice. The Sun shines on everyone.

The darkness passes. The light returns. The journey begins anew.

In the quietness of your home or in the company of your friends this Sunday, celebrate Winter Solstice, the holiday of all peoples, all faiths, and all souls.

Sat Nam, Namaste, and Peace Out.