Hello! Here we are again entering an auspicious time on Saturday, December 21, 2024 - The Winter Solstice - the longest night and shortest day of the year. The Solstice marks the beginning of Winter and celebrates the rebirth of the sun. This is a pivotal point in our seasonal cycle - known as the "Return of Light."

This time of year I usually tell a folkloric tale but this year, I am obsessed with Pine Cones. Yes, Pine Cones, those prickly brown seeds that fall from Pine Trees. They are cooler than you think!

Pinecones have served as a symbol of Human Enlightenment, the Third Eye, and the Pineal Gland. Did you know that Pine Trees are one of the most ancient plants on the planet? Do not be deceived by its woodlike appearance the Pinecone is the evolutionary precursor to the flower. Conifer Trees have existed nearly three times longer than all flowering plant species. WOW!

Both Flowers and Pine Cones have spines that spiral in a perfect Fibonacci sequence and what do we call this? Sacred Geometry. Now before you go thinking - there she goes again ranting about sacred geometry, think about a Pine Cone for a minute - when you gaze into its spiral sequence, do you feel a little bit calmer? When you gaze up at lofty pine trees do you feel ethereal? When you smell the scent of Pine do you not feel a Enlightened? I would guess most of you answered yes and can imagine the sweet inhale of pine when I show you these photos. Trust me if I could make this email a scratch and sniff I would!

Spiritually, There is a centering that happens in the presence of Pine. The physical centering is Our “Pine” al Gland, in our brain. And Guess what it is shaped like, and named after? The Pinecone.

The homework this season is to relish Pine in all its forms.Take a Forest Bath, collect Pine Cones, and place them on your altars as a reminder of the delightful connection between our physical and spiritual worlds. Now you understand how this little conifer is a glorious symbol of Enlightenment, Prosperity, and Fertility.

On this shortest day, we are rewarded with light in many ways.
I'll see you on the trails.

Have a Blessed Solstice.
XO Jen