The Esoteric Heart Of The Year

The Winter Solstice! Christmas! New Years! The Epiphany! They’re all well-known holidays.

- Jo Mooy

But few know the mysteries that surround the 12 days between the Winter Solstice, (or December 25th) and January 6th. Esoteric teachings say this period of time is significant. It’s known as the “spiritual heart” of the year, or the time when the sun is reborn, bringing its light to the world. And the 12 days are ruled by the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

Before Christianity arrived, ancient cultures celebrated the New Year on the Winter Solstice, the darkest and longest night of the year. On that morning, people gathered to watch the sun rise and light the long chambers of their places of worship. That gathering was a festival to call back the sun, knowing it was the giver of harvest, and without it life would cease. In 5,000 BC, Persian historical records describe the gatherings. Tribal fires burned all night, feasts were laid out, and prayers offered for the sun to be reborn.

Its return symbolized the victory of light over darkness and is still celebrated today.