The Energetics of Winter

You can think of energetics as characteristics. Similar to the energies of the seasons or the four elements; earth, air, fire, and water. We all instinctively know what to expect with each of these substances, even if that is mostly subconscious and not something we can specifically put into words…

These characteristics and elements are present in all of us, but in different combinations and concentrations for each of us. This means that different seasons, different medicinal plants, and different illnesses will affect each of us in a completely unique way.

When it comes to the human body it is all about BALANCE. Our bodies are constantly working to bring us back into a state of balance called homeostasis. This is a balancing of all the elements within the body to maintain health and wellbeing. This is the basis of how holistic and herbal medicine works, acting on the body to bring it back into balance and enhancing the body’s own healing abilities.

With each season the energy of the environment and natural world around us shifts and changes. While those changes may be subtle, they still affect us, how our bodies function, and our health. When we choose to live with the seasons, align ourselves with the ebb and flow of natures energy we begin to live seasonally, and deeply reconnect with both ourselves and the earth.

What is Cyclical Seasonal Living?

The most common patterns the term ‘cyclical’ or ‘cycle’ is used to describe are the female menstrual cycle, the seasons & the phases of the moon.

Each of these moves through phases where the energetics are either high or low. They are never consistent.

Cyclical living is an intentional choice to follow those natural ebbs and flows of energy, embracing them instead of trying to force our will upon, or ignore those natural cycles, and force our bodies and minds to keep going at the same pace regardless (which is neither healthy or fulfilling).

Seasonal living is so much more than just slowing down and being mindful.

Humans are cyclical beings, we are not made to live in the busy, hustle all the time, toxic productivity world that we have created. Our minds, bodies, and emotions, all ebb and flow in a cyclical pattern throughout the month (much like the phases of the moon).

The seasons and cycles of nature are more than just a way to connect with nature itself. When we live in tune with the rhythms and patterns of nature, we are also living in tune with our own natural cycles and circadian rhythm.

Embracing the energies of each season allows you to follow the cyclical patterns of nature in a way that supports your own energy cycle and the health of your mind AND body.

You can create space for creativity and selfcare. By following an allowing for the ebbs and flows of your energy, you can increase productivity as well as have more energy and time in your day. Mental, physical, and emotional health improves. And you are more present to enjoy moments in your days.

As we move from Autumn into the Winter season those changes can be the most pronounced, and difficult to manage.

The Energy of Winter

Winter is the energy of Earth — hard, cold, unyielding, containing.

And the Crone — the death before new life, full of wisdom,

Winter holds us and gives us the grace to slow, sleep, daydream and nurture ourselves

Winter is the dark of the moon, the silence, the empty space before the start of the new year in Spring.

This is the season for hibernating indoors, conserving energy, doing less active pursuits and only spending short spaces of time outdoors in the cold. While bad weather can naturally force us to follow this pattern, it is often accompanied by a feeling of guilt that we ‘should be doing more’…. in fact the opposite is true. Winter is the season to take up more passive hobbies and interests that you can do indoors — board games, painting, knitting, colouring, baking, reading, or learning something new. But not all the time…. it is still important to have time out in fresh air and nurturing your connection with the natural world.

The main focus of winter is Rest and doing the Inner work. Deep rest and self care without the guilt or pressure to be ‘doing’. Taking time and luxuriating over nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Winter allows you to rejuvenate those creative juices and feed your inspiration so you can come back stronger and ready to leap into new ideas and projects come Spring.

Winter is the season of shadows and darkness, and, as such, is the season we face and process our own shadows, our emotional depths, and subconscious. A time to process your experiences through the year, perhaps do some journaling work, and sit with your emotions.

This season is more about your inner world and the health of your mind, emotions, creativity, and feeding those creative forces so you can come back to your work and passions with renewed vigour.

It is also the opportunity to do nothing. If you are bored or restless during this time; it’s because you’re supposed to be! Embrace the slowness of this season.

Learn to accept it for what it is.

The darkness of Winter is natures nurturing embrace, the germination of a seed, the gestation before new life emerges in the light of Spring + work begins…

Winter enables you to rebuild and restore depleted energy and resources. It is also a time of processing the year gone, taking stock, and analysing what worked and what didn’t: What needs changing as you move forward?

If you enjoyed this post you can find more wisdom of the Seasons and the energetics of nature in the Seasonal Alchemy Guide

xo Emily