The sun, the ultimate symbol of light, serves as a cleanser and purifier across tribes and cultures worldwide. From our earthly perspective, the sun undergoes an annual cycle of death and rebirth—a process that has profoundly shaped human history, influencing our physical lives, beliefs, and cultural ceremonies.
Just as sunflowers follow the sun’s path throughout the day, so do we align ourselves with its rhythms. Tonight marks the longest night of the year—celebrated in Persian culture as Yalda—a powerful symbol of the triumph of light over darkness. This turning point reflects the sun’s shift from its southward journey to its path northward, starting on December 21.
This astrological event has inspired myths and celebrations across the globe. Deities like Krishna, Dionysus, Mithra, and Christ are all associated with this transformative time. It’s a reminder of the inner light within us all—our soul, the ever-flowing source of life. The polarities of day and night, birth and death, are but fleeting illusions; the deeper truth lies in the process itself. It is the TAO.
Wishing you all a blessed Winter Solstice and a joyful Yalda to the incredible Persian community.
Let the light shine upon the darkness.