The Long Nights cycle brings with it the power of introspection and new opportunities. During this cycle  one can see for long distances while the air is cold, crisp and clear. It is a good time to determine your personal goals, make changes and to find new directions in life.

During this darkest month even though the power of the Sun is diminished it should be seen as an opportunity to seek out hope and encouragement from within. The waning of the suns energy is a good stimulator to search out  your personal foresight and vision. This is also a good time to explore and be pioneering.

Another interesting aspect of this time is its direction on the medicine wheel. It precedes a cosmic gateway which cultivates rebirth, hence, the celebration of Yuletide on December 22nd which is considered the birth of cosmic consciousness. It symbolizes the initiation into the unknown mysteries of life and is said to bring great powers of creative thought.

The essence of this cycle can be best described as a time where you may experience being: warm hearted, adventurous, sincere, versatile, scrupulous, social and determined.

Medicine totems: Owl, Grizzly bear, Hawk, Mistletoe, Obsidian.

Affinity Colors: Gold

I Ching: The still mountain. Steadfastness and inner peace.

Best day of the week: Thursday

The Long Nights Time: is a path that can lead to discovery of ones own potential.  This time is a gift because is represents the inner beauty of ones self, to be your own creator. Its a time to balance mind with heart.  A time of opportunity to raise morality and to obtain the vision of spiritual insight.

The journey down this life path has brought me to a better place.  Traveling the Native American Medicine Wheel is one of the greatest adventures and I hope you are inspired to try it yourself.