If black nights give you the blues, cheer up. After the winter solstice on 21 June, each day gets a little longer.

The longest night of the year marks the start of the solar year and the rebirth of the sun. It represents a new growth cycle and fresh beginnings. But we still have to wait a little while before we emerge from the period of inner focus. Sadly for some, we still have six more weeks from midwinter before we get to enjoy longer days again.

Never mind. It is simply a part of the cycle of life. Darkness is necessary so that we appreciate the gift of light. Without light we don't get to play with shadows. And where would the good folk of Punxsutawney be without their Ground Hog predicting the coming season according to his shadow?

So be happy - the winter solstice is a magical time for reviving goddess energy. Not only does the sun get to re-emerge, but there is plenty of other action going on in the maternity ward of heaven. Isis delivered Horus, Amaterasu was born, Rhea gave birth to Hera and Zeus, and Mary set Christmas in motion with the birth of Christ.

Gods and goddesses of the sun, time, enlightenment and spring. And all symbolic of ancient cultures recognising the gift of the turning point of light and dark.

ISIS

Isis the Egyptian High Priestess, ruling with love and calm patience, who fosters inner wisdom and psychic power. Generally you are highly tuned into your own inner wisdom and self-confidence, but at times you can have self doubts that put you in a dark and confusing place. Quit faffing around girl. It's time to KNOW your "gut feeling" is your intuitive wisdom leading you in the right direction.

Do this: Use a pendulum or other divination tool to confirm what you already know, and trust that you making the right decisions.

AMATERASU

In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu is the radiant and compassionate sun goddess. Disgusted with her brutish brother because of his violence toward women, she exiled herself in a cave. She was depressed and grieving so there was no sun without her. Goddess Uzume rolled a copper mirror to the front of the cave then coaxed Amaterasu out with wild antics. Seeing her radiance reflected in the copper mirror, Amaterasu was amazed at her brilliance. Her grief dissipated, she returned to the world and life was renewed.

Do this: This is Amaterasu's lesson. Use the healing power of laughter to grow stronger. Place a mirror in an east-facing window to reflect Amaterasu's rising energy. Wear gold to brighten your persona and smile to radiate the goddess within.

RHEA

Queen of the Titan gods, hardship was no stranger to Rhea. Her husband Kronos swallowed her first five children, and later she fell into dispute with her surviving son, Zeus, upon the death of Kronos. Rather than hang about bickering for her due portion of half of heaven, sea and earth, she surrounded herself with wild creatures in the mountain retreat of Phrygia. There, she was worshipped as the Mother of the Gods in ceremonies of wild dancing, clashing cymbals and beating drums.

Do this: It's obvious isn't it? Beat the winter hardship by dancing up a storm!

HERA

Like mother, like daughter, so they say. Hera is portrayed as a majestic woman, but as the persecuted wife (and sister!) of Zeus was seen as jealous and spiteful when she avenged his infidelities. As modern, empowered women we know that she is really a symbol of the struggle for equality and respect in a patriarchal world. We also know that she is what modern-day cowards would call a 'bitch'! Turn the tables, claim the word 'bitch' (Babe In Total Control of Herself), and you'll be able to move on from infidels.

Do this: Don't sit around sulking because you took 'no' for an answer. Get that inner-bitch (the beautiful one!) happening and ask for what you really want.

MARY

The Divine Mother of the universe has also assumed the form of Mother Mary, mother of Jesus and hence, by default the mother of Christmas! As such, she guides her children in the way of the divine feminine and her aspects of compassion, mercy, forgiveness and unconditional love. And don't we just love love? Therefore let Mary's energy wash over you, engulf you, embrace you. Then radiate that love to others.

Do this: Invite your divine friends around for a 'Christmas in June' party. Time it for midwinter and share the love with all.