Out of the Darkness and into the Light
Many people across the globe participate in Yule or Winter Solstice celebrations. Personally I much prefer it to any other holidays during the season. It’s typically celebrated around December 21st each year, but you can double check your calendar for the exact date. The Winter Solstice is important because it marks the first day of winter as well as being the longest night and shortest day of the year. From this point on the hours of daylight will slowly increase as we move through the colder months and work our way towards spring.
This holiday is seen as a time for gentle reflection. It’s an opportunity to set goals and ask for things that you want from Spirit. The Winter Solstice itself encourages us to look inward and make any necessary changes. Whether this is letting go of the past, embracing new attitudes or embarking on a journey of personal growth.
If you’re in the mood to celebrate a holiday that’s basically the original Christmas, check out some fun and easy ideas for everyone:
Make a Solstice Altar
Create an altar in your home to honor the winter solstice. Gather items that represent the season, such as evergreen branches, candles, crystals, and symbols of the sun and moon. Use your altar as a place for meditation, reflection, and intention-setting.
Practice Shadow Work
The winter solstice is a time to explore the hidden parts of ourselves and confront our fears and insecurities. One way to do this is through shadow work, a practice that involves looking at the parts of ourselves that we often keep hidden. Set aside some time to journal, meditate, or work with a therapist to explore your shadow side.
Meditate
Meditate and focus on what you want for the year, release anything that no longer serves you. If you want to have a more theme based session, start your mediation in total darkness to symbolize the longest night or the year as well as the darkness of winter. Close your session by lighting candles to welcome and celebrate the birth of the Sun and the increasing hours of light.
Yule logs
In many traditions, the winter solstice is celebrated with the lighting of a Yule log. Find a piece of wood that resonates with you and decorate it with symbols of the season. Light the log and let it burn throughout the night, symbolizing the return of the light.
Decorate!
Put up a tree, hang some mistletoe or wrap some presents. Many of the customs we associate with Christmas are actually Pagan in origin. So they are all Winter Solstice approved! Some other festive decorations can include holiday wreaths, candles, holly and garland.
Host a Feast
The winter solstice is a time for celebration and gathering with loved ones. Host a feast and invite friends and family to share food and stories. Encourage everyone to bring a dish that represents the season, such as roasted root vegetables or spiced cider.
Spend Time in Nature
Spend Time in Nature: The winter solstice is a reminder of the cyclical nature of the seasons and the importance of connecting with the natural world. Take a walk in the woods, go ice skating, or simply sit outside and watch the stars. Use this time to connect with the rhythms of the earth and find peace in the stillness of winter.
Whatever Winter Solstice Celebrations you choose this year, I wish you peace, joy, happiness and prosperity this season.
Happy Solstice & Merry Yule!