Astronomically, the winter solstice marks the end of fall and beginning of winter, and early pagan winter solstice traditions were created to celebrate the “birth of the sun.” The occasion is marked with sweet and traditional winter solstice rituals—from brewing mulled cider and eating winter solstice foods, to lighting lanterns, reciting winter solstice quotes, striking special yoga moves, and setting intentions for the season ahead.
As a modern, green witch I love to celebrate in my own way; th most importan thing is to connect with Mother Nature and find a kind way to my soul. I believe the most important thing on this day is being introspective and listening to who we truly are. I also love to switch off all the electric lights and do dinner, homework, bath, story time, and more by the light of flickering candles and warm lantern light, which makes even mundane activities extra special and spiritual, and also makes the long, dark night more real. It also helps everyone appreciate the modern conveniences we take for granted!
The winter solstice is considered the seasonal dark night of the soul. Spiritually, it’s a time to honor both the light and the darkness that resides within each of us. Take small scraps of paper and write down the things that you would like to let go of. When everyone has finished, throw them in the yule log fire, transforming darkness into light. After “letting go,” set intentions for the new season ahead—speak aloud a thing, idea, habit, or practice that you would like to bring into your life.
The simplest way to celebrate the winter solstice is to watch the sun rise or set. And definitely don’t stress if you failed to watch night turn to day this morning – many modern pagans believe the first sunrise after the official solstice holds the most potent magic. Make a wish for 2024 as the sun falls below the horizon or write down your intentions for the coming months as night turns to day. Winter solstice celebrations traditionally involve the lighting of bonfires to mark the return of the sun. Even if you don’t have the time or space for a fire-pit, there are plenty of other ways you can bring the light in. String fairylights over every available surface, dig out some leftover Bonfire Night sparklers or light all your candles at once. Write down everything you want to leave behind in this year on a piece of paper and burn it (safely!) to ash in the flames.
The dark of the winter solstice is an ideal time for rest, reflection and deciding what you want to manifest in the New Year. Take your winter solstice celebrations to relaxing new heights and ignore all of the above in favour of the ultimate night in. Take a candlelit bath, spend time journaling about your future and pay attention to any revelations found in your dreams on solstice night.
Happy Yule to you all.
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