In 2023, winter solstice falls on December 22nd in the northern hemisphere. Honour the darkness and celebrate the light returning.
In winter, earth sheds a layer of skin to go within and regenerate in the darkness. Winter Solstice marks the longest night and shortest day in the northern hemisphere. From the morning of December 22nd, the sun enters the zodiac of Capricorn and we slowly begin to see the light and life returning to earth. Be present, be still, witness and reflect the changes within yourself and the earth around you.
Traditionally, our ancestors used this time to celebrate and honour the rebirth of light coming on to earth. To be in tune with the earth and our solar system’s natural cycles, is to be in tune with ourselves. Honour this time of regeneration. Honour and explore the shadow and darkness, and let go of anything holding you back as you enter into the seasons of more light and more energy.
Some simple rituals to honour this special time.
Light a candle or fire:
Fire is earth’s representation of the sun’s light in our atmosphere, it represents spirit and transformation and our connection to the great ‘grandfather’ energy. Write on a piece of paper anything you wish to let go, give it to the fire and let the flames transform it.
Honour the earth’s gifts:
Get in nature – go for a walk and look around. Mother earth is naked and is beautiful. Make a ceremony and hold a feast at home. Give thanks to and eat foods that grow naturally at this time of year, like any of these.
Reflect:
Reflect on where you are at with your life; do not attach or judge, but observe who you are and where you are. Release your fears and let go of what no longer serves (as with above flame transformation).
For what do you feel gratitude?
What is your truth?
Make a list of everything you would like to bring in to your life; imagine it, feel it, visualise it and be it.
A prayer to the white tiger from crystalwind.ca
With Power and Strength, you glide through the night,
silent as the mist that evaporates with
the first rays of morning lightEyes, glowing with a blue fire that reflect both water and sky,
you stare deeply into the Soul, leaving nothing unknown,
for all is revealed before your penetrating gazeKeenest of all is the gaze you turn Inward,
searching the depths of your restless spirit
in a quest to know your Self
The Hunt for Personal Truth is called
. . . and swiftly answeredWhen the Truth is revealed, torn free from the grasp of the past,
any fear felt is faced with stealthy observation
and unrelenting determination,for Fear now is the Prey
Check Mystic Mamma for more solstice ideas.
This post was written by Kim Booth