How to Honour the Winter Solstice: Three Rituals by The Goddess Space
As we submerge into the darkest nights of the year, we get ready to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice takes place on December 21st and calls for us, in the depths of the darkness of winter, to ignite our faith, belief and trust that the light will return again. The Winter Solstice, represents both the darkness and the light. As hidden in the darkest of nights, lies the knowing that the light is returning.
Like with any transition or change in cycle, we are called to use these powerful turning points in our year as moments to turn our attention inwards, to call in stillness, and reflect on all that has been before we begin this new year ahead.
In Ancient times, before technology or electricity was available, you would have to rely on hope alone to see you through the winter. Hoping, praying and trusting that the light would once again, light the way.
Winter calls for us to be still, the earth lies dormant calling for us to do the same. Animals hibernate, trees grow bare, plants, flowers and herbs all die, only awaiting to be reborn again in spring. Nature needs this time, and so do we; as above so below.
We are being called to slow down, to step back, to be with our loved ones, to listen rather than speak, to be rather than do.
In order to honour this time both within and outside of ourselves, we must be willing to create the space, with intention, to journey through it. It is a time to go inward, a time to manifest, to release and let go. A time to prepare yourself, for your next journey around the sun.
On December 21st, I invite you to schedule in your own ritual, to take some time to nurture your soul and connect to all that is brewing through for you this year! Here are some beautiful Winter Solstice Ritual ideas:
Ritual Bath
☾ Brew yourself a beautiful ritual bath.
☾ Collect some healing earthy herbs such as rosemary, juniper + sage.
☾ Place them in your bath with any flowers you may feel called to add as well.
☾ Light some candles and create a calm + sacred space.
☾ Set the intention before you step into the water, to release anything no longer serving you.
☾ Submerge into the Water, and physically wash off any worries, pain, anxiety, fears from your year.
☾ Feeling cleansed, purified + renewed step out of the bath… and spend some time writing down new intentions in your journal.
Fire Ritual
☾Light a candle + begin to stare at the flame
☾ Quiet your mind, as you watch how the flame moves +dances
☾ When your mind is still, begin to reflect on your year. Reflecting on the good, the bad, the painful + the joyous times.
☾ Allow any of the more difficult moments to come through, hold them without judgement, send them love and when you feel ready, whisper “ I honour the darkness, and send it to the light “
☾ Visualise your darker times, being sent into the flames, ready to be transmuted into light energy or if you feel to, write all that you want to release and set fire to them.
Sunrise Ritual
☾ On December 21st, wake up at Sunrise, go out into your garden, park or the street.
☾ Be with the sun as it rises.
☾ Whisper your dreams or intentions to the Sun.
☾ Feel the light of the sun washing over you, feel your dreams + intentions soaking into the universal energy around you.
☾ Give your gratitude + love to the sun
☾ Take some time to journal about it.
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The Winter Solstice reminds us that it’s just as important to honour the dark as it is the light. For they are the two halves that make up the whole. Let us not fear the darkness, but give gratitude, love + honour to all that has been, all that is now and all that is to come.
Wishing you all a healing journey within during the darkest days of the year.
Love,
Anoushka Florence