Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice

Many Pagans, Witches, and those interested in Nature Spirituality celebrate the seasonal cycles. Sometimes referred to as the Pagan holidays or the Wheel of the Year, consisting of eight celebrations. Four of these festivals (Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain) are rooted in Celtic history and origins.

The other four (Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice) represent the sun’s location.

The winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere occurs on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 10:59 a.m. EST.

For us on the northern part of Earth, the shortest day comes at the solstice. After the winter solstice, the days will get longer, and the nights shorter. It's a seasonal shift that nearly everyone notices. Earth has seasons because our world is tilted on its axis with respect to our orbit around the sun.

The spiritual meaning of Winter Solstice is celebrating the longest and darkest night here, and the slow return of the sun is upon us. We look forward to the brighter and warmer days ahead.

However, one needs to only look outside to see Nature’s reminder of slumber and dormancy. Now is a time forest, reflection, growth, and being fully present during this beautiful season.

Allow yourself to fully experience your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Only then can you begin to understand your darkness that may need healing. Working through these shadows allows transformation and emergence of inner strength, enlightenment, and wonderful beginnings.

Trust your emotions to inspire you because they are authentic, raw, and pure. Here in the stillness and quiet calm of Winter embrace healing, rest, and deep reflection.

Winter Solstice Rituals

Rituals during spiritual holidays are a wonderful opportunity to slow down, embrace our spirituality, and marvel at the wonders of Nature and the universe. A sacred moment to connect with the current season and our deepest self.

Altar or Sacred Space

Get creative and update your altar or sacred space to reflect Yule or Winter Solstice season.

Bonfire

Fire is a wonderful way to celebrate and honor light. By providing this as an offering can attract the warmth of the sun to return once again. A lovely ritual you could incorporate is tossing something into the fire that you’d like to stop or something you’d like to come to fruition. You could write things down on paper or toss something symbolic in