Today we celebrate the Winter Solstice & the beginning of Yule! Both of these sacred celebrations arrive every year on December 21st.
A solstice represents the changing of the seasons - it is an event that occurs when the earth is as far away from, or as close, to the sun as it will be all year. Winter Solstice is the precise moment at which the earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun. This day also marks the beginning of winter & is the longest night of the year & the shortest day.
Yule is a celebration of the return of the Sun, or what many cultures believe to be a “rebirth” of the Sun as the hours of daylight become longer. The celebration of Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. It has played an important role in cultures worldwide from ancient times until today with many of the customs, lore, symbols, & rituals inspiring the holidays we celebrate every winter season.
So what does this mean to us spiritually?
This is a time in which we continue to give gratitude.The Winter Solstice reminds us that no matter how dark it is, the light always returns. As dark as it is, the Winter Solstice represents the return of the sun & a sacred promise that everything will begin to grow again in the Spring. The solstice is here to assist us into reflecting inwards. It is a beautiful day to let go of what is not serving us, & release. If we can just remain patient, present, persistent, & authentic - the light will make its way back to us.
What can we do to celebrate and honor this day?
The celebrations of this day can be individual & unique to everyone. However, no matter the way one chooses to celebrate, the intention is the same. Today we honor the return of the sun, the change & transformation that is to come, & give thanks to the year we just experienced.
Ways to Celebrate Yule & Winter Solstice:
Burn a Yule log or candle, spend some time by a fire or candlelight
Buy or make organic nature-based gifts such as a wreath, crystals, or seeds
Create a Yule Wreath using evergreens like pine, fir, juniper & cedar
Have a reunion with friends and family to reflect on the year & toast to all that you are grateful for
Practice a wishing or manifesting ritual: light a candle, speak or write your resolution, then sit with the candle as it burns & visualize it coming true
Make a list of everything you are grateful for this past year
Declutter your space to make room for what you wish to welcome in this new cycle
Cleanse your home with Pine & Cinnamon
Spend some time with nature, go outside and admire the season
Bake or cook comfort foods, even taking the extra step to bake a Yule Log or make Wassail (hot mulled cider)
Take the time to journal
As we reflect on the end of the year, it is important to be mindful & have a conversation with ourselves about what we experienced & what we hope to experience. Below are some prompts that can be used for journaling or simply questions we can ask ourselves during a quiet moment:
What goals am I working towards spiritually, mentally, physically & emotionally?
What transformation or changes am I working towards?
What was I able to let go of & what am I still working on?
What am I feeling grateful for? & What can I do to practice giving gratitude?
What do I wish to let go of? What habits, patterns, or practices no longer serve me?
In what ways do I feel that I must forgive myself, as well as forgive others?
Am I doing enough to nurture and care for myself? If not, what can I do to improve this?
What do I hope to manifest for myself in the season that is to come?
It is our intentions & actions that determine our own personal destiny in life. It is our intentions, prayers, thoughts & actions that guide us on our spiritual journey, our sacred path in life. Honor yourself, your Sacred Path, your Sacred Journey & bless yourself with the intentions you set today.
Love & light