Winter Solstice symbolizes the time we need to take for our own self-care. It is a time of going into the darkness, yet celebrating the return of the light. We travel inward to reflect upon this last year, and see what worked and didn't work. We evaluate, fortify, and let go.
“Snow was falling, so much like stars filling the dark trees that one could easily imagine its reason for being was nothing more than prettiness.” ~Mary Oliver
The longest night brings its own magic. It reminds us that while we may experience great darkness in our lives, the light always returns. It is a time to honor ourselves and our journeys. Without struggle, without heartache, we would never know the joy of lightness, of breathing easy, of feeling safe. So do not judge your struggles, Dear Ones, honor them. Look at how far you have come!
Winter Solstice also marks the beginning of Capricorn Season. As we step into this Earth Element energy, we focus on our life lessons. Going with the theme of reflecting and going inward, when the Sun enters Capricorn, we tend to evaluate what is working in our lives and what is not.
During this time of Capricorn, it is easier for us to access our Inner Wisdom. Capricorn bestows knowledge, guidance, and purpose to our self-reflection. The cold months of Winter create the environment that makes it easy for us into slowing down, cuddling up, pursuing creature comforts, and giving ourselves some self-care. Take care of your health. Love yourself. Be gentle and supportive of your needs. You deserve to be cherished, especially from yourself.
Winter Solstice Ritual
Since this is the time for self-reflection, gather your journal or some paper and your favorite pen.
Make a cuppa tea that is earthy and grounding. Maybe it has chaga mushrooms, marshmallow root, ashwagandha root, or cardamom seeds in it. If you need tea suggestions, please visit our Herbal Tea Section.
Bring your favorite anointing oil or aromatic spritz or aromatherapy inhaler that either helps you feel grounded in your body or helps you access your Inner Wisdom through self-reflection. If you aromatic suggestions, please visit our Aromatic Remedies Section.
Find a space where you can set up your altar that is free from distractions. Turn on some soft music or some drumming. Make sure this space is comfortable and supportive to your body, mind and spirit.
Dress your altar in colors and symbols that represent this magical time of honoring the darkness and celebrating the return of the light. Dark green and/or gold cloths, yellow & green candles, sun symbols, botanicals from your yard or forest {pine cones, conifer needles, holly berries}, Four Direction symbols {East/Air: feather, South/Fire: red candle, West/Water: sea shells, North/Earth: salt or soil}, and anything that symbolizes this sacred time of year for you.
Begin by centering and settling yourself. Feel supported and loved in this moment. All is as it should be.
Cast your Circle.
Call in the Directions.
Call in any Goddess and God or your Spirit Guides that you wish to receive guidance from. Ask them to be here with you.
Be silent and listen to the music or drumming. Feel your body relax. Feel your mind relax. Be present in this moment. Allow the beat of the music to fill your being with peace. Find your stillness.
Take a moment to reflect upon this last year. What did you accomplish? What do you wish you would have accomplished? During which times did you feel fully alive? During which times did you feel stagnant? What brought you joy? What brought you sadness? Write down the answers to these questions and other polarities to be able to visually see the differences. Notice the things that brought lightness to your life. How can you manifest more of that in this coming year? Notice the things that brought darkness to your life. How can you nurture and support those parts in this coming year? Write it down. Make a plan. See how you can cultivate a wonderful year ahead.
Sit quietly and listen to your Guides to see if they have anything else to contribute to your amazing new year. Just listen.
Write down any advice your were given by your Guides.
Bless yourself with the anointing oil you have on your altar. Bless your brow and say, "I am seen." Then bless your heart and say, "I am heard." Then bless the palms of your hands and say, "I am loved." Rub your hands together and gently bless your body. If you have an aromatic spritzer, you can spritz your brow, heart and hands in the same manner. If you have an aromatherapy inhaler, you can touch those areas while deeply breathing the aroma in. If you don't have any aromatics, just simply touch those areas and say the words. It is all as it should be and there is no "right" way.
When you feel your Winter Solstice Ritual is complete, thank the Goddess/God/Spirit Guides for their presence and wisdom, and release them.
Release the Four Directions.
Open your Circle.
Taking a bath or just resting is a lovely way to seal in your intentions for the coming year. Feel loved. Feel supported. Feel blessed.
Sending Bright Blessings for a beautiful new year to you all!
With Gratitude,
Aimee @ Mountain Sage
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Please be advised that any suggestions made in the Mountain Sage Advice Blog by Aimee Williams, CCA are for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice when warranted. This information is provided to expand your understanding of your physical, emotional & spiritual bodies through Astrology, Aromatherapy, Herbalism, and Lifestyle Advice. Please consult with your medical practitioner before implementing anything new into your health & wellness routine. Please reach out to Aimee if you have any questions or wish to book a personalized consultation MountainSageAdvice@gmail.com
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