The Winter Solstice has been observed by many cultures for eons with different rituals to celebrate its significance. For me, Winter Solstice is a magical time of year that symbolizes the divine essence within each of us, and is a time to go within, honor, and connect with our true nature to further unfold our own individual awakening.
A time for self-reflection, I take the opportunity to review the past year, express gratitude and appreciation for friends and family, and all the things I unintentionally take for granted in life.
Not only just a time to reflect but to look deep within. It’s an opportunity to focus on what’s important in our life and let go of old patterns or habits that no longer work for us. That opens the space to create new habits, priorities, and intentions for the coming year, and make changes that support our growth.
Below are a few rituals I use to celebrate the Solstice. Adapt these to suit your personal needs or come up with your own.
Meditate and Journal.
Set up space in a favorite or sacred area of your home. Perhaps you have a room or special area set aside just for you. Light a candle, turn off the lights, burn some incense, turn on soft music.
Set up a display or altar of your favorite things – crystals, stones, fresh fruit or vegetables, herbs, nuts, or just something from nature such as pine cones or acorns. Whatever feels right.
Anything with bright colors of yellow, orange, and red work well to signify the rebirth of the sun and this time of year.
Take a pen to paper and write out all the things or habits that no longer serve you and that you want to let go of.
Place the paper in a bowl or small cauldron and light a match to burn them and recite to yourself that “I release all these things that no longer serve me.”
Then release the ashes outside symbolizing you’re letting go.
Take some time to think about and write in your journal what’s important to you in the coming year – your priorities and intentions.
Take a warm bath with your favorite bath oils.
Try lavender, rosemary, and sage or whatever your favorite is. Light a candle, burn some incense, turn on soft music.
As you relax in the warm bath. Imagine yourself being cleansed of all the patterns or habits that no longer serve you and that you want to let go of.
Breathe deeply and release each pattern or habit with the out-breath.
Close your eyes and chant one of your favorite affirmations imagining your own inner light radiating and lighting up the room and world around you.
Gather with family or friends for a celebration dinner.
This year we are celebrating virtually over Skype with some dear friends in Texas. It has become a tradition for us and a great way to have a casual dinner with those closest to you, sharing laughter and joy during this special time.
We light candles, set a festive table, and prepare one of our favorite meals with a delicious bottle of wine.
This year, take the time to acknowledge the divine within you. Use it to raise your vibration and cultivate love, compassion, joy, and happiness. Use it to open your heart and rise up to all of your unseen potential as a human being.
Let the light within you spark and shine bright signifying the birth of a new sun within you.
Love and Light!
Thank you for sharing these great ideas to celebrate the solstice Carol.