Creating a Winter Solstice Ritual

The days are growing shorter, the evenings longer, and the feeling of damp cold has begun to creep into our homes. We are approaching winter, and with it, the shortest day of the year, also known as the Winter Solstice. On December 21st, those of us in the Northern Hemisphere will experience this marked change of season, as we release the last bit of fall and hunker down for the winter months ahead.

I’ve found myself drawn to the change in seasons more and more as I’ve gotten older. Living in the Pacific Northwest, it is a blessing to be able to see a change in every season. With spring comes rain, sometimes an omnipresent state of being, with wet shoes and the smell of damp moss. But also beautiful, as our cherry blossom trees flower and grow, tulips and flora flourishing along garden paths and side streets. With summer comes vibrant life, a true awakening. We unfurl from our homes and sweaters to embrace the sunshine and boisterous energy of nature and the outdoors. The transition to fall is swift and smooth, a symphony of colors reminding us of the darkness ahead. And finally winter. Mostly wet, though sometimes with snow. We look upon naked trees and find comfort in turning indoors, nurturing within our homes.

Winter is a marked period of rest. At the same time the world is expecting us to do more, produce more, live more, our bodies are begging us to slow down. All nature has its seasons. Perennial flowers have a period of dormancy, so that come spring they can emerge, blossom, and flourish. And they too must wilt, fall back, and rest until their next year. Much like nature, we are called during the winter to do less.

Between the holidays, Q4, and the start of new year’s resolutions (does “New Year New Me resonate for anyone?) many of us in the western world find ourselves pushing, striving, and stressing ourselves during the winter season. We want to start off the year with a “bang” and immediately sign ourselves up for activities and engagements that we think we’d be happier doing, but end up feeling more tired, burnt out, and imbalanced than before.

In accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine, wintertime is a time of profound yin (darkness, slow movement, absorption). During this time of year, we turn within ourselves, to our place of intuition and knowing. Take a pause from the constant striving in your life, and spend time evaluating where you are. In our persistent face paced life, it is important for us to take time to mark our seasons, our transitions. Honoring the passing of time, and our time here.

I started these seasonal rituals as a way to honor my own self, and stay attuned to nature. In summer you may find me plunging into the sound, burning my intentions with fire and dancing under the full sun. But for winter, we are naturally called to release. Winter is tied with the element of water, the most nourishing and essential substance for life. The element of water stores much of people’s reserves of energy, and is why rest is crucial in the winter. This time of year, over-work and lack of sleep easily depletes the water element and the kidneys. 

The wisdom of water is to flow.  Water moves effortlessly and takes the exact form of whatever contains it.  A balanced water element is able to move smoothly through the season with strength, courage, and willpower. There’s a sense of flow and ease, and an alignment to one’s purpose or destiny. 

Below I’ll share some tips for setting up your own personal ritual for the winter solstice. These rituals and practices are not tied to any religion or spiritual practice, and rather are a way for you to find connection with your own self, essence, or knowing.

Creating your Ritual

Set up a cozy space for yourself. You may create a small altar with a candle, or other adornments that are beautiful/meaningful to you. Make it beautiful, make it sacred. Light your favorite candle. Set up anywhere that feels supportive of you (the side of your bed, a nook, your favorite window, a balcony). Brew yourself a cup of tea, or your favorite beverage. Do not simply dump boiling water into a mug with a teabag. Intentionally choose your favorite mug or cup. Mindfully fill your kettle, and wait as the water boils. Choose your favorite tea/beverage. As you pour your hot water into your mug, pause and notice. See the steam as it rises, smell the scent of your leaves as they unfurl and begin to steep, feel the warmth radiating up to you, hear the sound of water pouring.

Set aside time, without distractions and have your journal with you. Sit in front of the offering you’ve made, and reflect on the below questions. Define an area you’re especially proud of this year, write it in your journal, in detail.

Take a pause to wrap up this previous chapter, thank it for all the lessons taught to you. Look forward to the upcoming winter months, and where you’re currently headed. Is there anything new you’d like to call into your life? Any changes you’d like to make in the new year? Do not think of these as goals or resolutions. Instead, ask yourself to truly pinpoint what you desire. Are your actions aligned towards your true desires?

After getting clear and journaling down your thoughts and intuitions, pause. There is power in knowing when it is time to race ahead, and when to absorb and embody. You’re invited at this time to reflect on this exercise, giving yourself time to daydream on where you’re headed.

Find a plain taper candle. Carve your intentions, the positive you’d like to call in (ex. perfect health, financial abundance, love, ease, time). On the shortest night of the year, light your candle and release any attachments as you begin the next season anew. Watch as your wishes are sent out into the universe.

Reflection Questions:

Looking back on your previous year, what are you most proud of?

How were you feeling for most of the year: physically, emotionally, spiritually?

What goals did you set for this year? How do you feel about them now?

How have you grown since the beginning of the year?

What changes have you been working on?

What in your life have you been tending to and nurturing?

What are some important projects that you’ve brought to fruition?

What are some accomplishments you’re proud of?

Wishing you all a warm, cozy, nourishing winter season. I hope to see you at one of my events soon.