Are you feeling ready for a fresh start?
The cosmic heavens have a brilliant array of planetary energy in store as this month and indeed the year 2021 draws to a close.
As we celebrate the Winter Solstice this December 21, 2021, the sun leaves the dynamic season of Sagittarius behind and becomes comfortable in the grounded and hardworking sign of Capricorn.
The Winter solstice is officially the shortest day of the year and the first day of winter (in the Northern Hemisphere).
In the Southern Hemisphere, this date marks the longest day and the first day of Summer.
Wherever in the world you find yourself on this date, the Solstice is a time where the energy of the planet is aligned and a powerful energy is released, perfect for self-reflection, regeneration and rebirth.
In ancient times, pagans and celts called the Winter Solstice ‘Yule’, and celebrated the energy of the God (Moon).
They found deep spiritual significance in these seasonal transformations.
A central part of these Yule celebrations was the belief that the light would return and the sun would be reborn.
The days after December 21st grow gradually lighter as the days get longer and the nights get shorter again.
Darkness is always overcome by brighter light as we return to summer.
This cycle of nature is reflected in our journeys as souls here on earth. We too have been given the opportunity to be born again.
No matter how dark things get, the light always comes back.
The Winter Solstice is a time to celebrate the hope of light returning.
The restorative and healing energies of our beautiful planet offer us the chance to reflect on our lives and tune into the eternal cycles of nature.
It is the ideal time to practice a ritual that connects you spiritually with Mother Earth and the planetary energies present at this time.
Winter Solstice Ritual Ideas:
Write in your Journal: Reflect on the past year and write for free about the ways you would like to create new opportunities in the New Year, and step into your true and authentic self in 2022.
Shadow Work: To recognize where you still need healing in your life is an empowering way to spend this solstice.
Are there hidden parts of you that need to be brought to light? Where are you still accepting toxic behaviors in your life?
Journaling about these issues can help you illuminate what needs to be healed in your soul.
Remember, healing is a lifelong process. The sooner you recognize where the work needs to be done, the easier it will be to do this part of your ongoing journey.
Clean your house: It’s a good time to clean out and throw away the old, both physically and metaphorically. Clear your home and create a space free of stagnant energies and old memories that you wish to release.
Cleanse your soul: Practice meditation and energy clearing.
You can follow a guided meditation or simply picture a ball of white light on your head, a cleansing shower, clearing light through your whole body, removing everything that no longer serves who you are today.
Herbal Bath with Candle: Fill a bath with hot water and surround the tub with candles (safely!).
Drop-in some detoxifying and cleansing herbs such as sandalwood, rosemary, lavender, sage, or cinnamon. They can be dried, in essential oil form, or even fresh if you have them.
Relax and feel yourself being purified and cleansed on the night of the solstice.
Feel any unwanted thoughts, negative beliefs, or fears being removed from your physical and energetic body. After you finish your bath, say a small prayer to the Moon.
You may wish for a brighter future and the strength to continue on your path of healing and evolve into the best version of yourself.
Nature Walk: Get out into your nearest natural environment, if you can – take a walk in the woods or by a lake, stream, river, or ocean.
Feel the power of Mother Nature.
Sit somewhere quiet, to calm your mind, and simply allow yourself to be present wherever you are.
Notice the little miracles happening around you.
Now express deep gratitude for our planet, and feel how connected you are to its seasons, cycles and energies.
Whatever ritual you decide to do during this time, remember to honor the divine nature of the Universe and feel how innate you are to it.
You have a place right here in this world, and you matter.
Take this long Winter night to affirm yourself how much power you hold in you to create your life.
Remember how much magic and energy you have access to as a divine soul here on Earth.
Make a promise to yourself to evolve and grow as you enter 2022, and become the most vibrant, positive, proactive and joyful version of yourself.
