Although the Winter Solstice (December 21, 2020) is still a month away, we can already feel the cold weather. As we prepare our homes for the cold season, there are certain cleaning rituals that we can do to prepare ourselves higher to welcome a new season in our lives.
Each season, especially individuals who live in an area that experiences four seasons, know very well that each season affects their life. In winter, daylight hours become shorter, more indoor activities are planned in the colder temperatures, and a lighter diet must be consumed to allow the body to generate enough heat to keep us warm.
In short, every season requires a life adjustment in some way, to survive.
Adjustments are not always welcome; in some cases, we have no choice but to adjust. These rituals that I have for you will help you to cleanse all beings that will allow you to make the necessary changes in your life while harnessing the power of the winter solstice.
The Sankofa
Sankofa is a term used in Akan, in West Africa, which means “looking to the past to build for the future.”
To prepare for winter, use this time to reflect on everything you’ve been through in the past—the good and the bad. Be grateful for the wonderful experiences that have enriched your life, recognize the things you are proud of, and say thank you to the Universe.
Then, look back at the things that gave you grief. Write them down; and no matter how much certain events in the past year hurt, I want you to write it down. Consider this a form of release and acceptance.
Write an intention at the bottom of the sheet and burn the paper safely.
The element of fire in the ritual represents a total transformation of everything that is burned on an energetic level.
Sankofa is not achieved overnight as it involves the proper processing of emotions once you have written them all down. Allow yourself to feel them and release them. When you’re ready to let it go, that’s when you burn the paper.
Make sure you don’t keep it too long.
Candle Ritual
This is a simple candle ritual that you can do as much as you can at home.
Find a quiet place at home and a candle. See the flame and then keep in mind the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
While you’re at it, reflect on the things that happened this year—consider the things you benefit from and what you have to let go of.
When you are done, blow out the candle, sit in the dark, and keep quiet there as long as you like.
Once you are done, light the candle again, and set your intentions for the coming year.
Smudging
Many people know this ritual as “burning sage.” This is an ancient spiritual practice that can help improve mood, relieve stress, and eliminate negativity in your surroundings.
This is a simple ritual you can do to clean yourself and your home. Light safely and move the smoke around your room, over specific objects, or over yourself.
See how you can burn sage at home.
Celebrating the start of winter is essential because it’s easy to get absorbed in shopping and other holiday-related activities that we can get too caught up in not noticing what’s going on around us.
The beginning of winter gives us an opportunity to recognize the order of the cosmos. It is a reminder that our lives are part of something bigger that is always evolving and renewing.
Our modern lives make it a bit more challenging to respect the subtle changes and cycles of the seasons. Through these rituals, we can see during the festive season, that it is a time of rebirth, of departure, and of embracing new possibility and opportunities for growth.
