Winter solstice, which occurs this year in Australia on June 22nd is a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the coming of light and the sun.
Solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). A solstice is when either of the earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun
The winter solstice is marked and celebrated all around the world. It marks the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year and has been observed since ancient times.
The origins of Yule date back 4,000 years, to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians celebrated the rebirth of the god Horus. The festivities lasted for 12 days. They would decorate their homes and areas with lush greenery.
Early Scandinavians celebrated the winter solstice as a means of worshiping the reawakening of nature and other supernatural beings in the winter sky. This time became known as a twelve-day “midwinter” holiday called Yule.
Winter Solstice Blessing
May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, That each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken and true, Brings faith to your soul and well-being to you.
Winter solstice is a time to look to your shadow self.
What parts of yourself have you not been paying attention to? What parts of yourself would you like to leave in the darkness; what is ready to see the light and be renewed.
Winter is a time for rest in nature and it’s the same for us as well. How can you rest and rejuvenate yourself during winter? How do you want to emerge in spring?
Find quiet spaces where you can reflect, journal, be creative or practice self care.
Try and use natural light as much as possible, open the blinds, use fairy lights or candles.
Light is one of the most powerful symbols of winter solstice. Let the light remind you of renewal and hope.
Yule logs are traditionally done with the root of a hardwood tree in a ritual performed to help re-ignite the sun. Traditionally a Yule log fire is kept burning all night as a symbol of light on the darkest night of the year
It’s a time to honor both the light and the darkness.
Winter Solstice is a time to reflect on your journey, what can you leave behind? What will you take with you? What will you create on the next part of your journey?
Celebrate your journey!