Happy winter solstice! Here’s what it is and how to celebrate it
It’s that magical time of year again - the winter solstice.
It happens when the sun is at its farthest point from the celestial equator, and it marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere.
So what’s actually happening on this day? During the winter solstice, the Earth's North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun, which causes the sun to appear lower in the sky and to rise and set at a more southerly point. This results in shorter days and longer nights, as well as colder temperatures.
In many cultures, the winter solstice has been traditionally seen as a time of renewal and a time to celebrate the return of the sun. It is also the start of the astronomical winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.
For witches, the winter solstice can be a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year to come. It is also a time to honor the deities and ancestors, and to celebrate the return of the sun. Many witches also see the winter solstice as a time to embrace the darkness and stillness of the season, and to rest and recharge before the days begin to grow longer again.
Some witches may choose to celebrate the winter solstice with rituals, such as lighting candles or incense, meditating, performing spells or rituals, or simply taking time to be grateful for the blessings of the past year.
Here are a few ideas for how you can celebrate winter solstice:
Holding a ritual or ceremony to honor the shortest day of the year and the longest night. This may involve lighting candles, chanting, or offering up prayers or offerings to the gods and goddesses.
Celebrating the return of the sun and the lengthening of days by decorating with solar symbols such as sunflowers, sun catchers, or golden ornaments.
Gathering with other witches and pagans for a winter solstice feast, which may include traditional dishes such as roast pork, apples, and nuts.
Holding a bonfire or a fire ceremony to honor the sun and bring warmth and light to the darkness of winter.
Engaging in divination or other forms of spiritual work to seek guidance for the coming year.
Doing acts of charity or community service to honor the season of giving and to bring light and warmth to those in need.
Attend a solstice celebration: Many communities hold public events or festivals to mark the occasion, such as lighting bonfires or lanterns, performing traditional music or dance, and participating in other cultural activities.
Spend time outside: Take advantage of the shortest day of the year to spend some time in nature. Go for a hike, take a walk, or just sit outside and observe the winter landscape.
Reflect on the year: Winter solstice can be a good time to reflect on the past year and consider what you want to let go of or bring into the new year. You could journal, meditate, or participate in a solstice-themed yoga class.
Stay warm and cozy: Since winter solstice marks the beginning of winter, it's a good time to hunker down and stay warm and cozy. Consider cooking a comforting meal, having a hot drink, or snuggling up with a good book.
Connect with others: Winter solstice is a good opportunity to connect with friends and family, either in person or virtually. Consider hosting a solstice-themed gathering or joining an online celebration.
It's a great time to spend some time reflecting and a few of the journal prompts you can use during this time are:
How does the shorter days and longer nights of the winter solstice affect your mood and energy levels?
How do you find meaning or significance in the winter solstice?
What are some ways you can celebrate the winter solstice, even if you can't be with loved ones in person?
How do you balance the desire to be productive and get things done during the shorter days with the need to rest and recharge during the winter months?
What are some things you're looking forward to in the coming months?
How do you take care of yourself during the winter season, both physically and mentally?
Reflect on the past year and consider how you've grown or changed since the previous winter solstice.