ng where we have come from this last year, to make space for manifesting our intentions for the new year, a powerful practice in symbolism is to physically acknowledge the literal cardinal direction and being present for a moment with each one.
As part of a winter solstice ritual one could take a piece of paper and draw the actual directions on it and place the paper on the ground. Sit in the center and take a moment of meditation to mentally connect with each cardinal spirit, or energy, starting with East (which represents spring and the start of the spiritual new year, then onwards to South (representing summer). next to the West (representing autumn) and ending finally with North, (the direction of winter where we are now, and the final season of the spiritual year).
2. Pay reverence to the elements
Another winter solstice ritual would be to gather representations of the 4 elements to place on an alter in dedication for a meditation practice. Some dirt or soil could represent earth, a lit candle for fire, a special vessel filled for water, and a burning incense stick or smudge stick for air.
Place the elements on an alter or simply in front of you during a simple meditation and pay reverence to the spirit in each element and try to make a personal connection with each one as a way to honor this years winter solstice.
3. Take a walk in nature
For a winter solstice ritual that gets you out of the house and actually enjoy what few hours of sunlight we have at this time of year, we recommend a walking meditation outdoors, ideally in a natural setting. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life and venture outside to one of your favorite nature spots. Before getting started though, be sure to turn your phone off to silent or airplane mode, so that you aren't interrupted. This will allow you to truly disconnect with "everyday" life and be more fully engaged in the activity.
Walk slowly and with intention, being mindful of your surroundings and allowing thoughts to drift in and out of your awareness like gentle rolling waves. Pay special attention to where your feet meet the ground at each step, acknowledging the points of contact with the earth. If possible, imagine rooting your energy down into the earth through your feet while simultaneously extending your spine more and more upwards with the crown energy of your head gently expanding towards the sky and trees above you. Let time slip away and feel your place in the universe as one element of a single organism.
4. Letting go bonfire
As a final winter solstice ritual inspiration, why not set up a small bonfire (in a safe and appropriate area of course) with friends and loved ones to connect with the sun energy. Celebrate the approaching New Year by using the fire element to symbolize the ushering in of light on this day of the longest hours of darkness.
As an added element why not write down on a small piece of paper anything form the last year you want to and are ready to let go of, to make space and call in abundance for the new year ahead. Use this ritual as a way to manifest hope in working towards a vision for the future, even during this cyclical time of darkness.
You might like
A few style suggestions to embrace winter solstice.
Thalia Robe in raw silk, onyx.
Thalia robe in raw silk, natural.
This article was written by Molly McDonnell, AVMM’s owner and founder.