times or difficult decisions which can feel overbearing, but the winter solstice is a day to remember that no matter what, one way or another, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and that light will shine once again. It is also a time to remind us of the natural cycles in nature, which we may start to notice in our own lives.
We have all experienced times of lightness and abundance in contrast to times of heaviness and hardship, or “dark times”. The world is always changing, and always moving and we can use the winter solstice as an outward expression in nature to express themes we experience internally as individuals as well as in society at large.
How can you celebrate this winter solstice?
If we take the cyclical astronomical occurrence of winter solstice as symbolism for internal transformation, we can see this day as an opportunity to reflect on our own inner struggles or “darkness” and the rewards which are reaped when we are able to overcome hardship or challenges and reach new levels of inner peace, strength and acceptance, only to begin a new chapter, with more lightness in being.
Winter solstice is therefore a great time to be quiet with one’s self, and to let go of the past hardships in making space for new beginnings. This can also be used as a time to further reflect on what goals and intentions we wish to make for the coming “new year”. It is not a time for outward and abundant energy, but rather a time of internal reflection, contemplation and a seeking towards inner calm and peace.
It is a time for manifesting slowness and in that new space allowing for an inner vision that sees outdated and old energies or patterns that are ready to be left in the dust. Common rituals include various meditations which can help cultivate the necessary quietude for such inner contemplations and below we have listed a few of our favorites for this special day of observance on winter solstice.
4 rituals for the winter solstice
1. Honor the Cardinal Directions
Since winter solstice is much about reflecting 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 g