This morning a group of (slightly crazy) friends and I have planned to mark the winter solstice with a mid-winter swim followed by a thermos of freshly brewed ceremonial cacao. It's cold, dark and raining outside right now so this is going to require a fair bit of discomfort but the cold water dopamine hit is a motivating factor.
I've been reflecting on my growing appreciation for seasons and cycles both within myself and outside myself and the awe I have for how connected and synchronistic everything is.
Nature is a wonderful mirror to show us how to respect our constant impermanence and evolution.
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word sŨlstitium, which means ‘sun’ and to “stand still”—symbolising the moment when the sun and earth meet each other in stillness. This is a beautiful reminder for us to take a moment of stillness and appreciate the season we find ourselves in.
When we honour the external season we get to reflect on our own inner season. The same is true for the cycles of the moon or the calendar and the cycles within ourselves.
The solstice is a beautiful time to practise a ritual, either alone or with a group. Today I wanted to share 3 rituals with you that you can practice over the solstice, for both my Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere friends - the winter and summer solstice.
Winter Solstice Rituals
The primary theme of the winter solstice is to release the dark and bring in the light. It is a time of hope, as with each day there comes more light.
1. Fire Ritual
For those celebrating winter solstice, this is the day when we have more darkness than any other day in the year. For this reason, we like to do rituals that create more light and the fire element is ideal for this.
Gather around a fire or a flame and consider what you want to let go of this winter solstice. Just like the leaves on a tree, this is a time of letting go. Write these points down on a piece of paper (keep going until you get everything down) and If it is safe to do so, throw your paper into the fire or burn it with a flame. Let go of what is not serving you.
2. Journal Practice
The winter solstice is a time for greater introspection, slowing down and reflecting on both what has been in the season before and what you want to create in the season ahead. Take some time to write down your reflections.
Some journal questions could include:
- What seeds do you want to plant now that could come to life in the spring or summer?
- What is stirring inside of me and wanting to be expressed?
- How could I honour, respect and support myself more in this season?
3. Lighting the Candle
Candles are a beautiful symbol of bringing in more light. You can light candles in your home, inside or out. You can create lanterns and go for a lantern walk or you can do a candle meditation.
For candle meditation, mindfully light a candle, sit in a comfortable position and gaze at the flame. As you gaze at the flame reflect on the season that has passed, contemplate the symbolism of the flame, the darkness and the winter season, and/or sit and meditate using the flame or your breath as an anchor.
Do you have any solstice rituals you practise in the winter? I would love to hear from you about these. Or if you try one of the above rituals - how was it for you?
Enjoy the days getting longer!
Simone
