Winter Solstice - a time for celebration and traditions rooted in ancient times.
Solstices are important and ritualistic days that were designed to celebrate the changing of the seasons and a new energy.
The Winter Solstice reflects the shortest day and longest night of the year and celebrates the longest hours of darkness or the rebirth of the Sun. (In Pagan times it was believed that on this day, the Moon would give birth to the Sun and is referred to as Yule, a celebration of Goddess / moon energy.) It is believed to hold a powerful energy for self-reflection, regeneration and renewal. A time when hope breaks through the darkness and we rediscover the light within.
While vibrationally, the Summer Solstice is a time when Yang energy is high, the Winter Solstice is more Yin and a time to bring more feminine energy into the home, a time of birth or the start of a new cycle.
Today there are many ways to celebrate the winter solstice, here a few of our favourite rituals.
- Light a candle and practice Trataka
Trataka / A candle gazing meditation helps bring energy to the third eye, increases concentration, and improves memory.
Choose a quiet and darkened space where you will not be disturbed with dim light. Wear comfortable clothing and sit comfortably with the candle flame at eye level and approx 2 feet away. As you gaze at the candle, breathe. Focus on the sensation of the light flowing into you with each inhalation. As time passes, the room around you will fade until your only awareness is the flame.
The candle you choose can also be effective to the intention you set by either colour or crystal.
Here are some examples
(B Inspired) White – Purity, clarity, innocence, simplicity, completion
(B Awakened) Gold / orange – Abundance, prosperity, wealth, spirituality, sexual energy, optimisim
(B Balanced) Violet – Insight, reverence, higher consciousness
(B Expressive) Blue – Creativity, self expression, communication, relaxation, trust
B Enlightened) Green – Forgiveness, compassion, inspiration, hope, love, freedom, healing
(B Connected) Pink – Empathy, loyatly, love
- Journaling / inner reflection
- Cacao ceremony to connect and activate the heart space in deep reverence and respect for the ancients, traditions and cultures.
- Gathering with friends to feast, share and connect
- Gentle movement and meditation
However you choose to celebrate the winter solstice today, do it with an intention to return home to your heart, to heal the earth and give thanks for the abundance you've received up until this moment.
xo
Annalisa
instagram @annalisa_siefken
B ^ R E movement