Happy Winter Solstice!
Happy Friday, fellow witches, wizards, and herb lovers! As promised, it is officially time to prepare for the Winter Solstice, and I am here to guide you through some special rituals. The Winter Solstice is a magical moment that takes place around December 21st, signifying the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is a natural turning point that marks the shift towards brighter days ahead, reminding us that even on our darkest days, light is on the way.
It’s time to grab a warm drink, get cozy, and settle in with me as we learn about some historical and modern traditions for celebrating the Winter Solstice.
In ancient Rome, Saturnalia, as it was called, was celebrated with feasts and gift giving in honor of the god Saturn. It is said that these celebrations were an ancient precursor to modern Christmas celebrations. In Britain, people gathered at Stonehenge, where the sunrise on the solstice was perfectly in line with the edge of the stones. If, like myself, you are unable to attend such a magnificent gathering in person, check out this incredible service offered for free by the English Heritage Organization to get a live feed view of this spectacular event using the skycape tool.
© AndyRoland/Getty Images
Stonehenge wasn’t the only historical site that has been reported as lining up perfectly with the sun on the Solstices, however. Archaeologists have discovered many sites built to observe and celebrate these events around the world. Check out Chaco Canyon, built by the ancient Puebloans in Mexico, Ballochroy in the UK, a site said to be one of the earliest observatories, Hovenweep National Monument in Utah, Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, La Table des Marchands in France, Piedras Blancas, a Megalithic tomb discovered just last year in Spain, Casa Grande Ruins in Arizona, the famous Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Angkor Wat, a world renowned Hindu & Buddhist temple in Cambodia, Machu Picchu, the sacred Incan site in Peru, and Chichén Itzá, a Mayan city in Mexico.
But what was the significance of these solar events, and why were they so sacred that ancient civilizations built entire cities & monuments dedicated to them? The answer is quite simple. Many ancient civilizations used these monuments to observe the skies as a method of tracking time, or as a form of ancient calendar. Since the solstices mark the turning point of the year, it was critical to these societies’ survival to track the turning point of the seasons for agricultural planning. Many ancient rituals focused on honoring the sun’s power, with the winter solstice representing the death and rebirth of the sun, and a focus on renewal and hope.
Modern Celebrations & Self Care during the Winter Solstice
Create a Solstice Altar
Decorate with evergreens, candles, your favorite herbs, or even a vision board. Create a circular pattern with crystals or candles to represent the sun. Spend time at your altar reflecting, journaling, and setting intentions for the new year.
Burn a Yule Log
If you happen to have a fireplace, wood stove, or even a fire pit, you can practice this Nordic tradition of decorating and then burning your log on the longest nights of the year. If you don’t have the ability to burn a log, try making a tasty yule log cake, instead!
Make a Wreath
This can be a super fun way to get the family outdoors for some foraging. Collect fallen tree limbs, lower branches, or scraggly evergreen parts to take home and build a wreath. Use dried orange slices, cranberries, anise, and whatever else you may have access to for a pop of color and fragrance to adorn your home with. You might need to stop at a local craft supply or dollar store to get a wreath hoop.
Slow Down, Sleep In, Take a Break!
The holiday’s are, no doubt, a time of complete chaos and madness for many of us. While it can be difficult to rest directly on the solstice, it may be much easier for many of us to take a day or two to ourselves after Christmas Day. Treat yourself to a warm bath, some nourishing tea, passive journaling and meditation, and some dedicated time without an itinerary or priorities to accomplish.
Let some Light into your home
Traditionally, fires and candles were used to send a signal to the sun that it is time to begin it’s journey back to Earth. Light lots of candles, string up twinkling lights, and open your drapes on those sunny days.
Nourishing Meals
With colder weather and a slower pace, winter is often a difficult time to obtain all of our essential nutrients. Many of us fall victim to quick meals and overindulge in sweet treats. While there is nothing inherently wrong with celebrating over a tasty plate of holiday cookies, try to remember to get some protein & fiber in to deeply restore yourself, too. I find it simplest to spend some time once per week preparing a stew or casserole made from seasonally appropriate root vegetables, hearty, vitamin and mineral packed meats, and fragrant, dried herbs that satisfy your belly and nourish your body.
Come visit me for holiday shopping at the Bozeman Yule Festival!
Tomorrow, Saturday 12/21 from 12-8pm, come to the Bozeman Fair Grounds to celebrate
Bozeman Yule Festival
Come find me in Building 2 with Santa!
