Winter Solstice December 21, 2023

November 23, 2023

As the holiday season reaches its peak, it's easy to get caught up in the hectic hustle and bustle. But amidst all the chaos, there's a special moment that brings a sense of peace and tranquility - the Winter Solstice. This year, take a moment to pause and appreciate the stillness that comes with the longest night of the year. Let the Winter Solstice be a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

December 21, 2023 marks the solstice—Winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Winter solstice occurs for the Northern Hemisphere in December and for the Southern Hemisphere in June.

The winter solstice is a time of reflection, during the darkest and longest night of the year. A time to spend with family and friends. A time to imagine what the coming year will bring. As an expression in nature, the Winter Solstice is the time to reflect on the power of our spiritual beliefs and the belief in the power of ourselves!

The winter solstice, the rebirth of the Sun, is an important turning point, as it marks the shortest day. Yule is deeply rooted in the cycle of the year, it is the seed time of year, the longest night and the shortest day, where the Goddess once again becomes the Great Mother and gives birth to the new Sun King.

The Scandinavian and Germanic people of northern Europe celebrated a twelve-day "midwinter" (winter solstice) holiday called Yule  Many modern Christmas traditions, such as the Christmas tree, the Christmas wreath, the Yule log, and others, are direct descendants of Yule customs.

Elements to work with on the Winter Solstice

Herbs: Holly, mistletoe, pine cones, pine needles, oak leaves, Yule log ashes, fir, birch, hazel bark, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, wintergreen

Colors: Red, green, white, gold, silver

December 2023 brings with it snow (for some), family, feasts, and fun, but remember to grab some hot cocoa during this winter month and relax when you can 

Here Are Some Wonderful Suggestions to Start Winter Solstice Traditions

Feed the Wildlife - String cereal onto thread and drape it across the bare branches of trees for the wildlife to share… some apples too, hung on a thread. This is a wonderful gift to the creatures that share our world in the night, the longest night of the year.

Eat by Candlelight -Welcome the return of the sun by eating in only candlelight and firelight… thank the sun for all of its strength and energy, and for bringing light into our lives.

Release The Old You can use this ceremony to release any old thoughts, patterns or unwanted energy from 2021. Just write down whatever comes, draw a picture. Sometimes words are not needed.

Welcome The New -. One of the most important things that you can do is write out your hopes and dreams for 2022 on slips of paper, then light them on fire by candles or fireplace and watch as the paper transforms to smoke… carrying your intentions out to the universe. Your energy and intention is not unnoticed.

The Winter Solstice and Stonehenge.

Stonehenge is carefully aligned on a sight-line that points to the winter solstice sunset. It is thought that the Winter Solstice was actually more important to the people who constructed Stonehenge than the Summer Solstice. The winter solstice was immensely important because the people were economically dependent on monitoring the progress of the seasons.  Winters were harsh and it was important to store up food at the solstice for the long winter months.

The Winter Solstice is the most important day of the year at Stonehenge and a truly magical time to be there. For many the impulse to arrive at Stonehenge in time for the Solstice is a little like all those people drawn to the strange rock in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s akin to a spiritual experience for those that attend.

On the night of December 21:

Please light a candle (white, gold, or silver) and spend at least 5 minutes in mindful meditation.

Make sure you take time to enjoy this sacred day in some special way.

I’m taking reservations now for my special Yuletide/Winter Solstice Spiritual Reading..  These are quite different than my normal readings.  Treat yourself now to a personal treasure with a special Winter Solstice Reading. Grab yours before they are all gone!

Winter Solstice Blessings,
Cherokee Billie

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