Winter Solstice
As we welcome the winter solstice, we are reminded to honor our connection to Mother Earth and the natural wonder all around us. It is a time to celebrate the change in seasons. In the northern hemisphere, it is the longest dark night and shortest of daylight. The sun will start shining more each day until the summer solstice. Rituals can be a wonderful way to honor transitions.
5 simple rituals to celebrate the winter solstice:
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Time your wakeup to watch the sunrise.
The sun rises so much later this time of year – take advantage! Witness the sky’s change in colors and textures. Feel the cold entering your nostrils as you breath in the morning air. Listen for the first sounds of bird songs. Practice a few sun salutations.
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Create something that represents the natural world.
Gather items from your winter garden and design a conifer wreath or swag OR a bouquet of dried flowers, leaves, sticks and twigs. Draw or paint a sunrise or moonrise. Write a poem, story or song about the winter landscape or what the sun means for you.
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Plan a feast for the evening.
Focus on warming and nourishing foods for your body. Soups, stews, and teas that are infused with warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, garlic and black pepper.
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Be still.
Bundle up and go outside to watch the stars rise and daydream about how we are all connected.
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Journal.
If you like journal prompts, the full moon winter ritual of writing can be nourishing. Link here for a set of journal prompts.
