The winter solstice, also known as Yule, is an important time for Wiccans. It is a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the return of light after the dark winter months. Wiccans believe in the cyclical nature of the seasons and honor this turning point in the year. During the winter solstice, Wiccans perform rituals and ceremonies to welcome the sun's return and to bring warmth, light, and abundance into their lives. These rituals often involve the use of candles, fire, and symbols of the sun. One common ritual during the winter solstice is the lighting of the Yule log.
Many Christmas traditions, like decorating an evergreen tree, hanging mistletoe, and burning a Yule log, originally stem from Yule customs. And like with Christmas, food historically played a large role in Yule celebration, as the Winter Solstice signified the last big feast before deep winter began and famine set in. Most wine and beer was ready for drinking at this time and cattle were slaughtered so they wouldn’t have to be fed through the scarcer months, leading to a surplus of fresh meat. It was a time of excess followed by pronounced scarcity, and while the Winter Solstice is no longer the foreboder of harder days to come, it is still celebrated by many.
It s a beautiful way to celebrate the lengthening of days to come, and gives members of the community a reason to come together and party during the darkest, coldest time of the year. In Pagan tradition, that moment is commemorated with a twelve-day long celebration called Yule that begins on December 21st and continues on through the lengthening of days.
One common ritual during the winter solstice is the lighting of the Yule log. The log is traditionally a large piece of wood, often oak or ash, that is decorated with festive symbols and burned in a bonfire or fireplace. As the log burns, prayers and intentions are said to bring blessings for the coming year.
A Guide to Winter Solstice: Reflections & Rituals for Embracing Renewal
Winter solstice, which occurs this year in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21st is a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the coming of light and the sun. The winter solstice is marked and celebrated all around the world. It marks the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year and has been observed since ancient times--the Mayans and other North American tribes, as well as the inhabitants of the British aisles who built Stonehenge, all built structures to mark or somehow celebrate this unique day in the year. We know that the Mayans saw winter solstice as a time of renewal, and Yule has long been the Pagan celebration that marks winter solstice as a time of rebirth, and something about this year feels like an especially poignant time to tie into ancient traditions and look to the light after the darkness. Here are some ways to celebrate winter solstice, and reflect. Photo by Monica Valls
Reflection During Winter Solstice
Winter solstice is a time to look to your shadow self. What parts of yourself are dormant, exhausted, unheard, or dying? What parts of yourself would you like to leave behind in the darkness; what is ready to encounter the light and be renewed, and what would you like to be reborn? The darkness of winter is a time of rest for most of nature, and it’s the same for us, as well. How can you find rest for your inner self? How can you invite your soul to step off the modern treadmill of productivity, and instead find renewal? How can you follow nature’s lead, and find ways to hibernate or comfort yourself during this season of winter? How are you looking forward to spring emerging? Who do you want to be when it arrives? On winter solstice, try to limit your time with technology and other voices--television, social media, etc. Instead, find quiet spaces where you can journal, be creative, or find other ways to reflect. And use natural lights! Open the blinds to let in as much natural light as possible during the day; light candles when it gets dark. Light is one of the most powerful symbols of winter solstice. Let the lights you light remind you of hope, rebirth, and the cycle of life.
Rituals & Celebrations for Winter Solstice
There are some beautiful winter solstice festivals and celebrations held all over the Northern Hemisphere. For many it is a time to celebrate the bonds of community, light candles to look to the return of the sun, and to set intentions for the season. Whether you are celebrating with friends or not, the winter solstice is also a perfect opportunity to look to essential oils and gemstones. Evergreen tree oils like cedar remind us of immortality and oils like frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli are deeply spiritual and grounding. Combinations like our Forest Bathing diffuser blend are perfect for meditating and reflecting. You can also look to citrus oils like grapefruit or orange; the Japanese use citrus fruits in their winter solstice celebrations, and many cultures look to round fruits as being symbolic of the sun. Garnet, ruby, and sunstone are crystals traditionally used in winter solstice rituals. Sunstone is also known as the stone of good fortune, believed to harness the power of the sun, sheds light during times of darkness and provides direction when all seems lost. It's known to bring forth joy and vitality, clearing negative energy to make way for renewed personal power and encouraging us to rejoice over even the smallest things. And while you reflect on your shadow self, you can look to black tourmaline. It is also very grounding, and helps you connect deeply to yourself. These are just a few different rituals to help you celebrate winter solstice; we hope you find one that feels meaningful to you!
Sarah GuerreroSarah Guerrero is a freelance writer and contributor to Slow North. She has a degree in international business from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and writes about sustainable business practices and ethical living.
Winter solstice is a time to look to your shadow self. What parts of yourself are dormant, exhausted, unheard, or dying? What parts of yourself would you like to leave behind in the darkness; what is ready to encounter the light and be renewed, and what would you like to be reborn? The darkness of winter is a time of rest for most of nature, and it’s the same for us, as well. How can you find rest for your inner self? How can you invite your soul to step off the modern treadmill of productivity, and instead find renewal? How can you follow nature’s lead, and find ways to hibernate or comfort yourself during this season of winter? How are you looking forward to spring emerging? Who do you want to be when it arrives? On winter solstice, try to limit your time with technology and other voices--television, social media, etc. Instead, find quiet spaces where you can journal, be creative, or find other ways to reflect. And use natural lights! Open the blinds to let in as much natural light as possible during the day; light candles when it gets dark. Light is one of the most powerful symbols of winter solstice. Let the lights you light remind you of hope, rebirth, and the cycle of life.
Another important aspect of Wiccan winter solstice rituals is the use of candles. Candles symbolize the light of the sun and are used to bring warmth and illumination to the ritual space. Wiccans may light candles in various colors, representing different aspects of the season, such as green for fertility and growth or gold for prosperity. In addition to these rituals, Wiccans may also engage in meditation, divination, and spellwork during the winter solstice. They may use crystals, herbs, and other tools to enhance their connection with the natural world and to manifest their desires for the coming year. Overall, Wiccan winter solstice rituals are a time of celebration, reflection, and connection with nature. They are an opportunity for Wiccans to honor the changing seasons and to align themselves with the cycles of the earth. Through these rituals, they seek to bring light, warmth, and abundance into their lives and to set intentions for the coming year..
Reviews for "Crafting Sacred Candles: Wiccan Practices for the Winter Solstice"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars:
I found the "Wiccan winter solstice rituals" to be completely nonsensical and a waste of time. The event was poorly organized, with vague instructions and a lack of clear direction. The rituals themselves seemed like a mishmash of random acts, with no coherent theme or purpose. I left feeling confused and unsatisfied, and I would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a meaningful and fulfilling experience.
2. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars:
Although I am open to exploring different spiritual practices, the "Wiccan winter solstice rituals" fell short of my expectations. The rituals felt forced and contrived, lacking authenticity. The event lacked a sense of community and connection, which I believe is a crucial aspect of any spiritual gathering. Additionally, the whole experience seemed disorganized, and it was difficult to follow along with the rituals. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.
3. Alex - 1 out of 5 stars:
As someone who practices Wicca, I was excited to attend the "Wiccan winter solstice rituals" but was ultimately let down. The rituals felt watered-down and generic, lacking the depth and reverence that I associate with Wiccan practices. It seemed like the organizers were more interested in creating a trendy event rather than honoring the sacred nature of the winter solstice. I would not recommend this event to fellow Wiccans or anyone seeking an authentic spiritual experience.
4. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars:
The "Wiccan winter solstice rituals" were a complete disappointment. The whole event felt like a gimmick, with poorly executed rituals and a lack of genuine spirituality. It seemed like the organizers were merely going through the motions, without any real understanding of the traditions they were attempting to incorporate. I left feeling disconnected and disheartened, and I would caution others to seek out more authentic and meaningful solstice rituals elsewhere.