Winter solstice pagan refers to the celebration of the winter solstice by pagan communities and individuals. The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, which usually falls around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. Paganism is a broad term that encompasses various spiritual, religious, and cultural beliefs that are not part of mainstream organized religions. Within pagan traditions, the winter solstice holds great significance. It is seen as a time of rebirth and renewal, as the days begin to grow longer again. Many pagan traditions recognize this turning point in the year and celebrate it through various rituals and ceremonies.
Many pagan traditions recognize this turning point in the year and celebrate it through various rituals and ceremonies. One popular pagan celebration during the winter solstice is Yule. Yule is a festival that originated in ancient Germanic and Norse cultures and has been incorporated into modern-day pagan practices.
Wiccan talismans for protection
Wear onyx when investigating paranormal activity, diamonds to guard against demons of the night. Blue topaz will undo magic spells and sorcery, a snake imparts strength and courage, while opals ward off nightmares and might help you to recall past lives. The protective powers of jewels, gems, and ancient amulets are numerous and precious stones and talismans have been worn, put under pillows, and even ground up and poulticed or ingested throughout history by those seeking to make an unpredictable world more safe and secure. On a weekend that marks the days during which our ancestors gathered the last of the harvest and celebrated life, death, and what may come after, we've put together a historically rooted collection of jewelry, charms, fetishes, and apothecary to guide you safely through this mad, mad world.
AMETHYST
A gemstone worn throughout the centuries as a symbol of purity and spirituality, an amulet of protection against evil, and as a talisman of success and wealth, the amethyst is today thought to be grounding, to alleviate stress and headaches, and to help those suffering from bad dreams and night terrors.
THE BEE
The mighty bee is a powerful symbol of inner strength, sexuality, and love.
BLUE TOPAZ
The Ancient Greeks thought blue topaz a stone that brought strength and it was believed during the middle ages that this bright blue gem could undo magic spells and sorcery. Most now associated blue topaz with calm, inner peace, and emotional stability.
CARNELIAN AGATE
The name of this lustrous, red-orange stone comes from the Latin word meaning “flesh.” Carnelian agate derives its rich color from the impurities of iron oxide found within the stone. Associated with energy, warmth, joy and stimulation, it has been used for thousands of years as an adornment acclaimed for its invigorating properties. With its sensual hues and glistening surfaces, carnelian is also believed to intensify love, passion, and desire.
THE CICADA
Inspired by the shrill love song of the cicada, ancient poets wrote verses dedicated to the insect’s life-cycle and mysterious emergence from the ground. Revered for centuries, the cicada was at one time thought to survive only on dew and air. Socrates believed that cicadas were humans that existed before the birth of the muses and their invention of song. Hearing the beautiful music for the first time, these men and women became so charmed and entranced that they sang in an ecstasy, forgetting to eat or drink, until they died. Taking pity on the unfortunate songsters, the muses turned them into insects, granting them the pleasure of singing continuously, without the need for sustenance. Since the times of these ancient odes and fables, many cultures have linked cicadas and their fevered mating songs with love, sexuality, and eroticism, and analogies have been drawn between their cast off shells and the end of the human life span, during which some believe that a hollow form is left behind as the spirit enters the afterlife.
CITRINE
The happy stone – citrine is said to dispel negative energy and bring happiness and positivity into the life of the those who wear it.
CORAL
During the Victorian period red coral was given to children to protect them from becoming a changeling, a fairy child swapped and left in the place of a human child. For this reason you’ll often see antique Victorian rattles with red coral incorporated. Still thought to have protective powers, coral is said to guard against demonic powers, curses, the destructive forces of the Evil Eye and to ward off visitations by succubus or incubus demons. To be effective, the coral should be worn directly against the body so that it can capture and destroy any sorcery before it reaches the wearer of the amulet.
DIAMONDS
The Ancient Romans were said to wear diamonds on the left side of the body to guard against night demons, and the stone is today still thought to impart restful hours of nightmare-free sleep to its wearers. In the middle ages diamonds were used as amulets against demons, cowardice, plague, pestilence and sorcery. According to medieval lore, if you hold a diamond in your left hand while reciting a prayer you’ll be safe from enemies, all manner of wild and venomous beasts, and from going mad.
THE FISH
Fish are ancient symbols of good luck, wealth, and abundance. In China, fish, specifically the koi, are a symbol of longevity since that fish grows very old, and a symbol of unity and fidelity, because they often swim in pairs. Fish charms were given as wedding gifts to represent a perfect union and as a good omen for fertility because of the fish's ability to reproduce rapidly and in large volumes.
FROGS
The frog has long been associated with birth and rebirth. The origins can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt where millions of frogs were born after the annual flooding of the Nile. As the only significant source of water in what was otherwise a desert, the flooding fertilized the lands surrounding the river and made agriculture and development possible. Thus the frog came to be linked to life, fertility and birth. In China the frog has been a symbol of good luck since ancient times and Feng Shui practices recommend putting the image of a frog in an east facing window to encourage childbirth and a happy home.
GARNET
A popular amulet of the middle ages, Garnets can be placed beneath the pillow to guard against evil spirits in the night. These stones were used for general protection against malevolent spiritual forces, to guide the wearer through darkness, and even to stop bleeding and protect from poison.
HOWLITE
Howlite has often been used as a bedside companion for children afraid of the dark. Though this could be explained as just another form of safety blanket, there are many who say that Howlite provides protection against unwanted ghosts and phantoms that roam the house in the night.
JADE
Wear on the body, place on a bedside table, or ornament the house with jade to harness this deep green stone’s energy. For centuries jade has been used as a talisman of good luck, to dispel negative energy, and to bring about increased self awareness. Also thought to bring calm to chaos, jade can be placed on a desk or in places associated with higher stress because some say stroking the stone can help to soothe frayed nerves and bring about more peaceful respiration and cardiac rhythms.
LAPIS
Lapis Lazuli has a long and rich history as an amulet. The Egyptian Book of the Dead, a loose collection of texts describing magical spells that the Egyptians thought would guarantee their dead safe passage into the afterlife, is the earliest recorded history of semi-precious stones being used for religious purposes and often speaks of lapis lazuli amulets being placed on various parts of the deceased’s body. Before death, lapis was used by the Egyptians to cure demonic possession. Believing that the soul was housed in the brain, they pulverized lapis lazuli, mixed it with gold, and placed the poultice on the top of the head to draw out the demons as it dried. In cases of extreme possession, a hole was drilled into the head and the mixture was poured inside.
MOTHER OF PEARL
Mother of pearl is not only beautiful and calming to the senses, but is said to protect one from negative influences and bad, wearying energy. A single pearl can grant their wearer extraordinary foresight, protecting them from imminent dangers, and is also an amulet that will guard against the dangers of the Evil Eye.
ONYX
Onyx is a great stone to wear when investigating paranormal activity because it protects from harmful spirits and can prevent a spirit from draining your psychic energy. It is said to shield one against psychic attack by absorbing and transmuting negative energy, making it a particularly potent protection against black magic.
OPAL
Opals were treasured and worn by ancient monarchs not only for their beauty but for their purported protective powers. Set into crowns and worn as necklaces, opals were said to ward off evil and nightmares, to protect the eyesight, and to aid in the recollection of past lives.
PEARLS
The pearl can grant their wearer extraordinary foresight, protecting them from imminent dangers, and is also an amulet that will guard against the dangers of the Evil Eye.
THE PISTACHIO
Around the world, the pistachio nut is seen as a symbol of happiness and good fortune because when a pistachio is laid on its side it looks like it’s smiling. Some even think that hearing the crack of the shell split open is good luck. A pistachio nut is often gifted at the new year as a talisman of luck, prosperity, and happiness in the new year.
QUARTZ
Quartz crystal can amplify the properties of other stones when they are used together but also has a long list of protective powers when used alone. Like other stones, it can be used to counter black magic, demonic possession and the Evil Eye, but interestingly also acts as a strong channel for bonding with the spirit realm and communing with higher spirits.
RABBITS
Rabbits have been considered a symbol of luck and good fortune for centuries. The rabbits foot is thought to be particularly lucky, probably through an association with a macabre old European custom called The Hand of Glory, wherein the pickled left hand of a hanged criminal was prepared with a candle and "would render motionless all persons to whom it was presented."
REINDEER
The reindeer’s association with Santa’s sleigh began with Clement C. Moore's famous poem, Twas the Night before Christmas, written in late 1824. Rudolph became a fixture in American culture and a member of Santa’s herd in 1939 when ad copywriter Robert L. May wrote a children’s poem for US retailer Montgomery Ward entitled Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Later in 1947 May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the poem and wrote accompanying music. The song reached the top of the charts at Christmas 1949, when it was performed by US cowboy singer Gene Autry. But the reindeer's story begins far earlier than those fanciful American poems and songs. There are many prehistoric references to the reindeer or caribou, as it is sometimes known, in cave art throughout Europe and Asia. Many of these paintings show the reindeer soaring through the air and anthropologists theorize that the animal was seen as something of a spirit guide or guide of the soul to the heavens.
As time went on the reindeer became more generally associated with travel and more specifically, life changing journeys. As the furthest travelers in the deer clan, reindeer can migrate as far as 3000 miles in one season. They battle terrific adversity throughout their journeys – brutal climates, the constant attack of fleas and pests, and near starvation. For this reason they've become associated with triumph over adversity and the perseverance of the spirit.
ROSE QUARTZ
Rose quartz can range in color from pale pink to deep blushing pink and owes its rosy hue to the presence of manganese, iron and titanium within the stone. One of the most popular crystals in healing, rose quartz is often referred to as the “heart stone,” extolled for its power to attract love and intimacy, as well as its capacity to ease heartbreak and heal emotional wounds. It is thought to facilitate connection, encourage compassion and tenderness, and enhance sensuality. It has been used as a token of love for centuries.
RUBIES
A symbol of powerful emotions and ardent passions, rubies are said to increase sexual energy and are associated with love and commitment. Legend has it that rubies also have magical powers of protection but only when worn by their rightful owner. Donned by royalty as a talisman against evil, the rich red stone was said to be a gem of prophecy – it would grow darker when danger was imminent and return to its original color when the peril had passed.
SAPPHIRES
Sapphires have long been purported to protect the wearer from misfortune, fraud, enemies, violence, the Evil Eye, and psychic attacks. According to Buddhist tradition, sapphires also have special powers to induce trances.
THE SCARAB
Scarab amulets were commonly used to protect the deceased in the afterlife. “Heart Scarabs” with inscriptions from the Book of the Dead were placed on the chest of the mummy and were supposed to prevent the heart from revealing any offenses against the gods during the final judgement. For the living, a scarab amulet provided the wearer with protection and confidence in the certain knowledge of reincarnation. This belief sprang from the Egyptians understanding of the ways of the scarab or dung-beetle – a large insect that after laying its eggs in a ball of dung, rolls the ball before it wherever it goes. When the young beetles hatch they appear, seemingly miraculously, from the dung. For the ancient Egyptians, this behavior came to represent the actions of the sun god Khepri who was thought to push the sun through the sky. The beetle’s life cycle then came to symbolize spontaneous creation, rebirth, and resurrection – like the soul rising from the dead.
SHELLS
Shells are symbols of birth, good fortune for life, and resurrection. For centuries they have played an important role in burial ceremonies around the world. One theory goes that the shell, being from the seashore, is not fully of the land and is also not fully of the sea, an idea that corresponds to what many believe death is – that the deceased person is no longer fully of the world, but is also not fully gone. And much as the beautiful shell persists after the animal inside is gone, many believe some form of spirit may persist after the earthly form has perished. The shell and the soul as eternal reminders that we did indeed exist.
SMOKY TOPAZ
Prized by many cultures throughout the millennia, topaz has been used in a myriad of healing and protective ways including as a treatment for madness, for restful, nightmare free sleep, and to protect the wearer from poisoning by losing its color when in the presence of a fatal venom.
THE SNAKE
For centuries snakes have been regarded as symbols of protection and guardianship because when threatened, they tend to stand their ground and fight rather than retreat. Many ancient sites have used symbols of snakes at their entryways as symbolic defenders and having a snake talisman is a potent reminder of strength and courage in the face of fear and adversity. Snakes are also ancient symbols of immortality, renewal, and rebirth because of their own rejuvenation through the shedding of the outer layer of skin.
Our Key of Solomon Talismans are faithfully reproduced from the Key of Solomon, the famous book of Magickal Law reputed to have been written by King Solomon himself 3,000 years ago. Mediaeval Fortune Charms originate from Poland and were worn by mediaeval Knights as Amulets around the neck, on belts, or used on pieces of parchment. They are made of brass and copper and supplied with a leather hanging thong. The Star Charms line is an eclectic collection of authentic Talismans and Amulets from a wide number of cultures and sources. All pieces are made of brass and copper.
It typically involves rituals such as lighting candles or a Yule log to symbolize the return of light and warmth. Feasting, gift-giving, and decorating evergreen trees are also common traditions associated with Yule. Another pagan tradition related to the winter solstice is the celebration of the goddess known as the "Great Mother" or the "Earth Mother." This celebration recognizes the power of the feminine and the connection to nature. It is a time to honor the earth and its cycles. In addition to these specific traditions, pagans may also engage in personal rituals during the winter solstice. These can include meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the coming year. It is important to note that pagan beliefs and practices can vary greatly, as paganism is not a single organized religion. Some pagans may follow specific traditions, while others may create their own individual practices. The common thread among pagans during the winter solstice is the recognition and celebration of the changing seasons and the natural cycles of the earth. Overall, the winter solstice pagan celebration is a time for pagans to connect with nature, honor the earth, and celebrate the return of light and warmth during the darkest time of the year..
Reviews for "Connecting with Nature during the Winter Solstice: A Pagan Approach"
1. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "What is Winter Solstice Pagan". As someone who is interested in learning about different pagan traditions, I hoped to find a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Winter Solstice celebrations. However, this book simply regurgitates basic information that can be found with a quick Google search. The author fails to bring any new perspectives or in-depth analysis to the topic. Overall, I found it to be a shallow and redundant read.
2. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - "What is Winter Solstice Pagan" fell short of my expectations. The book's content lacked depth and failed to provide a thorough understanding of the pagan traditions associated with the Winter Solstice. The writing style also made it difficult to engage with the material, with clunky phrasing and repetitive information. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of the subject.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - Initially, I was excited to dive into the topic of Winter Solstice from a pagan perspective. However, "What is Winter Solstice Pagan" left much to be desired. The book lacked organization and coherence, with disjointed chapters that failed to deliver a cohesive understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, I found the writing to be dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive exploration of Winter Solstice from a pagan standpoint.