Winter solstice, also known as Yule, is an important pagan holiday that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. In 2022, the winter solstice is expected to occur on December 21st. Pagan traditions have a deep reverence for the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. Winter solstice is seen as a time of rebirth and renewal, as it signifies the moment when the days begin to lengthen again. It is a celebration of light and warmth returning to the world. During this time, pagans engage in various rituals and festivities to honor the solstice.
There's no one clear-cut answer, because while many view the winter solstice as marking the beginning of winter, meteorologists argue that it starts earlier in December.
Because Earth is tilted on its axis, the arc that the Sun moves through rises and falls, so the Sun can appear higher and lower in the sky in different seasons. These times marks the equinoxes and the solstices of the coming year and on these special days give you the opportunity to check back in with your intentions and explore how your journey has unfolded thus far.
During this time, pagans engage in various rituals and festivities to honor the solstice. One common tradition is the lighting of bonfires or candles, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. These fires serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the sun's eventual return.
WINTER SOLSTICE 2022
December 21, 2022, will mark the day of the Winter Solstice. There is a special silence to winter, the few birds still left are too busy trying to stay alive to grace the air with many songs, and a muffle of snow hushes everything. It is good to feel nature’s power now, despite all of our technology, when a big snowstorm hits, we are immobilized and forced to stop and wait. Winter makes a stillness in us that echoes the season.
Winter solstice marks the onset of winter and the darkest day of the year. With the darkest day of the year, however, we have the cycle turning over to move back toward the light. It’s a reminder that as soon as we hit our darkest point, there is a light on the other side. It is no coincidence that this time of year marks the celebration of light through different religious traditions. On so many levels, these traditions celebrate the sun and call it back through symbolism like candles, lights, fires, and lanterns. The imagery of our cultural winter holiday is straight from the Pagan past, there was no snow in Bethlehem, and certainly no Christmas trees. But our bones remember the celebration of the living green when all else is bare and bleak. The imagery of the Madonna and child so clearly echoes the ancient-goddess worshiping celebration of Yule as the birth of the Sun Child out of the womb of the longest night.
When we look to the symbolism of this season, it is a time of new beginnings and the formulation of new intentions. For as dark as it is, it is a time of rebirth. It represents the time of the first planted seed, that with the gift of the returning sun, will begin to grow. It’s also no coincidence that New Year's holiday, so close to the Winter Solstice, marks the time of the new year and a time of setting intentions.
If you are looking to embrace the energy of the Winter Solstice Try this short practice at home:
On the evening of the winter solstice after the sun has set, turn off all the lights and meditate in a dark room. In your meditation explore the darkness: How does it feel? What does it represent for you? What are your associations with darkness in your life? Spend some time here and notice what unfolds with your attention. Then, light a single candle and meditate on the light. This is a yogic meditation practice called trataka. Let your gaze be soft, your lids heavy, and focus your eyes on the light of the candle. Again, notice what your experience is and how you feel. Once you have finished this practice, take out your journal and write your intentions for the coming year. You might even set intentions for the following time frames: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. These times marks the equinoxes and the solstices of the coming year and on these special days give you the opportunity to check back in with your intentions and explore how your journey has unfolded thus far.
Another key aspect of the winter solstice celebration is the decorating of homes with evergreen branches, holly, and mistletoe. These plants are believed to bring luck, protection, and fertility, representing the continuation of life even in the harsh winter months. Feasting and sharing meals with loved ones is also an important part of the pagan winter solstice celebration. It is a time for families and communities to gather together, exchange gifts, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. Additionally, some pagans partake in meditation or spiritual practices to connect with the energy of the solstice and set intentions for the coming year. This may involve meditation, divination, or performing rituals specific to individual beliefs and traditions. Winter solstice 2022 will be a significant moment for pagans, as it offers an opportunity to connect with nature and celebrate the cycle of life. It is a time to embrace the darkness and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the light and new opportunities that lie ahead..
Reviews for "Connecting with Nature on the Winter Solstice: A Pagan Perspective"
1. John - 2 stars - The Winter Soostice 2022 Pagan event was a total letdown for me. I was expecting a unique and immersive experience, but it fell flat. The organization was poor, with long lines and disorganized activities. The supposed "pagan" theme felt forced and lacked authenticity. Overall, I was quite disappointed and wouldn't recommend this event.
2. Emily - 1 star - Winter Soostice 2022 Pagan event was a waste of time and money. The entire event felt like a cash grab, with overpriced food and merchandise. The activities were boring and uninteresting, and the lack of entertainment options left me bored. Additionally, the event lacked a cohesive theme, making it feel disjointed and confusing. I regretted attending and will not be returning.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I attended the Winter Soostice 2022 Pagan event and left feeling underwhelmed. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to fully enjoy any of the activities. The vendors were lacking variety, and the prices were exorbitant. The performances and entertainment were mediocre at best, and the lack of organization made it hard to know what was happening when. Overall, it was a disappointment and not worth the time or money.