Winter Solstice Blessings

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For over 5,000 years people have gathered to celebrate the return of the Sun/Son/Light. Winter Solstice marks the beginning of a new solar year and represents the Solstice Cycle from Winter to Summer when our days slowly grow longer and our nights grow shorter. On this, the shortest day and longest night of the year, it is a wonderful time to go within, to release what isn’t working and to welcome in the light of possibility for the coming year. Winter is a season to not only retreat within but to strengthen the light within. It is a time to be cozy, to light fires and candles, to retreat from the cold world outside and create from the heart.

Rituals are a way to connect with the cycles of nature, with ourselves and with our loved ones. Here are a few rituals you can do for the Winter Solstice. For those with children and families it is an opportunity to create tradition, set intentions and enjoy the changing and blessings of the seasons.  When doing with children, keep in mind their age and attention span and adjust accordingly.

The Yule Log

In the Celtic tradition, people would use a log cut from an Oak tree and sprinkle it with dried holly or red ribbon. This represents the Celtic story of the Oak King (who rules during Winter) and the Holly King (who rules during Summer). Before you light the log in the fireplace, reflect on the past year.  Bring forth the challenges you faced as well as your celebrations and accomplishments.

As the fire is lit, each family member or friend can toss in dried holly, a red ribbon or a piece of paper that signifies what you would like to let go of that may have served you well in the past but it is now time to release. Honor and give thanks to this.

As the fire burns brighter, each family member or friend reflects on the possibility of the new year. Take turns stating an intention for the new year out loud or toss in an acorn or piece of wood to symbolize the new blessings and what you would like to call in.

When this process is done it is fun to close the ritual with a song or a poem or prayer. Many use the traditional carol “Deck the Halls” and you can find many poems and prayers online. Here is one I like that the adults and children can take turns reciting:

The Wheel has turned once more, and
the earth has gone to sleep.
The leaves are gone, the crops have returned to the ground.
On this darkest of nights, we celebrate the light.
Tomorrow, the sun will return,
its journey continuing as it always does.
Welcome back, warmth.
Welcome back, light.
Welcome back, life.

Shadows go away, darkness is no more,
as the light of the sun comes back to us.
Warm the earth.
Warm the ground.
Warm the sky.
Warm our hearts.
Welcome back, sun.

Candlelight Circle

As we gather in the darkness of winter to celebrate the returning light, a candlelight circle is an easy and beautiful way welcome in the new season.

Create a circle of candles with one candle for each family member in the circle and one red pillar candle in the center. The red pillar candle can represent the family, a shared intention or goal of the coming year or the Solstice Sun.

Turn out all the lights and turn off electronic devices for a moment and be in the darkness and stillness. Winter is a time to be comfortable in the darkness and the unknown. After a few moments of reflection, light the center candle which symbolizes the Solstice Sun (or Family Intention) with a blessing for renewal, peace and growth for the family and our planet. Invite each member to light their candle and share an intention, blessing or wish for the coming year.

Once all the candles are lit, join hands and give thanks in song or prayer. Another wonderful traditional carol to sing to close out this ritual is “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and you can substitute Solstice for Christmas.

Yule Wreath

The Yule Wreath is a wonderful way to honor the cycle of nature as Yule means wheel.

Purchase or create a wreath with collected evergreens or clippings from your tree with members of your family. Gather around the wreath and share something you appreciate about the Winter Season or about your family.  This is also a time you can ask each member, especially children, what they would like to feel, do or experience during the upcoming winter season.

Place the wreath in a central location such as your front door or in your dining room. Keep the wreath up until after the New Year and then return it to nature or save it for a Summer Solstice bonfire when you can celebrate and release your intentions for the winter season.

There are many more Winter Solstice traditions and I encourage you to create one that feels good for you and your family.

My blessings to you on this sacred day are to welcome in the darkness – the unknown – to reflect back on your journey, release what is no longer serving you with gratitude towards all it has taught you and welcome in the light of possibility and potential.

Commit to being the light, sharing your light and awakening the light within others through your own journey.

Happy Winter Solstice with LOVE.

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