Winter Solstice Ritual

Release The Darkness And Welcome The Light

The continuous changing of the seasons helps remind us of the ever-changing flow of life. And this turnover is the perfect prompt for us to take a moment to pause, reflect on the past 3 months and set our intentions for the future. On December 21st, the Winter Solstice will occur for 2016 in the Northern Hemisphere. “Solstice” literally means to “stand still of the sun.” The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Traditionally, the Winter Solstice is a time for inner reflection and to release all that is unwanted into the dark, in order to welcome the renewal and return of the light. Here are two symbolic ways that you can say goodbye to the things in your life you want to change, and welcome in new and better opportunities during this Winter Solstice.

Release The Old With A Fire Burning Ceremony

Write down anything you want to release over the next year on little pieces of paper. Perhaps you want to release worry, or relationships that are no longer serving you, or an unfulfilling job, or a bad habit. Then light your fire pit or fireplace (remember: safety first!). Say a little prayer, setting the intention to release each thing that is no longer serving you. Throw each paper into the fire, announcing out loud what you are releasing as you toss it in. Watch each piece burn completely. Once all pieces are ash, seal your intention with saying, “And so it is.”

Greet The Light With Intention

Sit down in a calm and relaxing spot. Light a few candles and grab your journal. Think about the next three months, six months and one year. What qualities do you want to welcome into your life with the return of the light? What do you want to experience, achieve or realize? Write them down in your journal or on a piece of paper. As you write each one take a moment to actually feel what it would be like to have or do or embody that particular thing. When you are done with your list, announce out loud each thing you are welcoming in to your life with the returning of the light. From this point on, we have longer, brighter days to look forward to. And even if a small ritual during this Winter Solstice seems overwhelming (we do realize it is the holiday season!), simply light a candle and set the intention to bring more light into the world. As Mystic Mama says, “A simple act done with intention is enough.” Source: Mind Body Green, Mystic Mama