A Ritual for Winter Solstice
Here, I’ve shared one of my personal rituals for your own use and inspiration. This is not a finite ceremony, and I encourage you to find alternatives that work best for you. The important thing is to honor the elements, hold the intention of celebratory release, and be present with your experience.
To me, the beauty of ritual is the preparation. We invite ourselves and the Helpers of Transformation into a ceremonial space through the steps of preparing the ritual, so that we can allow ourselves to show up consciously, fully invested for the duration.
Check the list below and gather your materials.
Arrange an altar or ceremonial space; this can be your table, kitchen island, a shelf, as long as it is a space that you can arrange beautifully and will not be disturbed. I use sprigs of greenery as well as trinkets from my ancestors and a bell.
Throughout the day I like to build myself a playlist that sets the mood, then take a bath with the fresh herbs listed, and then put on something that feels celebratory—a white dress, silk robe, or precious jewelry.
Choose the things that make you feel good, warm and expansive. Best to read through the whole ritual, then begin your prep.
Preparation:
On a piece of paper, write down the answers to these questions.
What are the areas in your life you have felt most affected this year?
From those areas, list 3-6 things have you learned in the last six months
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What behaviors/things are you working on?
What behaviors/things are you ready to leave behind for good?
List these on small separate strips of paper each!
A.
B.
C.
D.
What is a win that you are looking forward to expanding upon?
The Ritual:
Get into a comfortable seat or stance in front of your altar. Take 3-5 deep breaths until you feel yourself land in your body. You will know this by a calmness settling on your shoulders, a stillness in your veins, or a sense of oneness with your space.
With your selenite or clear quartz in your left hand draw loving, clearing energy down from the heavens; draw grounding, clear energy up from the earth; clear the path in front of you and behind you. I like to make a couple passes around my whole aura and over the altar as well.
Light your candle(s). I like to hum in a soothing tone as I do so feeling the vibrations throughout my body; mhmm-ah, mhmmm-ah.
Recite:
As I celebrate the closing of this year,
I’m grateful for what I’ve learned in the night
And welcome the clarity that comes with the light.
Take some time to contemplate the things you’ve learned.
Then, take up your strips of paper with A-D written on them. After thanking each thing that you are ready to let go of, light the strip of paper on fire and let it burn, dropping it into the bowl of water.
Thank you (insert A here), for offering me greater wisdom into myself and my path.
Thank you (insert B here), for offering me greater wisdom into myself and my path.
etc.
At this point take a small pinch of the fresh herbs and chew them, exploring their pungency and flavor. Contemplate the things you’re working on into the new year. Add the teaspoon of honey and enjoy the sweet herbal symphony.
Check in with the body, is there energy that’s asking to be released with movement. Perhaps excitement or a feeling of relief or freedom?
Come back to center with your chamomile tea. Each sip brings a golden light down into your body.
As I celebrate the closing of this year,
I’m grateful for what I’ve learned in the night
And welcome the clarity that comes with the light.
When your tea is finished, take a deep inhale and exhale. Thank the Helpers of Transformation/your guides/Spirit for their work. Close with a firm exhale.
You can allow the candles to burn down safely, or snuff them out.
