Winter Solstice

Nature remember what we humans have forgotten:
Every cycle must return to stillness, silence, the dark:
Every out-breath requires and in-breath
Every outer endeavor turns back inward to its origin, its center and begins again;
From death comes new life, and from the darkest night, the new dawn is born

The Winter Solstice occurs the moment the sun enters the tropical sign of Capricorn. This year that will be on December 21st at 8:48 PM PST. At the solstice the sun appears to stand still in the sky. Time goes by so fast. Years whip through calendars like ravenous monsters of the future. Taking time on the solstice to remind ourselves of the timeless stillness within us can be tremendously powerful.

We are all so busy this time of year so, I'll get right to it!
Let's harness the power of the Winter Solstice and set our intentions on fire! I will literally be doing this later during my Winter Solstice Celebration. It's time to rebirth our light. Whatever your celebration is here are a few thing to sit with as you set your intentions for the upcoming year.

1. How do I want to feel about my work, relationships, body, spiritual life/relationship with myself?
2. What old paradigm do I want to outgrow?
3. What life affirming feeling do I want to grow into?
4. What bonds am I ready to free myself from?
5. What guilt, shame and self-doubt can I lay down?
6. What actions can I take to help my self esteem and quell my self-doubt?
7. What self-care practices can I give to myself considering the nature of my work?
8. How can I give that which I want to cultivate? What do I need to become more sensitive to?
9. What might I need to have a thicker skin about?
10. How can I grow myself up so that I am moving away from thinking that the world owes me something and towards getting curious about what I can give to it?

Few practices have been as powerful in my life as stating my intentions for the year at the Winter Solstice. I hope you find it to be as helpful and as healing.
Solstice warmth to you and yours,
​ Traci

​Check out this beautiful Winter Solstice Carol by the Wyrd Sisters :)

Yule and Winter Solstice MeaningThe spiritual meaning of Winter Solstice is celebrating the longest and darkest night is here, and the slow return of the sun is upon us. We look forward to the brighter and warmer days ahead.

However, one needs to only look outside to see Nature’s reminder of slumber and dormancy. Now is a
time forrest, reflection, growth, and being fully present during this beautiful season.
Allow yourself to fully experience your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Only then can you begin to understand your darkness that may need healing. Working through these shadows allows transformation and emergence of inner strength, enlightenment, and wonderful beginnings.
Trust your emotions to inspire you because they are authentic, raw, and pure. Here in the stillness and quiet calm of Winter embrace healing, rest, and deep reflection. 

Celebrate with a Family Ritual
As the Yule Log burns, all members of the family should surround it, forming a circle.
If you normally cast a circle, do so at this time.
This first section is for the adults–if there is more than one grownup, they can take turns saying the lines, or say them together:
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.
The entire group now moves deosil–clockwise, or sunwise–around the fire. When each member has returned to his or her original position, it is time for the children to add their part. This section can be divided among the children so that each gets a chance to speak.
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.
Finally, each member of the group should take a moment to tell the others one thing that they are thankful for about their family–things like “I am happy that Mom cooks us such wonderful food,” or “I’m proud of Alex because he helps people who need it.”
When everyone has had a chance to speak, walk sunwise once more around the fire, and end the rite. If possible, save a bit of this year's Yule log to add to the fire for next year's ceremony.
More Yule Rituals to TryDepending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate the Solstice season. and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group with just a little planning. Hold a ritual to celebrate the return of the sun, do a home cleansing as you celebrate the season, or even bless donations you're giving away to charity.