Winter Solstice

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.