Happy Winter Solstice
Greetings!
Wednesday, December 21, is the shortest day of the year, which is known as
The Winter Solstice.
Every year, December 21 marks the 355th day of the year and 356th in leap years as per the Gregorian calendar.
This also reminds us of the 10 days remaining until the end of the year.
This is the point when the sun’s path in the sky is farthest south.
The Winter Solstice is a solar holiday that occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.
During this time, the earth’s axis is tilted farthest away from the sun, creating the longest night of the year.
The Winter Solstice is celebrated across many pagan traditions, honoring the sun and the halfway point of winter.
Today, many Pagans still celebrate Yule on the day of the Winter Solstice.
Pagans celebrate the rebirth of the sun through gift exchanges, merriment, and deep spiritual reflection.
For Pagans, this is a time of new beginnings, rebirth, transformation, getting rid of unwanted habits, and creativity.
The symbols of Yule are evergreens, the Yule Log, a Yule tree, mistletoe, holly, wreaths, and bells.
The colors of Yule are white, green, red, gold, and silver.
Here are a couple ways that my family celebrates
Winter Solstice:
Decorate an Outdoor Edible Tree for the Animals
In addition to a traditional indoor holiday tree, we like decorating a live outdoor tree with biodegradable, edible ornaments for local birds and other creatures.
We have borrowed these edible ornament ideas from around the web, such as citrus bird feeders, peanut butter pinecones, seed ornaments, and cranberry popcorn garland.
Note: (If you can't find cranberries, just string plain popcorn.)
Trim the tree and watch the critters come by and enjoy their treats!
GET OUTSIDE AND CONNECT.
Get outside and connect with what matters on the solstice. You can start by searching for signs of winter.
Reflect, Release, Let Go, and Set Intentions For The New Season
The winter solstice is considered the seasonal dark night of the soul.
Spiritually, it’s a time to honor both the light and the darkness that resides within each of us.
Take small scraps of paper and write down the things that you would like to let go of.
When everyone has finished, throw them into a fire, transforming darkness into light.
After “letting go,” set intentions for the new season ahead—speak aloud a thing, idea, habit, or practice that you would like to bring into your life.
Happy Solstice !
Please Note:
We will also be closed Thursday (December 22) and Friday (December 23) due to the weather.
Staff will be working from home.
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