To embrace something holds a sense of not only acceptance but also a closeness or a drawing near. It is kind and present, often loving. Either in greeting or as a gesture of goodwill in parting. An embrace always ends with a release after a stillness—a pause of darkness as we close our eyes to connect.
For a long time, I thought that leading an intentional life required me to reject any acknowledgment of the present darkness. Choosing instead to focus on light-making practices such as hope and gratitude. I think this comes from a long history of absorbing messages for the aspiring girl boss urging me to manifest my dreams. If only I could keep that vibration high, I wouldn’t be so burnt out by late-stage capitalism, right?
It is true that learning to observe my thoughts and manage my mind has become a significant self-care strategy in my life, but this practice feels the most grounded and sustainable when it is rooted in a connection to the season. This brings me to our moment, the solstice.
It is important to remember that beyond any spiritual significance, the winter solstice is a real astrological event that impacts everyone. Because of this, I believe that it holds lessons for reflection no matter your religious orientation.
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the start of our winter, whereas it marks the start of summer for those in the Southern Hemisphere. How many hours of darkness you will experience will vary based on your location. Here in Washington, we had sunrise at 8 am and will see the sunset around 4:15 pm. In Alaska, folks had sunrise around 11 am and sunset before 3 pm. After this evening, however, we start to gain minutes of daylight as the sun shifts its rotation.
As you can imagine, when our lives were more connected to the natural cycles of the earth, including the changing of the seasons, this would be a significant event. I have come to know the winter solstice as a quiet night of introspection. A time of renewal as well as one of deep processing so that we can make room to welcome lighter times that arise in the new year. Depending on where you are, this can be a vulnerable tender time of grief or one of deep creativity.
In light of this reflection, I invite you dear reader to take time for renewal by sitting in the dark before the new year. Either on this solstice night or in the coming ten days.
We welcome winter.
3 Tips for a Cozy Winter Solstice
1) Process Deep Energy
Unfortunately, our predominant culture surrounding this time of year isn’t conducive to the sort of digestion that I think is really needed at the close of the year. Particularly as we continue to navigate our traumatized culture that can trigger old wounds within us and cause all kinds of trauma flairs. If you, like me, have to keep your food anxiety in check at this time of year please revisit last year’s post on the subject, and don’t hesitate to message me.
This is a time of year when we have to be very purposeful with our energy and make time to process energies or experiences we might be holding on to. This could be a matter of booking therapy or coaching sessions to help you take stock of where you are, or just making space to be with yourself.
Journal Prompt:
Think about a time when you felt renewed or rejuvenated.
What was going on in your life at that time?
What did you do to nourish your mind, body, and spirit?
How can you incorporate those practices into your life during the winter season?
2) Make a Simmer Pot
A simmer pot is a small pot or container that is filled with aromatic ingredients and placed on a stovetop to release their fragrance into the air. Simmer pots are often used as a natural way to add fragrance to a room or to create a pleasant warm atmosphere. To make a simmer pot, you will need a small pot or container, water, and a selection of aromatic ingredients such as herbs, spices, fruit peels, evergreens, or essential oils.
Combine water and your herbs of choice. Heat them over low heat to release their fragrance into the air. You may do this as a magical practice by choosing plants that hold significance to you. Some of my favorites for the winter solstice include:
Bay leaves: Bay leaves are often used in cooking. They are also believed to have protective and purifying properties.
Cinnamon: a warm, aromatic spice that is often used in wintertime baking and drinks. Really any common warming spice can add a touch of magic to your brew.
Rosemary: for remembrance.
Thyme: a traditional remedy for respiratory issues and to boost the immune system, I frequently do thyme steams in the winter for lung health. Symbolically, I use it for courage.
Citrus: to celebrate the light!
3) Cast Wishes
Not as serious as resolutions or big intention-setting sprees. Wishes have a lightness to them without the work of making plans just yet. Here on this dark night, write thirteen wishes down. They don’t have to be material things, rather they can be experiences or feelings that you want to have in 2023.
You can do a craft with these wishes such as making a pinecone firestarter, or a paper flower to be burned in the new year. Or you can collect them in a jar and burn them once a night as an invitation for intention as this TikTok creator suggests.
A Winter Prayer
As the longest night falls, we honor the cycles of the earth and the turning of the wheel. We give thanks for the gifts of the past year and ask for guidance and strength as we move into the new. May the return of the sun bring hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. Blessed be. ~Author unknown
How are you making space to embrace the darkness this solstice? Let me know in the Substack chat, or in the comments.
Thank you for reading and for supporting my passion to bring these missives to your inbox.
Warmly,