Winter Solstice (Yule)- December 21, 2022
The Winter Solstice occurs during the hemisphere’s winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the December solstice (usually December 21st or 22nd) and in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the June solstice (usually June 20th or 21st). Although the winter solstice itself lasts only a moment, the term sometimes refers to the day on which it occurs. Other names are the “extreme of winter” (Dongzhi), or the “shortest day”.
The solstice may have been a special moment of the annual cycle for some cultures even during Neolithic times. Astronomical events were often used to guide activities, such as the mating of animals, the sowing of crops and the monitoring of winter reserves of food. Many cultural mythologies and traditions are derived from this.
During the Winter Solstice, we are spending more time in the dark than any other time of the year. In fact, it has been called “the Darkest Day.” Yule celebrates the eternal cycle of life and death and the battle between light and dark. It is a time to plant seeds, rest, and settle in for the colder months to come. It marks the turning point of the Wheel from waning to waxing, dark to light.
Spending more time in the darkness gives you the opportunity to go within. Focus on your own personal illumination through introspection and candle work. Prepare for the holidays and festive season. Journal about your plans, goals, and intentions for this Winter season.
Here are some activities you can do for Yule:
- Relax by the fireplace.
- Watch the sunrise.
- Make your own Potpourri.
- Decorate with holly, pinecones, mistletoe, and candles.
- Burn incense such as cinnamon, clove, mint, pine, and myrrh.
- Use crystals such as snowflake obsidian, snow quartz, ruby, garnet, and bloodstone.
- Light your Yule log and burn a list of things you want to let go of.
Winter Solstice (Yule) Magical Correspondences
Symbolism: death, rebirth, releasing, Yule logs, garland, candle work.
Colors: red, green, white, gold, silver.
Crystals: snowflake obsidian, angel aura quartz.
Herbs: frankincense, rosemary, sage, bay, chamomile, pine, evergreen, myrrh.
Foods: Turkey, breads, squash, eggnog, soups, fruit cake, nuts, spiced cider.
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To Learn more about how you can harness the energies and powers of the Winter Solstice, dream work, magical correspondences, winter rituals, and gain an accredited certificate of completion, take my masterclass, “ Traveling Within: Harnessing the Energies of the Winter Solstice and Winter Season.”