Bask In Your Glow: Winter Solstice Magic

Shortest day, longest night. When the Winter Solstice draws near, it brings with a reminder that the darker days will be left behind us as we're moving forward. Winter Solstice marks the end to the descent into darkness; as the wheel continues turning, it shifts into steps that bring us closer and closer to brighter days. The magic of the Winter Solstice is twofold- an opportunity to release, and an opportunity to call in. This is a time to bask in the themes of the night, the messages of winter, and in that stillness find clarity, releasing what no longer serves. It is also a time to celebrate the sun, the brighter days that are ahead. It is a time to invite new beginnings into your life with open arms, reaching out for the sun's rays to meet you.

The Winter Solstice is revered as a witch's holiday for the symbols it brings of death and rebirth. It highlights the process of the sun experiencing death, days becoming shorter and darkness taking the lead. It then brings to light the process of rebirth, where the sun returns and the days get longer. The Winter Solstice is considered a celebration of light because, while this day is the shortest day of the year, this day marks the beginning of the transition to more lengthy, sunlit days.

This is a magically potent time for reflection and renewal, and many celebrate this day to honor the Sun's role as the bringer of life. As you navigate these themes during the Winter Solstice, take some time to reflect on the transition of the seasons through your own personal lens. Ask yourself how you have shifted and changed over time to make way for new growth. Celebrate these changes, no matter how small and honor the parts of yourself that maintained your inner light on the darkest of days.

This period of time could cause you to feel rather intensely. You may feel like you are unfurling, or being pushed to let go of things, people, habits, and lifestyles that are no longer in alignment with your desires. You may even feel as though you are mourning your own life, and in a way you are. Just remember, past the grief is a rebirth. This call for deep introspection beckons you to wade through the dark and the shadows, so that when you step into lighter days you can have clear sights on what you want for your life.

Take extra time to lean into self care during this expansive period of time. Rebirth is exciting, exhilarating, and filled with opportunity; but also scary. To be reborn is to experience a death of sorts. Inviting in change and transformation can be overwhelming, letting go of who you have always known yourself to be can bring up questions you may not have all the answers to yet. Remember that this is more than ok! In fact, it’s expected. Look back at your life and think about all the deaths and rebirths it took to bring you to where you are today. You are a phoenix rising from the ashes; to be alive is to change. Support yourself through these changes by inviting in moments to ground yourself through ritual.

Winter Solstice Spell to Bask in Your Glow:

What You Will Need:

• A Ritual Infused Spray
• A white candle
• A Journal
• Something to write with
• A quiet space

Invite in the energy of this Winter Solstice by leaning into your magic, reflecting on the incredible history that has challenged you to develop into the powerful being that you are, and celebrate how far you have come. Begin this ritual by finding a comfortable quiet space where you can exist uninterrupted. Think of this space as a sanctuary; this could be the calm of your bedroom, the comfort of your dining room, or the excitable living room. Choose a space that can be made dim as you embrace the darkness of longest night called in by the Winter Solstice. Once you have chosen a space to conduct your ritual, gather your tools where you will be seated, and turn off your lights. Be sure to close any blinds or curtains on your windows as well to create an unlit environment.

Once you have removed the light from your surroundings, take a seat at your ritual space, close your eyes if this feels aligned, and reflect on the times in your life where darkness was present. Think amount moments in your life that you were helpless, alone, or misunderstood. Contemplate the ways you felt during these times and any themes that may have repeated themselves with empathy and curiosity. This exercise is not an opportunity to shame yourself, but to reassure and validate past versions of yourself and their feelings. Take your time as you ponder over these experiences, walking hand in hand with yourself through the past. Once you find yourself reflecting on experiences that are more present, take three full belly breaths, give yourself a hug or wiggle your body to release any tension in your body, and thank the past version of yourself for supporting yourself through dark times so you may exist as you do now.

Begin the next part of the ritual by lighting your candle, marking the return of the light in your life. As the flame flickers, cutting through the darkness that once surrounded you, and is now radiating warmth through your space, ponder on the light that exists in your life. Think about those moments where your body erupted in joyful laughter, the actions that make your eyes glow with excitement, the times you have been the source of your glee, the community you've fostered that warms your heart with a shining light that starts within and radiates out. Express gratitude for these moments, opportunities, and people.

Make note of any common themes that consistently inspire joy and confidence, and set intentions that reflect these full body glimmers. Reach for your journal and writing tool and list your intentions for the year ahead, rooted in what brings you those feelings of exuberance. This could be "I will lean into my joy by deepening my connections with community and myself" or "I will expand on my inner light by embracing opportunities to play and create." Remember, these intentions are for you and you can call it whatever makes your heart beat with passion and bliss.

Once you have finished listing your intentions and feel at peace with what you have noted, speak them aloud if that feels comfortable or read them to yourself. Allow yourself to feel the joyous tingles and "fuck yes" feelings , let it wash over you as you read what you have written, reassuring yourself that your are worthy of all that you desire. Close out this ritual by grounding yourself back into your body. Spritz yourself with a ritual room and body spray to invite in the gleaming light that exists around you. Allow the earthy scents to center you and stabilize the ground you are resting on, while inviting in optimism and the inherent knowing that you are bright, abundant, connected and whole. You are the earth and the stars, full of radiant softness. Allow any residual feelings of anxiety or or grief dissipate as you mist yourself.

The Winter Solstice is about embracing the natural rhythms in the transitions in life, acknowledging and accepting that you are apart of this natural rhythm just as much as it is apart of you, and that dark times, while uncomfortable, are not a reflection of life as a whole. When you enter the Winter of your life cycle, rest assured that Summer will follow, Illuminating your path from the dark.