Today, Monday 21 June, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky resulting in the shortest day and longest night of our year. The Winter Solstice, which pagans referred to this time as Yule. The Northern Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice is linked to Christmas, this is why we always hear the word ‘Yule’ being used around this time.

It is a time of endings and new beginnings, a time for going inward and experiencing the dark void during the hibernation of winter, which will then return with light. It is a time for rest, self-reflection and ultimately regeneration. 

“Midwinter is a time for deep contemplation, of traveling deep within, to the darkest place, the still point, to find the inner light that is there, to then bring it back out to increase and shine” – Jane Hardwicke Collings

Take a basket on a walk, gather fallen nature treasures such as gum nuts, pine cones, bark, grasses and autumn leaves. Anything that makes you feel like winter or possess winters energy. Return home with your treasures and set aside a small area for them or create an altar, light a candle, add other little offerings and decorate it. With deep respect and gratitude, dedicate the space to rest, reflection and regeneration. Set out your intentions for the planet and yourself. Create a small, daily ceremony to acknowledge the intelligence and wisdom of our planet, the seasons, Mother Nature and the Cosmos. Lighting the candle at the end of a daily ceremony symbolises our voyage into the dark as well as our return from it with light.

Connecting with the cycles in nature reminds us that there is more to life than just ‘I’, that there is a something larger that intrinsically connects us all. By working with this seasonal energy rather than against it, we can flow through life with greater ease and a deeper respect and connection to all life. 

May the Winter Solstice nurture and remind us that taking time for stillness and rest are as essential as the seasons.

NOTE: AVOID harvesting plants in nature without first asking for permission. AVOID taking if there is not enough to ensure future growth. AVOID taking the first or last things you see. Always express gratitude and treat the plants with respect ensuring there is enough remaining for future populations to thrive.

Happy Winter Solstice Everyone xo