SOLSTICE MUSINGS
and welcoming winter

Winter is often associated with death and decay. We refer to the Autumn Years of our life as our final chapter before passing on to the next plane. As the seasons change, we watch nature around us tuck itself in to hibernate until the light returns and life is reborn. Many cultures around the world believe the veil is thinnest between this existence and the afterlife during these transitional times. It is a time to reflect on your own past, as well as loved ones lost.

Yule (Jól in Old Norse) is a winter celebration that predates Christmas by thousands of years. Its Scandinavian roots started in the darkness of winter when it is coldest, and daylight is scarce. This time of remembrance is when the dead and the living can blend together. To this day you can find Swedes in graveyards around Winter Solstice honoring their loved ones with candles. Traditional Yule activities are still practiced around the world, especially by the Pagan community, and many of these traditions are cozy and familiar because they were absorbed by Christmas as Christianity spread across Europe. This is the time to bring greenery into your house to represent renewal, then cozy down by a Yule log fire and sip on your favorite warm beverage. Don’t be afraid to use this time to slow down and check in. Now is the time to take advantage of the Danish concept of Hygge, a tradition that celebrates cozying in and finding joy in simple soothing experiences.

Remember that Winter Solstice is also a celebration of renewal and the return of the Sun. This is the day the Divine Feminine gave birth to the Sun, and brought back the light. Oaths made on Yule are sacred and considered unbreakable, so take some time and be careful with your intentions. But this time is perfect for moving on from your past and thinking towards the future.

If you want to invite some of this Yuletide Magic into your home, You can start with simply looking through old photos or reading old journals and reflecting on your past year. This is a good time to write down some things you would like to release: Regrets, shame, pain. If you can, light a bonfire and let your past go into the flames. If you don’t have a place for a fire, light a candle, and burn them in a cauldron on your altar. Then give yourself the space to look forward. Think about what you want to manifest in the new year, and once you have focused in on your intentions, set them afire. Try using a Sacred Broom to ritually clean your space and refresh your altar. But. . . If you are anything like me, you might just be worn out by this time of the year! In that case, the only thing you should do is slow down and give yourself the time for personal renewal. Self-care is also sacred.

If you like to dip into the darkness in Winter Solstice, entice the Italian Christmas witch, La Befana, into your home. She controls and terrifies men, while delivering candles and gifts to children around the world. The Finnish Witch Goddess of the North, Louhi, kidnapped the Sun and Moon, holding them captive plunging winter into the dark. Frau Perchta is a Norse version of the Christmas witch. While, also, known for delivering presents to children, she is also responsible for sometimes cutting them open and stuffing them with straw. One visitor you may not welcome is the demonic horned beast, The Krampus, who are known for tearing through villages whipping small children.

However you celebrate this season, be kind to yourself and look forward to the days getting longer.

XOXO
Alyssa