Winter Solstice Traditions

Celebrating the return of light

By Shannon Day

The light is waning, and the earth seems to stands still. This calm pause in action plays within the beauty of night, encouraging us to delve into the darkness inside. Yule is the honoring of returning light, as we officially enter winter on December 21. We stand at the horizon of our darkest hour, gathering warmth in the Sun's promise of growth and renewal.

Winter Soltice, Yule or Midwinter is celebrated in every culture throughout history.  Its importance in agrarian cultures was paramount, and difficult to disassemble.  

This Winter Solstice coincides with Mercury Retrograde; an auspicious time to reveal the past and to go deeper into grace of the moment. Typically fire or candles are lit to commemorate the warmth and light that begins to surface. The planets lend great authority and magic to this season as well. Sharing dreams and visions for the future is paramount, especially within oneself.

Midwinter is commemorated by the Yule log. In agrarian cultures, a large wooden log was lit from the remnants of the log burned in last year's festivities. The log is said to bring prosperity and protection from evil, so by keeping remnants of the log all year, the protection remains. Its warmth cascades into all seasons and brings light on this of darkest nights. Keeping this fire burning through the night encourages coming warmth.

At this time of Yule, there are many modern practices that deepen our awareness throughout the season. It is no accident that we honor new light and celebrate our new year at the same time; resolutions come in many forms. Winter is a time of darkness, releasing, letting go, warming the heart, nourishing the soul and affirming that which is to come.

Release is powerful medicine, a plumbing of the depths, fertilizing your foundation. This Winter Solstice, write down what you would like to release into the darkness. You can write as many thoughts as you wish, about a situation, energies, a person or a habit. This is a time to revere what has taught you well, not to revoke yourself for the past. Think about what you would like to release, as well as what you would like to replace it with. With your fire or candle lit, cast the written offerings into the fire, and as it burns, affirm this release by declaring what you would like to replace things with. After fully finished, let your fire or candle burn completely to the end, releasing that which is now gone. If there are any remnants of your ritual fire or candle, you can either keep a few ashes or a piece of wax to commemorate your releasing next year, and recall that which you have consciously "let go" of for 2010. Lastly, celebrate your awareness by enjoying pleasure! The long night has just begun, your fire is burning and there is much to treasure.

Winter Solstice Traditions | Tarot.com -- Continued »