Winter Solstice Season is upon us. December 21, 2022, at 4:48pm marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It's the first day of Winter. Here in the northeast that means freezing days and extended, dark nights but Yule is a solar festival, marking the birth of the sun and the beginning of days getting longer. We'll be hunkering down and staying warm, sure-- and holding in mind that Winter Solstice is primarily a festival of light and rebirth.
These two seemingly opposite energies -- the dark cold night and the birth of the Sun -- are at play every Yule, calling for both going within and welcoming new, bright optimism. Here are some Winter Solstice basics to help you add Yule traditions to your holiday plans:
Symbols of Yule: Evergreens, the Yule Log, a Yule tree, mistletoe, holly, wreaths, and bells. Stags, bonfires, and candles.
Colors of Yule: White, green, red, gold, and silver.
Meditate On: New Beginnings, rebirth, transformation, getting rid of unwanted habits, and creativity.
A Simple Way to Celebrate: Light the house with candles or build a fire in your firepit. Serve mulled cider or brandy and write down seven things to want to bring (birth) into your life. Give thanks to the Sun for returning yet another year. Know that even through the darkest, longest nights of our lives, the light is imminent.
Celebrating With Little Ones: Gather pinecones and slather them with peanut butter, then roll in birdseed. Hang the pinecones in your yard to give back to the birds this winter.
Get Outside: Take the time to go on a mindful walk. Look up and around. Give thanks and remain present.
Wishing you the happiest of Yule Blessings!
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