The Winter Solstice is a time for rest and taking a break, but it’s also about celebration. In the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice signals the rebirth of the Sun. It is when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, and light starts its culmination. Due to this, Winter Solstice carries a natural power. Whether it’s on the 21st or the 22nd, during this time we’re asked to take note of the changing of the seasons and open ourselves to abundance in the coming year.
This ritual can be done anytime during what is known as Halcyon, seven days before to seven days after the Winter Solstice. Alternatively, it can also be done anytime you feel you need a boost in morale and prosperity.
Materials
3 seasonal candles* in red/yellow/or orange, 1 green,1 silver or white
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red is for passion, yellow abundance and joy, orange for creative endeavours
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green symbolizes Earth, growth, earthly possessions, beginnings and finances
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white cleanses and purifies, clearing away old energy, it stands in for any other color as well as amplifies
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silver represents transformation, fluidity and intuition
corresponding Winter Solstice crystals are (you are not required to use all or any of these – make do with what you have access to): black obsidian, clear quartz, agate, rose quartz, citrine, garnet, azurite, black onyx, bloodstone, carnelian, peridot, ruby, blue calcite
a bell
a sprig of holly, ivy or pine (all of the above, or whatever grows seasonally that you can forage in your natural environment)
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holly is frequently used in divination, is associated with love and passion, can be used as protection
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ivy represents loyalty and eternal life (as it’s an evergreen)
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pine (also an evergreen) is used for forgiveness, protection, healing from trauma and for support in finding our way through life
incense: frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon or sandalwood
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frankincense is used for protection and purification
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myrrh clears negativity, brings peace and calmness, encourages meditation as well as connection with spirits
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cinnamon blocks negativity, enhances manifestation, increases psychic and intuitive abilities, cleanses and attracts abundance
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sandalwood cleanses negative energy, helps release emotional blockages and promotes inner peace
fire safe dishes/holders for 3 candles
small bowl of water
salt
a dish with a few coins in it
incense/a smoke cleansing bundle
Hibiscus or rose blossoms (optional)
Ritual
Cast a circle, sit on the floor near your altar – don’t light candles yet.
Take a pinch of salt and add it to the water.
Light your incense/smoke cleansing bundle. Cleanse the space and yourself, waving the smoke cleanser three times around you and your magical working space.
Say: “Salt and sea, from ill stay free/air and fire, work my desire” three times.
Ring the bell.
If you work with the divine, you may use this time to call in any particular spirits or gods/goddesses you work with.
Light the orange, red or yellow candle.
“Tonight is the night of the Solstice, the longest night of the year. As the Wheel turns, I know that tomorrow the Sun will begin its journey back to us. With it, new life will begin, a blessing from Earth to her children. On this night, when the day is equal to night, the Sun begins its journey back to light. I am born in darkness, and now I am growing toward light.”
Take a few moments to remember what it was like for our ancestors at this time of year. The harvest had been brought in, and they knew that in a few months, their stockpiles of food would be running low. It was the Season of Death, the time when the Earth went dormant once more, sleeping until the spring returned. Our ancestors knew that despite the darkness of this night, soon the light would return to the Earth, bringing with it light and life. This night, the Winter Solstice welcomes back the Sun, the ultimate giver of light.
Light the green candle.
“I honor the season of Winter. My offering is to those who are in need this winter. May I stay warm and give warmth to others during this dark season, and may this gift extend towards others in generosity. Please bless and multiply this offering so that I may always give freely.”
Using the green candle, drop a bit of wax into the dish containing the coins.
Light the white candle.
The white candle is used to burn away any negative experiences, unhealthy patterns or burdens that you would like to let go of.
“It is the season of the Winter Goddess. Tonight, I celebrate the festival of the Winter Solstice, the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth. As the Wheel of the Year turns once more, I honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
I light this candle to honor the change in season and to invite growth, renewal and gratitude into the year ahead. May this light give me guidance in times of darkness and light a spark during times of struggle.
As a flame is never diminished by giving itself, it instead doubles. May my own offerings be doubled twice over so that my generosity increase.”
Ring the bell.
Once the intention is set, sprinkle the rose or hibiscus blossoms around the white candle’s base. Use this time to meditate on your intention, do some journaling or bask in the warm light from the candles. Meditate on what changes you’d like to see before the next sabbat. Reflect upon the time of the season: although life lies dormant beneath the soil, what new things will you bring to fruition for yourself when the planting season returns? How will you maintain your spirit throughout the cold months?
Let all the candles burn down completely while you are present. If you must put the candle out, use a snuffer and do not blow it out. This could harm the effectiveness of the intent. Once you are able to return, relight it and let it burn until it is out completely.
Make an offering by burning a sprig of your chosen botanical in a safe, fire proof container with something nearby to extinguish. Make sure it burns all the way down, then safely extinguish if making sure nothing is still burning.
Now, celebrate with a feast illuminated by the cozy candlelight! You can follow-up with divination, such as tarot, runes or using a pendulum, for example. The Winter Solstice is prime time for divination, spirit work and ancestor veneration. If you are interested in working in any of those veins, incorporating any of them as part of your ritual is fitting.
When you’re done, thank the spirits/elements/deities you may have worked with for their presence and bid them farewell. Scatter the flower blossoms outdoors. Keep the coins in the dish. Gradually add to it until there is a sufficient amount of change. Take the coins to someone needing a donation – give them as a tip, give them to an unhoused individual, or donate to a charity. You may continue this spell regularly with your loose change in order to encourage wealth and generosity while giving to others in need.
Have a blessed Winter Solstice.
*Never leave a candle burning unattended. If you need to leave, safely snuff the candle out rather than blow it out. Relight when you return as needed.
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