Winter Solstice Traditions
Celebrating the return of light
By Shannon Day
The light is waning, and the earth seems to stand 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.
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.
Traditionally, a fun dessert that is made specifically for Winter Solstice is the Buche de Noel -- in the late 18th to 19th century, the Yule log transformed into this French dessert! Usually in the form of a large rectangular shape, the cake is rolled with chocolate icing inside, so when cut, is resembles the rings of a log. This dessert is typically decorated with marzipan mushrooms, berries and holly. As with the protection and prosperity augmented by the Yule log, eating the Buche de Noel is said to have the same remunerative powers. There are many recipes online to make this yummy cake, or you can go to your nearest French bakery where they offer this seasonal dessert with Parisian flair.
The Wheel of the Year is so very satisfying to fly with, to honor, to feel the cycle coursing through our veins. With each and every season may we continue to become the best that we can be -- connected to earth and sky, dark and light, yin and yang, and creating nothing as black or white, but as cycles for change. We all die, and yet life remains. New light is coming, and with hope for a new year, new life is here.
Enjoy your Winter Solstice and Blessed Be.