3 rituals you MUST try this Winter Solstice

Make the most of this magical celebration with easy rituals from spiritual experts across the country

As we end the year, it’s a time to look back on all that the previous 12 months has brought with it. Despite the challenging times we’ve found ourselves in, the shining light has been the renewed understanding of what is most important to us all: love, for ourselves and for others. With this in mind, we’ve asked our spiritual experts to tell us about their favourite winter solstice rituals so we can carry on compassionately into the New Year, and boost positive thoughts and feelings. So sit back, get inspired, and let the light in.

A TIME FOR REFLECTION

Lisa Melbourne Clinical aroma-reflexologist and spiritual coach (tiny.cc/shood)

“On the winter solstice we ease into the stillness found within the longest night and shortest day. We rest, reflect, and allow ourselves time to be still within the darkness, so that we may connect to its sacred energies.

At dusk, take a candle and find a quiet place to sit undisturbed for a while. As nature lies quiet and dormant around us, we too must find time for stillness and inner reflection. Clear your mind and focus on the soft rhythm of your breathing. As you breathe in, imagine you are breathing rejuvenating light into every cell; every part of your body.

As you breathe out, imagine you are breathing out all tiredness, and any
sluggish, negative energies. When you feel ready, light your candle to honour the return of the light, and give silent thanks for the replenishment you found within the darkness.”

GIVE THANKS TO GAIA

Sara Denny Spiritual shop owner (thymekeepers.co.uk)

“We get outdoors on the winter solstice at noon with the people we love. We need to be connected to Gaia, and thank the sun under the sky that we love. As we beckon the beginning of spring, with the growing light, we let go of the darker days, our sadness, and the year’s heartbreaks. ‘Let it go!’ is the
mantra for ourselves and for each other.

Within your ritual, make sure to incorporate water: take a walk by a stream
or a river, or maybe just enjoy the rain! Put your hands on some big old trees, and imprint your heart on their new rings. Place your hands on some big stones and feel the beating heart of Mother Earth. With your feet on the bare earth, remember to breathe. Put your hands up in the sky and thank the unconquered sun.

Get all your crystals out for a few days and discharge any negative energy, and make sure they get a full solstice recharge. Sprinkle salt underneath where they’re sitting for a few days, and place them in a wheel or spiral pattern, or whatever symbol you like! Also, as a long-time teetotaller, I’ll
be sitting out with a nice cup of tea from my flask, nodding to Sol and Ceres.”

MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR SHADOW SELF

Yvonne Power Tarot expert (bohemianlifestyle.co.uk)

“For me, the winter solstice is a time for self-reflection, and to make friends with my shadow-self so that I can bring in more light into my life. I will create an altar to include crystals that will assist with my goals; a singing bowl; and my tarot cards. I recommend the following tarot spread to help integrate and heal your shadow self, which you can do with oracle cards, too:

Card 1: What is my shadow trying to tell me?
Card 2: What part of my shadow am I denying?
Card 3: How can I bring my shadow self fully to the light?
Card 4: What new seeds am I planting?
Card 5: What else can I release to bring more light into my life?
Card 6: What do I need to honour most since the summer solstice?

I recommend including the following crystals in your ritual: rose quartz as a stone of peace and love; blue lace agate as a nurturing stone; and black tourmaline to reduce fear. I close out my ritual by doing a traditional
fire-releasing ceremony. I write down on a piece of paper all that I need to release, and safely burn it in a fireproof bowl. I then use the following affirmation: ‘I now integrate all of those parts of myself that I have kept hidden out of fear. I accept my shadow and love my shadow unconditionally.’”

Read the full feature inside the December issue of Soul & Spirit, on sale Thursday 12th October from all major retailers. Click here to subscribe and get it delivered direct to your door every month, PLUS a bonus free* gift. Or, order a digital copy for your device via PocketMags here.