Rituals for Winter Solstice

It surprises me how dark the days of winter are in Boston. Daylight here falls somewhere between the golden glow of afternoon which I experienced in Connecticut and the dark nights of Sweden. Over the years, I’ve become very aware of the rhythm of nature and how I adjust to those rhythms depending on my place on the planet.

As I write, the third snowstorm of the season has just passed and Winter’s Solstice is upon us. I embrace the Northern winter — the beauty of a snowfall, crystals which form on my windows making delicate patterns in frost, and the opportunity to follow nature’s lead for a season of rest and regeneration.

Winter brings great calm, if we let it. Despite the call of hectic holidays and our attempts at finishing up business for the year, the icy season can be a time of quiet, solitude, and reflection. I have learned that if we take the time to slow down and nurture our souls and spirits in December, our first months of the new year will be far more insightful, rewarding, and productive.

Here are some Winter Solstice rituals which might help usher us through the coming months with greater ease.

• Honor the season by slowing down. Walks through the woods or a city park can nourish our souls and bring us into the calming rhythm of nature.
• Bring the outdoors in. Decorate your mantles and tabletops with evergreen boughs, mistletoe, pine cones, apples, and oranges.
• Light up the night with an outdoor bonfire.
• Light a candle. Or several. Reflect on the past year and your hopes for the future.
• Share a meal with family or friends. Or treat yourself with a meal of nourishing root vegetables.
• Be still and silent. Spend some time in a daydream.
• Meditate in the dark, and after the session light a candle to symbolize the rebirth of the sun in your own journey.
• Watch the sunset or sunrise.
• Purchase a Passion Planner and design your new year.
• Treat yourself to solitude. Journal, create art, read, listen to music.