WINTER SOLSTICE RITUALS
The Winter Solstice celebrates the longest hours of darkness or the rebirth of the Sun and is believed to hold a powerful energy for regeneration, renewal and self-reflection. It is a time when the universe gifts us with a bridge to leave behind what no longer serves us and cross over onto a new and illuminated path.
Below are 5 ways you can channel the energy of the Winter Solstice.
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Sankofa: Process The Past
The Akan, in West Africa, use the term Sankofa to reference looking at the past to build for the future.
Take some time to reflect on the ups and downs of the closing year. Give thanks for all the wonderful experiences that enriched your life and your soul. Acknowledge all the things you are proud of.
On a blank sheet of paper, write down everything about these experiences that caused fear, anger resentment, judgement, anxiety or any other form of negativity.
As you journal, allow yourself to feel whatever emotions that present themselves. Cry. Breathe. Let it go.
After processing your emotions, reflect on the lesson each experience brought you. Be willing to forgive everyone involved, including yourself.
At the very bottom of the sheet of paper, write a few sentences that allows you to let go of those experiences. Example:
I release all that brought me pain.
After writing an intention, safely burn the paper. This process using the element of fire represents the total transformation of whatever you burnt, both metaphorically and energetically.
- Smudging
Sage smudging is an ancient Native tradition where a dried bundle of the plant is burnt and its smoke used for space and energy clearing .It is very powerful in removing negative energy and even unwanted spirits. We can smudge the body and home.
And here is a simple 3-step sage smudging ritual to try:
1. Use loose dried white sage or a white ceremonial sage bundle (aka wand), which is usually bound together by a thin string. You can find sage bundles at your local herb shop or health stores. If you have a sage plant, you can make your own — just bundle and tie it, and then hang upside down in cool dark space until it is completely dried out.
2. Next, place it on any heat-proof burning surface like an Abolone Shell. Light the bundle by holding a flame to it until it begins to smoke. If a true flame appears, shake the bundle gently or blow until it is just embers and smoke. You may need to re-light your sage bundle a few times during the ritual process. If you are burning loose leaf sage, the best method is to use a charcoal burning disk inside of a censor or small cauldron.
3. Once you have a nice smoke going, use you hand or a feather to direct the smoke over your body from your feet up to your head, then back down again. As you do this, visualize the smoke taking away with it any negative energy from your life, any darkness or malady. After clearing your personal energy, wave the smoke around the corners and centers of each room in the home. Open all windows to release old energy and allow fresh air to flow through.
3. Spiritual Bath or Scrub
Fill up a bath with warm water and light some candles or incense around the bath. Then add cleansing herbs to the bath. As you sit in the bath envision yourself being purified and cleansed from your feet all the way up to your head. Imagine all the old and unnecessary thoughts and feelings being washed away.
If you don’t have a tub you can support the energy clearing process by making a salt scrub to use in the shower to draw out further physical and etheric toxins.
1/4 cup liquid coconut oil
3 to 5 drops lavender, sage, or peppermint essential oil
- Step into Your Power
Set some time aside to meditate and visualize the things you desire. Hopefully after you have completed the above steps.
- Honor Your Temple
2 comments
I have come to embrace the winter time as a time to go within. I LIVE it for writing! The writing prompts are amazing!
Thank you for this! This is just what I need at this moment in time… asè!