The Winter Solstice is almost here, an invitation for pause and surrender, a time to rest and listen to the dream that is dreaming you. If you are like me–a mother or someone who is busy supporting many people and many things, time can feel scarce to drop in with the self and create meaningful connection points.
I created The Solstice Micro Ceremony with all of us in heart and mind during this busy season that is also beckoning us to slow down, take a breath, really listen to our hearts and celebrate what is right in front of us. Creating intentionality with the seasons is one of my native love languages and I love sharing what I have come to know and the practices to help make your life more meaningful, easier, smoother and rich. It is a soul poetry.
This 4-part micro ceremony is something you can do all in one go if you have the time or split across multiple days.
Voice Love Note on Winter 7 min (You could listen to this on the go or while you cook or clean! It’s short and will help you prepare your space, mind, body and spirit.)
A Fall Release Ritual 5 min or less
You will need a white candle, a toothpick, something safe to burn the toothpick in like a glass dish or abalone smudge shell and matches or a lighter.
Light the candle. Then ask yourself, “What do I need to release from the fall?” Be honest. Give thanks to the fall season for all that it brought and taught you. Give the toothpick a quick lick to put your energy on it—this gives your release some mega power. Then burn it! The toothpick will usually just burn in half. This is great. Blow the candle out.
Cleansing Ritual 10 min or less
You will need a glass bowl, sea salt, Himalayan salt, Celtic salt or epsom salt. No table salt! Water.
Mix the salt in the water until it dissolves. Then sprinkle all over your space—floor, walls, everywhere. This will cleanse and bless your space to prepare you for the rest of the rituals. Then cleanse and bless your self. Think like drizzling a soft rain. You don’t need a lot.
A Winter Invocation Ritual 5 min or less
You will need a white candle & a toothpick for setting intentions and calling in the Winter of your dreams, matches or a lighter.
Light your candle. Close your eyes and place both hands over your heart connecting with your deepest dreams, desires, intentions and what you wish to manifest or bring into your life this season. Speak them aloud. Lick the toothpick to put your energy on it, then burn this one too. Give thanks for the blessings already on the way. Keep the candle lit while you do your Winter Divination Spread. If you are doing them at separate times, snuff the candle out with a snuffer or with wet fingers (quick lick does the trick) pinch the flame out. Be careful to not burn yourself! This distinction helps to not “blow your magic away” and helps keep the potency of your prayer. If you feel really wary about this, just blow it out. Always best to trust your gut.
Winter Divination Spread 20 min
Light your white candle or keep it lit. Grab your favorite tarot/oracle deck or divination system like runes. Set your intention and shuffle from your heart. When you are done, take a picture for referencing later! If you don’t work with the tarot/oracle or divination, use these as reflection questions and journal on them. Don’t forget to snuff, pinch or blow out your candle thanking yourself and the experience.
-What aspect of self most requires hibernation?
-What passion or purpose can I ignite this season?
-What blessing is the Winter Solstice bringing me?
-What dream seed am I being asked to nurture?
-What is the main theme or focus for me this winter season?
Bonus Winter Micro Ritual List–All things you can do in 5 min or less this season
-Write down 5 things you are grateful for this year
-Greet the sunrise and choose 1 thing to focus on that day
-Light a candle at sunset and pray to illuminate the hearts of everyone in the world
-Cut a sprig of pine or gather a pinecone to bring the spirit of Winter into your home
-Step outside to notice the crisp air
-Make a cup of tea to warm your heart
-Play your favorite song and really listen
-Close your eyes and put a hand on your heart while you breathe
-Savor a tiny treat
-Write a note or a text to a friend
-Put cream or oil on your feet and cozy socks
-Turn off all artificial light in your space and notice the Winter light
