SOLSTICE ADVENT- Day 7

Celebrate the Winter Solstice – 12/21 2020…

the longest night and shortest daylight of the year,

the natural marker of the New Year and the ending place of the Pagan Wheel of the Year, initiating the next turning of the wheel.
the first day of YULE – Dec 21st through Jan 1st,
and this year,
the beginning of the Great Jupiter Saturn Conjunction – Dec 21st through 25th.
The event we have been talking about – the one that has us wrapping up a 20 year cycle, will come together on this day to initiate a new twenty-year cycle
When the 2 planets come together in the sky, appearing in the sky as one giant magnificent star!

With the Winter Solstice, we celebrate the return of the light,
and though the dark of winter will still linger,
the hours of daylight will slowly begin to get longer.

EAT DRINK & BE MERRY
Most would agree, A celebration isn’t much of a celebration without a FEAST Always we feast.
Always we give thanks for what sustains us.
“For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
We are thankful.”
With this consider putting food outside for the Fae and the critters
And
A donation of food or your service to a local food bank or shelter.
Blessed be

DECORATE A TREE
One of many pagan traditions adopted by the Christians.
No doubt most have done this already
If not, Solstice Eve is a wonderful time to do so
You might also choose to decorate a tree outside with edible treats for the birds and critters.

CREATE A WINTER SUN ALTAR
This altar can Be set up on winter solstice eve (or the day of) and remain through YULE, which ends on Jan 1, 2021
The purpose of the altar is to honor the return of the sun, so one of the most important items is a candle that symbolizes the sun.
Consider a color such as golden, silver, or yellow. Of course, white will work, too
Fill the altar with symbols of winter like pinecones, evergreen, juniper, berries…
I always love to give a nod to the goddess PERSEPHONE with a pomegranate fruit or wine. We can honor and call in other goddesses associated with the season, as well Such as HECATE, INANNA, LILITH…
I also like to add in some clear crystals, snowflake ornaments and blue to honor winter as well. After all it isn’t just the return of the light, it is also the first day of winter
*This year it feels like we should include some sort of nod to Jupiter & Saturn – and perhaps Aquarius, too.

MAKE A SUN CROWN
Especially fun for the kiddos.
Though certainly there is no age limit. Make a crown to wear and celebrate your own radiant light, yee Sun Queens and Kings

MAKE A YULE WREATH
A wreath can be as simple or as decorative as you like.
It can be made to hang on a door, in a window, above or on an altar Or can be a part of your dining table centerpiece

DECORATE WITH EVERGREENS & GREENERY
The tree and wreath obviously fall into this category. As well as greenery swags Evergreens are associated with protection and prosperity.
They also represent bringing the outdoors in and welcoming, not only nature, but the nature spirits into your home as well for warmth during this dark, cold period

BE IN NATURE
Spend a portion of the day outside taking in the beauty of the winter landscape.
This can anything from a walk or hike, snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing, sitting around a Yule Fire,
and speaking of fire…

MAKE & BURN A YULE LOG
The Yule log is an ancient tradition of Nordic origins.
Originally, a whole tree was brought into the house and burned over the course of the holiday.
The Yule log represents the gifts of the natural world, bringing fire to sustain life through warmth and to cook upon.
The Yule Log is symbolic of the sun’s energy and emergence from its southern reaches and the land’s rebirth.
Or have a bonfire – if you have the space, or more contained fire in your outdoor fire pit.
Or burn multiple candles to bring that fire vibe in
Or if actual fire isn’t an option for you, display a virtual fire on your computer or television.

Fire is warmth, light, purification, transmutation, passion… and helps to facilitate CREATION and the closure within the cycle of death and rebirth through its ability to destroy and cleanse.

HOME-MADE and/or NATURE BASED GIFT EXCHANGE
The practice of holiday gifting has its roots in winter solstice traditions. Traditional items to give on the solstice come from nature or celebrate and honor nature.
Give a small handmade wreath, a fairy house for the yard, crystals, bees wax, soy or other plant-based candles…
or consider something like a heated bird bath/ waterer, that sits on the ground so the other animals can access it as well.

DO A SPECIAL MEDITATION

DO A SPECIAL RITUAL

May you have a happy, healthy Winter Solstice & Yuletide season

~ Jill

Channel * Psychic-Medium * Energy Healer