Today is the Winter Solstice.
Meaning 'standstill of the sun' - Solstice is the perfect time to lovingly reflect on the year gone by and dream of what's to come... all while we sit in the 'in-between'.
Here are some of my favorite things to do during the Longest Night:
1: Perform a Cleansing Ritual.
My go-to cleansing element is smoke... you can use an incense stick, herb bundle, Palo Santo stick (ethically sourced!), etc.
Begin by grounding yourself: plant your feet on the floor, take a deep breath through your nose, and exhale out of your mouth. (You can roar as you exhale or imagine fire coming from your breath.)
If you're inside, open the doors and windows
Gather and light candles.
Bring your crystals together.
When ready, ignite the incense or bundle with a match, allowing it to produce smoke. Depending on your preference, you may need to relight it periodically for a sustained smolder.
Wave the smoke around your body or room corners for energy cleansing. Alternatively, let the bundle smolder in a heat-safe dish or an abalone/oyster shell.
NOTE: Several plants are excellent for smoke cleansing, including garden sage, rosemary, cedar, juniper, and lavender. I love to add rose petals around the outside of the herb bundle before binding it with string to dry.
2: Write a Release List
Reflect on the aspects of your life that are no longer serving you.
Prompts:
Who am I ready to release from my life?
What self-limiting beliefs or toxic behaviors am I ready to leave behind?
3: Create a Gratitude List
Write out as many things as possible... nothing is too big or small!
Prompts:
Who am I grateful for?
What life-giving events happened this year?
What habits did I embrace this year that wove meaning and joy into my life?
How will I bring these into the New Year?
Over the next three nights, invest time in dreaming of everything you wish to happen next year.
Keep adding to your list!
Focus on each item and wish. Be specific - adding in as many delicious details as possible - and remember to include the feelings you will feel while experiencing those moments.
Anything goes, Beloved.
Be true to yourself - this is all for you.
Want to experience another layer of magic?
I encourage you to put your notes in an envelope and seal it. Open it up next Winter Solstice. You will be amazed at how much you’ve accomplished!
ps. If you haven't chosen your 2024 Guiding Word, you can download my updated guide here. This is a fun exercise to go through next....
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash