12/22/2025
🕯Return of the Light: Honoring the Celtic Solstice🕯️
Today we reach the deepest point of the year,the Winter Solstice. In the ancient Celtic tradition, this is known as Alban Arthan, or "The Light of Arthur." It is the shortest day and the longest night, a sacred threshold where the wheel of the year pauses before beginning its turn back toward the sun. 🌑✨
While it might feel like a time of dormancy, the Celts understood that new life begins in the dark. Just as a seed germinates beneath the soil, our own inner light is nurtured in these quiet, shadowy months.
🌲 Celtic Elements of the Season
In honor of my ancestry and the rhythms of the earth, I’m sharing some Celtic traditions to stay grounded today:
The Evergreen Promise: Bringing holly, ivy, and yew indoors wasn't just decoration; it was a reminder that life persists even in the harshest winter. It symbolizes resilience and the continuity of the soul. 🌿
The Yule Log: Traditionally, a piece of oak was burned to give strength to the "New Sun." Today, light a candle to symbolize that same internal spark, the warmth we carry when the world feels cold. 🔥
The Spirit of Mistletoe: To the Druids, mistletoe was "Healer of All." It represents the bridge between the earth and the heavens. It’s a beautiful reminder to stay connected to our higher selves even when we are deeply rooted in the physical.
✨ Finding Your Center in the Stillness
In a world that constantly asks us to "do" and "produce," the Solstice gives us permission to simply be. In both my Ayurveda and TCM studies, this is the peak of Yin—the ultimate time for rest, internal reflection, and deep nourishment. If you are feeling "scattered" (that Vata energy!), use this longest night to ground yourself. Sit in the dark for a moment, breathe into your belly, and recognize that the light isn't gone—it’s just resting.
Tomorrow, the days begin to lengthen. But for tonight, let’s honor the dark. 🌑🙏
How are you marking the Solstice today? Are you lighting a candle, resting, or setting an intention for the coming light? Share your fav rituals below! 👇
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