21/12/2025
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is seen as a time of rebirth and renewal, as signified by the return of the light.
‘Solstice’ means ‘standstill,’ and refers to the three days around December 21st when the sun appears to ‘stand still,’ or rise and set in the same place. During these long, cold nights, Earth’s very breath seems to falter in the face of the overpowering dark. Then, imperceptibly at first, the sun begins its long journey towards the south, and all of creation begins to exhale. (I apologise as I can’t remember where I saw this paragraph but I would like to say it isn’t mine).
Science bit
Why does this happen? The earth is tilted at an axis and due to this tilt, at this time of year the northern hemisphere is furthest away from the sun making the days shorter and colder. Around the 21st December, it is considered the shortest day (or the longest night) with London seeing 7 hours, 48 minutes and 42 seconds of daylight and Edinburgh seeing just 6 hours, 57 minutes and 37 seconds of daylight. A misconception I had was that the daylight grew at each end of the day but it seems the sunrises are going to get a little later for a little longer so we still have to put up with darker mornings. We will we see the sunset getting later which makes the days feel like they are growing lighter.
Religious bit
Another thing I have learnt is the in the days of the Julian calendar of winter solstice fell on the 25th December but with the change to the Gregorian calendar in England in 1752 this moved to the 21st December. Does the 25th December ring any bells with anyone? It is thought that the powers that be in the early Church chose the 25th December to represent the birth of Jesus as the pagans were already familiar with this date as a celebration the return of longer days and the sun (or Son as the early Church ‘encouraged’ them to change to).
Wellbeing bit
In winter, everything lies dormant: it is a sacred time of rest and reflection before the awakening and the slow build toward brighter days. The energy of winter is that of going within a good time for reflecting, cleansing and manifesting. During this time of year we let go and release the struggles and hardships we have gone through during the darker half of the year, so we can make space to welcome the sun, and lighter times back into our lives.
So, whether we are celebrating the return of the sun or the birth of the Son, here are some things we can do at the winter solstice.
Salute the sun
The simplest way to celebrate the winter solstice is to watch the sun rise or set. And definitely don’t stress if you failed to watch night turn to day this morning – it is believed that the first sunrise after the official solstice holds the most potent magic. Why not make a wish for 2023 as the sun falls below the horizon or write down your intentions for the coming months as night turns to day (sunrise is at 8.23am on Saturday 21st December 2024).
Celebrate gratitude
Celebrate gratitude by meditating on your accomplishments over the last year and expressing thanks for any good fortune you’ve enjoyed this year. Writing down things you are thankful for can be a meditation exercise if you light some scented candles or burn some essential oils while penning your thanks.
Light a candle
Traditionally, bonfires and candles were lit to mark the solstice and return of the sun. Even if you don’t have the time or space for a fire-pit why not string fairylights everywhere (if they are not already up as part of the Christmas decorations. Having two children our house was decorated at the beginning of December and I have to admit I love sitting and looking at the lights on the Christmas tree) or light some candles. Use this time to write down everything you want to leave behind this year on a piece of paper and burn it (safely!) to ash in the flames.
Feast with loved ones
Celebrating the winter solstice could be as easy as enjoying a cosy dinner with your family.
Traditionally, winter solstice was a time to gather together in gratitude with loved ones. It provides the perfect reason to reconnect and celebrate. Or wait until Christmas Day.
Rest and reflect
The dark of the winter solstice is an ideal time for rest, reflection and deciding what you want to manifest in the New Year. Take a candlelit bath, spend time journaling about your future and pay attention to any revelations found in your dreams on solstice night.
Sending light and love x
