Winter Solstice
Winter Wisdom
The Winter Solstice is upon us; it's a mystical time which promises that light and warmth are coming soon.
On this shortest day and the longest night of the year - December 21-22 for the Northern Hemisphere, we bid farewell to autumn, and celebrate the beginning of winter and nestle deep down into the cold, the darkness and the unknown. A time of mystery and magic—as are all times of seasonal 'in between', we call upon the goddesses of the crossroads, the underworld and the portals between this world and the next. Winter Solstice is a time of going within, a season of quiet and tranquility, and wonder.
Long ago, for pagan worshippers of the earth as Mother, the moon as Goddess, and the sun as God, this was a time to acknowledge the awakening of the sleeping soul, celebrate the triumph of the light over the dark and watch as the wheel of the year turned towards spring, or the seasonal festival of Imbolc.
Sky Magic
The Solstice is also the time when the planet Venus, who has been the evening star and companion to the moon for several months, begins to slowly make her descent down into the darkness of night, as she travels to the other side of the world and then she will rise again as the morning star as the earth turns towards spring. This descent and rise is a powerful symbol of going down into death, the underworld and the dark, only to be reborn again into the light and the season of springtime.
We'll also experience Jupiter very near to the moon as they shine in tandem on the Winter Solstice. Call upon Jupiter for magic and rituals workings of faith, spirituality, religion, law and authority - but not in any oppressive sense as Jupiter is a kind king, with a warm heart. Also call upon this planet for workings and wishes of increase, wealth, success, luck, risk (gamble) speculation, mercy, health, and for traveling long distances. Be very clear and specific ab
Goddess Magic
To honor The Goddess during this most magical and powerful season is to celebrate Her as The Crone and the aspect of winter or death, and so we call upon the goddess Hekate. This season is also one of going within, traveling deep into the underworlds, and so we call also call upon Cerwidwen, Demeter and Persephone.
Spend time with these goddesses in stillness, slumber, and silence as you contemplate endings, transformation, and going deep within to seek your own inner wisdom and to contemplate this last year, and vision the one ahead.
Seasonal Magic
The Winter Solstice is not a time for action, but rather a time for beholding, visioning, and wondering. Casting wishes, setting intentions, working with your intuition, and making plans are best done in this season, for it is associated with the subconscious, the shadow, dreaming and your private, inner, potent magic.
May this season bring you much joy & light!
Want More? Sign up for The Witchery | Monthly Newsletter