The Winter Solstice.

Author: Andrea Britton

Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to hello@gozointhehouse.com.

The Winter Solstice Is A Time To Release What No Longer Serves. Honour This Seasonal Celebration With These Six Simple Rituals. 

The Winter Solstice falls on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun begins a new cycle shifting from the waning phase from Autumn through Winter, and brings much-needed light for our spirits. Taking the time to honour this process, is important for our growth.

As we are nearing Christmas, taking a moment to remind ourselves where we have come from and where we are going is a gift. Did you know that the word ‘sol ‘means “sun” and ‘stice ‘ means ‘stillness’? The solstice invites us to pause and reflect, practice staying present and focus on what really matters.

Six Simple Rituals To Help Honour This Timeless Tradition.

1. Light a candle or create an alter

The simple art of creating an altar serves as a reminder to honour the quiet times in our lives. Choose your favourite candle or incense, scatter some crystals or some freshly picked flowers, and anything else that you hold dear to your heart. This is your very own sacred space. Somewhere you can spend some time each day to breathe, be grateful and set intentions.

2. Burn the Things you have Released

The Solstice is the perfect time to write down your accomplishments of the year thus far. It’s also good for the soul to write down the lessons you have learned and what you have released to help you move forward in your life. Burning what you write pays tribute to the things leaving you and makes room for the new.

3. honour the light and the dark

The Winter Solstice marks both the light and the dark days. Work with the natural cycles and rhythms of the earth and drink in the natural light of the short days. It is OK to feel tired and shut the world away. It’s ok to retreat when the sun goes down. gratefully turn inward and enjoy the much-needed rest.

Check out our Wellbeing page for a list of wellbeing specialists on Gozo or get in touch with us and we will work with you to create a custom healing experience on the island of Joy.

4. give GIVE GIVE

The practice of giving holds some of the greatest gifts life can offer. Giving your time, your expertise, your possessions, your love away freely, without expectation cultivates more of the same. Ask yourself ‘Who can I help at right now?’, ‘What can I give and to whom?’

5. make some warm healthy food

Nothing screams self-care more than feeding yourself a glorious, healthy home-cooked supper. Choose root vegetables, carefully seasoned with warm spices to destress, and don’t forget to be consciously thankful for this super privilege. Mmmmmmm!

6. sleep

Rest is something we all need this time of year. It’s a time to retreat, to slow down, to process what’s gone on, personally and collectively as a world. It’s a lot right!? By being aware, we are able to release what no longer serves to allow more calming and wholesome energy to enter. Sleeping when your mind and body are tired is vital. Listen to your body and take heed.

Happy Winter Solstice. Feel free to share how you will be honouring yours.