In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice falls on December 21st at 4:19 AM EST, marking the point in the year when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. The solstice, a marriage of the Latin words for “sun” and “to stand still,” signifies the shortest day and longest night of the year. Celebrated on or around June 21st, the summer solstice is the opposite, with the longest day and shortest night. The equinoxes in between bring equal daylight and darkness.
The winter solstice is a time for reflection and introspection, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun and a chance to consider what is lost with the frost and what is promised by spring. It serves as a celestial New Year, urging individuals to cleanse, introspect, and plant a purpose just as the sun is reborn at this time. Feasting and feasting are among the oldest traditions, with people celebrating by lighting candles, hanging evergreen, and burning fires to keep the year alive.
The celebration of the winter solstice involves feasting on seasonal ingredients like roasted game, apples, and warm spices. It also includes honoring the sun by witnessing its rise and set, collecting natural artifacts to decorate the home or solstice altar, purging clutter from living spaces and bodies, and building bonfires to keep bad spirits away and welcome the light of the sun back into the sky. These practices help individuals prepare for the new year and embrace the energy of the winter solstice.
Astrologer Reda Wigle provides insights into planetary configurations and their impact on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience to offer guidance and advice to individuals. By understanding the astrological influences at play during the winter solstice, individuals can gain insight into the energies and opportunities available to them during this time. Wigle’s readings provide a unique perspective on how to navigate the cosmic forces at play during the solstice.
Overall, the winter solstice is a time to embrace the darkness and look forward to the light. It is a time to reflect on the past year, release what no longer serves, and set intentions for the year ahead. By engaging in rituals that honor the sun, nature, and spiritual traditions, individuals can connect with the deeper meaning of the solstice and welcome its transformative energy. Whether through feasting, purging, or astrology, there are many ways to celebrate the winter solstice and prepare for the rebirth of the sun.
