The 2024 Winter Solstice arrives in the northern hemisphere on December 21. It is the shortest day of the year, and a very powerful time on the Wheel of the Year. The significance of Winter Solstice & is the moment the Sun is born again. Ever since last year’s Winter Solstice the Sun has grown: from birth, to its height at the Summer Solstice, then declined through autumn, until its light finally died on the darkest night. When, simultaneously, it is born again. And a new cycle of life for the Sun begins. At the Winter Solstice we honor the magnificent Sun: that on the darkest night it is born again – bringing a new year of life & growth with it.
With the birth of the Sun a new year begins. It’s the beginning of a new cycle of birth, growth, death in Nature; a whole new year of life, experiences & transformation. It’s a new chapter, which makes this a really hopeful & exciting time. Anything is possible in the year that lies ahead. Anything can grow in your life. It’s a time of pure potential. What a gift that we have this new beginning every year. This chance to go deep inside & emerge as a new version of ourselves. This is a time to reflect what growth & transformation will the year ahead bring??
In numerology 12-21-2024 adds up to a 5, 3+3=8= 14 4+1=5. 5 In numerology us all about change to bring about freedom. Please keep in mind 2025= 9 and 9 is all about endings! So, with the energy of this winter solstice, focus on the changes you need to make to bring about freedom to end all the things that are blocking you!
What is the spiritual blessing of the winter solstice? It’s the perfect time to examine and acknowledge your potential and start dreaming of all the things you want to achieve. This is a day of rebirth, transformation and healing, a time to nurture yourself, and to rest and relax in preparation for the rush of growth in the spring.
The winter solstice is more than an astronomical occurrence; it’s a time for introspection and renewal. Consider these activities to honor this event. Greet the sunrise: Wake up early to witness the first rays of the sun on the solstice morning, symbolizing the return of light. Bring light and warmth into your home: Light candles or build a fire to emulate the sun’s bright rays, reflecting on the light within yourself and your community. Share a meal; Prepare and share a nourishing meal with your loved ones, celebrating the bounty and warmth of human connection. If you are alone, prepare something that you would not normally have. Burn sage to purge of negativity and past traumas. Clean and declutter around the home to remove energy blockers. Play a musical instrument, paint, write, or any other creative pursuit that calls to you. All the lessons from the year have the potential to be seen in these creations. Journaling your thoughts and intentions (getting a head start for my New Year’s intentions!) to release what’s no longer serving you. When you give these thoughts to the page, they take up less space in your brain and make room for new ones. This practice allows you to honor the light and dark within yourself. Write down things you want to let go of on pieces of paper and thrown them into a fire (a safe, controlled fire, of course!) to watch them literally disappear. It’s a very satisfying activity.
December 22 is a pivotal day that brings the return of the sun. The days will begin to get longer again, slowly but surely, until we celebrate the longest day in June (the Summer Solstice is June 21). Happy winter solstice and new you!
