to ask, if you celebrate winter solstice what do you do?

[staryellow]

I always feel an urge to do something to celebrate winter solstice but then I always don't because it's so busy in the run up to Christmas it passes me by. This year I really want do something. But what? 🤔 I know this is weird but maybe a like minded soul can help

Yes you can definitely light candles - in fact candle meditation is a lovely way to think about light (https://www.the-guided-meditation-site.com/candle-meditation.html). You can also plant seeds (to cultivate indoors) and set an intention with each one, which is rather lovely - and means they will be ready to go outdoors come the March equinox (20th I think from memory).

I am a twisted fire starter burning-as-ritual person though and have just bought a couple of candles in town - one to let go of the past and another to set intentions for the future. I couldn't find my lantern when I looked (I moved in March) so managed to get hold of a cheap one in a charity shop today as well which is wooden with hearts which is quite cute. Can't wait to use it!

(Also you could make some wassail - yum! Cider, orange juice, lemon, cinnamon and ginger - I also check in some dark rum and turmeric.)

I also meant to say sorry you've had a shit year, I have too and am determined that the year ahead will be entirely different, even if it means making difficult choices and putting a bit of a protective barrier around myself. (And your username is quite frankly the best one I have ever read on here!)

Dip in the sea under the stars, then a bonfire on the beach with hot chocolate and cake. Lots of cake.

I am a wuss, so a brief paddle will be enough for me, but good on you! Bet it's bracing!

Last few years I've taken my kids and some of their friends and parents for a local bike ride. We've got a 6ish mile route with a lovely tree at halfway which is great for climbing. We have a snack, mess about with candles and sometimes get one of the older ones to read a wintery poem.
No real religious/spiritual intent, just a good excuse to get everyone out. Takes us ages as we usually have a few kids who are still getting their confidence. Brilliant way to introduce them to the possibilities of adventuring under their own steam.

Love the wassail idea thanks

seeds is great idea

You're welcome! I honestly can't wait!

Slim pickin's on that front round ma bit.

😂

Planning to go to a Roman temple in the wilds for the sunrise. Can't wait!

Sounds immense! Where is that? (Don't worry I am not planning on tagging along - I live next to a beach so am going there I promise!)

Quick reminder: English Heritage's Solstice live stream from Stonehenge starts on their YouTube channel at 7.30 tomorrow morning. Still atmospheric to watch.

Late to the thread but Will be watching the live stream from Newgrange and then doing a 12 Night ritual for the first time - 13 wishes / intentions for the coming year written up and each day one is burned. The last wish / intention is left for me to make happen.

Will also be doing a burning to leave the worst of 2024 behind!

I swim in our local swimming lake

Burn our Yule logs on the beach on Suffolk

Thanks for the chuckle. This comment made me smile tonight.

we usually have a nice dinner and toast the return of the light.

Amidst the usual family argument about when winter actually starts - me astronomical - DH meteorological. I am obvs right

I love the solstices though, feel a real connection with the earth, and with history.

Pagan here, but lonely.. so i tend to clean my altar, reset my crystals i lay out on it, light a candle. I write down some things i want to let go, and burn them in my cauldron.

Then i'll eat good food, tell my family i love them. I'll try and go for a walk, but the more disabled i get, the harder that gets.. but i will try and tootle into the little park near by and have 5 minutes on the bench by the pond in some peace and quiet just to mentally give thanks.

The problem about bastarding Winter Solstice in the British Isles is that it's usually overcast and raining sideways.

(veteran of many, many, over optimistic cancelled outdoor winter solstice plans )

I have a small alter that’s decorated for the time of year and tomorrow it will have oak leaves, to mark the dominance of the Oak God (who oversees the half of the that lightens) over the Holly God (who oversees the darkening half of the year).

Plenty of candles, a toast and an asking that the coming season brings peace, health, happiness and prosperity to all.

So this solstice I'll be doing a kiln firing and making a load of stacking cat bowls with reclaim clay for our feral cat collective.

If the weather is sunny this afternoon, I'll probably do some cutting of an oak that fell in a neighbour's garden onto the farmers field behind us. They aren't back til the spring so I'll cut it back and the wood will get stored in my woodshed for next winters use.

OP if you’re in Ireland you might be interested in watching the sunrise in Newgrange ( older than Stonehenge) live stream here

I’ll be sit in darkness at sunset with only a candle lit, reflecting on the year. Find peace in the cosmic stillness we’re experiencing.

Sorry this is correct link heritageireland.ie/winter-solstice/

I often watch this live feed too - they used to do a lottery every year for tickets (maybe still do).
Something else to consider if you are close to County Armagh is an evening hike up Slieve Gullion to the Cailleach Beara’s House
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2nj1pgdj3o this is an interesting article from this mornings news
What we as a family do is a nice meal together with a Yule log, with golden candles, one for each of us on top of it. And generally lots of candles