Day 21
Saturday– 21 December
Capricorn Sun – Element of Earth
Virgo 3rd Qtr Moon (Earth)
Mars is Retrograde until Sunday, 23 February 2025
Greetings and Good Morning!
May Good Spirits Surround you this day!
Celestial Brew – A Quick Peek at the Heavens
Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is an astronomical event that occurs when one of the Earth's poles is tilted farthest from the Sun. This results in the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, usually occurring around December 21 or 22. This year, Winter Solstice occurs on Saturday, 21 December, at 4:21 AM EST/1:21 AM PST when the Sun moves into the strong and earthy sign of Capricorn.
The Winter Solstice marks the official start of winter and is often celebrated by various cultures around the world with festivals and rituals that honor the return of longer days and the eventual arrival of spring. In many traditions, it symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the hope for light after the darkness of winter. Often referred to as Yule in many spiritual traditions, it can be an opportunity for self-review and introspection. As the longest night of the year unfolds, it invites us to embrace darkness not with fear but with acceptance and appreciation. From the void, all things are born. Pagan traditions often associate the holiday with the reminder of the cyclical nature of life—death and rebirth, darkness and light, using ritual, meditation, and music to mark the occasion.
For the Seeker of Light, spiritually, the Winter Solstice can be a time to reflect on our inner selves, to pause and listen to the whispers of our hearts...to feel the essence of the Earth Mother. The stillness of the night offers space for contemplation, allowing us to shed the old, release what no longer serves us, and set intentions for the new year ahead. It is a moment to honor the seeds of possibility that lie dormant within us, waiting for the light of spring to awaken them. We are always becoming.
Many cultures celebrate the return of the Sun during this time, symbolizing hope and renewal. Rituals may include lighting candles or fires to invite warmth and illumination back into our lives. As we gather with loved ones, we partake in the collective energy of hope and joy, recognizing our interconnectedness and the love that binds us.
The Winter Solstice is not just a celestial event; it is a spiritual invitation to embrace the darkness of the womb, acknowledging that it is from the depths of winter, deep within the body of Our Mother, that the vibrancy of life will once again emerge. Everything changes for a reason. We cannot remain stagnant. It is the nature of life to continue to change, create, and grow. Winter Solstice serves as a reminder that universal love illuminates our path with sweet nourishing brilliance. We need only partake. Embrace love this season!
Today's Challenge… Perform a Winter Solstice Ritual. You can use the one provided below, or design your own.
Winter Solstice Ritual: Celebration of the Return of the Sun
Find a quiet space outdoors or in your home where you can feel connected to nature. Gather candles (preferably red, green, and white), evergreen branches, ivy or holly. If you do not have evergreen, ivy, or holly -- do a Spirit Walk outdoors asking the Universe to guide your steps so that you will find appropriate items from nature to put on your altar.
On your altar, arrange the evergreen branches or the items you picked up on your Spirit Walk in a circle and place the candles in the center. This symbolizes the rebirth of life and the return of warmth.
When you are ready, take several deep breaths and envision yourself surrounded by a white, glowing light. Open your eyes and begin your ceremony by lighting each candle one by one. As you do, take a moment to reflect on the darkness of winter and the promise of the returning light.
Once all candles are lit, recite the following rhyme to honor the solstice:
In the heart of winter, when shadows grow long,
I find warmth in friendships, in laughter, in song.
The chill may surround me, but inside I know,
With loved ones beside me, my spirit will flow.
As the longest night wanes, I'm filled with delight,
And as the dawn breaks, my life is set right.
With each golden ray, my worries take flight,
In love I will shine, turning darkness to light
Spend a few moments in silence, feeling the warmth of the candles and envisioning the sun’s energy returning to the earth. Follow this with a visualization of yourself living your dream, smiling, and being happy, loved, healthy, and filled with joy.
Write down your wishes or intentions for the coming year. If you are alone, say them aloud, blowing your breath over the paper. Fold the paper, then place it under one of the candles. You will use this same paper again on New Year's Eve, so be sure you put it in a safe place until the 31st.
Take a deep breath and prepare to close your ceremony. Conclude with another verse:
As the sun climbs higher, let joy come to rest,
In the warmth of its arms, I feel truly blessed.
With love and with laughter, I welcome the light,
Happy solstice to all, and to all a good night.
Allow the candles to burn completely. If you cannot do that, light them for at least 10 minutes each night until they completely burn or let them finish on New Year’s Eve. Throw the cold candle ends in the trash.
After your celebration, enjoy warm foods and a favored seasonal drink. Be sure to put a little of both outside as a libation to the Spirits.
Feel free to adapt the ritual to your own beliefs and practices, and have a joyful winter solstice!
Spirit Message for Today is from the Spirits of the Sun
Summary
1. Do the Morning Ritual – earn one gold star
2. Practice the Rattle Bath - 5 Gold stars
3. Complete Today’s Challenge – Perform the Winter Solstice Ritual or a ceremony of your choosing - 25 Gold Stars If you journal the experience, add 10 Stars more!
4. Contemplate today’s Message from the Spirits of the Sun. How do you feel about this message? – 5 Gold Stars
5. Most important! Throw or give one thing away. – 2 Gold Stars
6. Bed-Tyme Run – 5 Gold StarsPossible Gold Stars Today: 53
What is your reward today?
Big hugs and best wishes
Have a lovely day!
Peace with the Gods
Peace with Nature
Peace Within!
Silver!
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