3 Rituals for Winter Solstice

For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice arrives December 21st. It marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Seasonal changes and shifts are important themes in Chinese medicine and care captured in the symbol of Yin and Yang. This symbol is called the Taijitu, with its roots in Taoist philosophy. Yin and Yang is the basis of Chinese Medicine, a concept of dualism - where opposite and seemingly contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. 

Yin is depicted in the dark of the figure, Yang, the light. Though they are separate, they can not exist independently. They provide context for the opposing force - without dark, there is no concept of light, without cold, there is no concept of heat, without stillness, there is no concept of movement, etc. There is a little circle of Yang within the Yin, and a little circle of Yin within the Yang, which implies that nothing is completely Yin or completely Yang. Furthermore, each aspect contains the beginning point for the other aspect, where neither Yin nor Yang is absolute, flowing and changing with time.

The Winter Solstice exemplifies this philosophy. On the Solstice, Yin is at its peak. It is the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year. In this exact moment of the transition from Yin to Yang, there is believed to be a mysterious blending of the yin and yang that opens the possibility of new creation and rebirth.  

Here, the seeds of Yang begin to germinate, and the days will incrementally grow a little longer. However, winter is still considered Yin time - even growing seeds require plenty of time in the dark soil to grow strong and steady This is a time of stillness to sit deep within ourselves and embrace introspection. Ironically, the holiday season brings forth Yang-type activity. We have a million things to do, people to see, shopping to do, holiday travels, etc. This extroverted expenditure of energy can be depleting this time of year, so make sure to give yourself space in your schedule, plenty of rest, and time alone.

May this winter solstice be a reminder to honor your mind, body, and spirit. Make time for self-reflection, take a rest when you need it, nourish yourself with warming foods, try mindfulness activities like breathing exercises, yoga, QiGong and meditation, and give thanks to the people and things in which we are grateful.

Clear Your Space

This is a wonderful day to pick up your space, take out the garbage, change the sheets and smudge the room. While it’s easy to dismiss, even a quick once over to pick up shoes and bags, fluff the couch pillows, and wipe down surfaces instantly creates a more serene and calming environment.

If you like to smudge, you can use sage, palo santo, or a smokeless spray (like our Energy Clearing Spray that we use in the clinic) to freshen even more. Try to get all the windows, corners and little nooks you can, while inviting what no longer serves you to leave your space. Open a window when you’re finished to clear it all away for good.

Spend the Night by Candlelight

Winter solstice celebrations traditionally involve the lighting of bonfires mark the return of the sun. Even if you don’t have the time or space for a fire-pit, there are plenty of other ways you can bring the light in. String fairy lights, dig out some leftover sparklers to invoke some evening wonder or light all your candles. Switching off all the electric lights and doing dinner, bath, story time, and more by the light of flickering candles and warm lantern light makes even mundane activities extra special.

Reflect. Release. Recognize.

The winter solstice is considered the seasonal dark night of the soul. Spiritually, it’s a time to honor both the light and the darkness that resides within each of us. Take small scraps of paper and write down the things that you would like to let go of. When everyone has finished, throw them in the fire pit, transforming darkness into light. After “letting go,” set intentions for the new season ahead—speak aloud a thing, idea, habit, or practice that you would like to bring into your life. The dark of the winter solstice is an ideal time for rest, reflection and deciding what you want to manifest in the New Year.

Take a candlelit bath, spend time journaling about your future and pay attention to any revelations found in your dreams on solstice night.