Today is the shortest day of the year, which means the longest night. The winter solstice is a time of darkness, where we must work to encourage the Sun back to his Mother, the Sky. We also welcome the light back into our lives and our practice.
Make a wish this evening. Pray for light and love for the coming year. Help the Sun’s feathered friends, by putting out birdseed for the winter birds.
Wood, acorns, bayberry, mugwort and oak leaves are especially blessed at this time. In studio, we burned mugwort as a sacred and healing plant whose healing properties have benefited people since ancient times. It cleanses our studio of unwelcome energies. Mugwort is an energizer, a powerful healer of digestive disorders and nervous disorders such as depression and sleeplessness, and a woman’s remedy. Mistletoe hung over the doorway was an ancient Norse practice to protect against thunder and lightning (the Norse God, Thor), as well as malicious evil.
In our last blog, we explored the Oak Moon. The winter solstice marks the triumph of the Oak King in the battle with the Holly King, to rule the sky. The Oak King returns this time of year, to bring us light, growth, and hope. We are ready to act on our new choices, and freed from darkness we can strive toward our greater potential.
Farewell Darkness, you’ve served us well
You’ve brought peace and calmness with your spell
You’ve helped us regroup; we honour you
The time has come, though, to say goodbye
Farewell, Darkness. Go now, fly
-Dorothy Morrison
- From all of us at the studio, we wish you a Merry Everything! Please check our Instagram and webpage for holiday closures.