The Winter Solstice is one of those rare moments that feels like it’s been marked in the stars for centuries—like the universe is quietly whispering, “It’s time to pause, reflect, and reset.” It’s the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the point where light is at its most fleeting, but also where the promise of its return feels so incredibly potent.
Right now, I’m sitting at Newgrange in Ireland, where people have gathered for thousands of years to witness the Winter Solstice—one of the most profound celestial moments. The tomb’s alignment with the sun allows light to flood the inner chamber at sunrise, a powerful symbol of renewal. People travel here because it’s not just about seeing the sun rise, but about connecting with something much older and deeper. For millennia, this moment has been a symbol of rebirth, a reminder that after the darkness, light always returns.
Newgrange draws people because it’s a living connection to our ancestors' understanding of the seasons and the cosmos. Standing here, it’s impossible not to feel that ancient connection, that sense of something eternal. It’s humbling—and, honestly, a little overwhelming—to be in a place that has held such deep meaning for so long. And it’s why today, on the Winter Solstice, is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and honor the shift in seasons, whether you’re here or simply lighting a candle at home.
This isn’t just about the turning of the Earth; it’s a call to honor the rhythm of nature, the ebb and flow of light and dark, and to reset in ways that can transform us. This is the perfect day to do something small but profound—a ritual to let go of what no longer serves you and set your intentions for the light ahead. Think of it as your personal spiritual end of year cleaning, a way to clear out the old, make space for the new, and align yourself with the natural world’s rhythm.
Here’s the ritual:
After sunset on December 21st (which will be super early, espeically the further North you are!), find a candle—orange or yellow is great if you have, but really, any color will do. Light it and just sit with the flicker for a moment. Let yourself be present. Yes, your mind might drift (because, well, life) but come back to the flame when you can. It’s about being with the moment, not forcing perfection.
Next, take a moment to reflect on what you’re ready to release. You know there’s something. It could be an old habit, a relationship that’s run its course, or maybe just the emotional baggage of the past year. Whatever it is, write it down. This is what you’re letting go of. Now, carefully burn the paper and watch the smoke rise, symbolizing the release of whatever has been weighing you down. Don’t rush it. Let yourself feel the release.
Once that’s done, take another piece of paper and write down your intentions for the light ahead. These are your wishes for the future—the things you want to nurture as the days grow longer and the light returns. When you’re done, anoint the paper with essential oils that evoke the sun—rosemary, bergamot, chamomile—whatever feels right for you. Let it soak in, and when you’re ready, blow out the candle. Take a moment to thank the darkness for its lessons and the light for its return.
That’s it. Simple, yet deeply powerful. It’s a way to honor the solstice and to reconnect with nature’s cycles, to reflect on what’s passed and to set your sights on what’s to come. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; it just has to be real. And trust me, you’ll feel the difference. It’s a ritual that taps into something bigger, something ancient, that has the power to ground you as the world shifts around us.