Winter Solstice: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Winter Solstice is Here! Let's celebrate this meaningful time of rebirth and new cycles. Dive into self-reflection with journal prompts, embrace a simple solstice ritual, and set intentions for what we will bring in.

Winter Solstice in NZ: Reflection, Renewal, and Embracing New Beginnings

Hello, beautiful souls!
As our Winter Solstice approaches for us in the Southern Hemisphere, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set our intentions. I have celebrated the Solstices and Equinoxes for many years and love the energy it brings.

My post on the Winter Solstice will offer journal prompts for self-reflection, I will guide you through a simple Winter Solstice ritual, and share tips for embracing the "new year with" positivity.

In Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Winter Solstice is this week, on Thursday, the 22nd of June, 2023, at 2:57 am. In all countries south of the equator, the year's shortest day is around this date.
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The winter solstice is when we experience the longest night and the shortest amount of daylight. In Timaru, our daylight hours will be about 8 hours and 49 minutes ( Yes, I googled it!). The next day we will have three seconds more of daylight, which will keep increasing until our summer solstice (on the 22nd of December). We are lucky as we still have quite a lot of daylight, compared to other places on their shortest day.


Significance of the Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout history, cultures worldwide have recognised and celebrated the Winter Solstice as a time of rebirth, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. It's a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the ever-evolving process of life.


Its Connection to the Beginning of a New Year
The Winter Solstice represents the turning point in the Earth's journey around the sun, and I see it as a time of physical and spiritual transition. As we say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new, we can release what no longer serves us and set our intentions for the year ahead.

In the northern hemisphere, the new year begins within ten days of the winter solstice. For New Zealand, the new year traditionally coincides with mid-summer because of the English calendar. The calendar is based on the Earth's position in the solar system, which gives us the days, length of the month and our dates for equinoxes and solstices. 

No factors influence the date of New Year's Day (1st of January); perhaps someone just picked a day. Many cultures celebrate their New Year on a different date, including the Chinese, Indian, and Maori.

For Maori, the new year is linked to Matariki. This is when the star formation known as the Pleiades rises in the sky and marks the start of the new lunar year. Read more on my Matariki blog.

For many people worldwide, the Winter Solstice is associated with the sun's birth (rebirth), symbolising the return of light and hope. For me, personally and spiritually, it is a time to honour the darkness and light within ourselves and to embrace the balance between the two.

​Reflecting on the Past Year
Before we can move forward, we need to take a moment to reflect on where we have been. Find a comfortable, warm spot (by the fire, heater or wrapped in a warm blanket is excellent if it is cold where you are)

Get your journal and a pen and consider the following prompts:

• What limiting beliefs have held you back in the last 12 months?
• What sources of negativity have you encountered, and how can you release them?
• What aspects of you will you nurture and cultivate?
• What are your hopes and wishes for the next twelve months?

Take your time with these questions; remember that self-reflection will allow you to release what you no longer need and welcome in the new. 


A Simple Winter Solstice Ritual
Winter is a nourishing period in our lives, intended to restore and ground us. It offers us a chance to rest and slow down a little. While not all of us can fully indulge in hibernation, it is essential to rest wherever possible. Even small quiet moments of rest amidst our busy lives can be transformative. Just as our physical bodies demand rest, our spirits also yearn for rejuvenation.

I love ceremonies and rituals ( that is why I am also a trained celebrant.) Performing a Winter Solstice ritual can be a beautiful way to honour the Earth and Spirit while setting your intentions for the coming months. 

Buy your "30 minute Audio of a Winter Solstice Ceremony + Fire Ritual" with 10 page printable journal here.
Or you can follow these simple  guidelines for a practice you can do at home. 

Eight  steps:

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need a quiet space, a comfortable seat, a crystal (such as clear quartz or amethyst), essential oils if you have them (like frankincense or cedarwood), a candle, and a journal. You will already have your reflections from the past year
2. Ground and centre: Take a few deep breaths and connect with the Earth beneath you. Imagine roots extending from your feet, anchoring you to the ground.
3. Cleanse: Light some sage or incense and cleanse your space, yourself, and crystal.
4. Empower your crystal: Hold your crystal in your hands and set your intention for the year ahead. Imagine the crystal absorbing your intention and becoming a talisman for your journey.
5. Set your intentions: Write your intentions in your journal, being as specific as possible. Focus on what you want to bring in. See, feel, hear, taste and know what it will feel like. 
6. Use essential oils: Apply your chosen essential oil to your wrists, inhaling the aroma and allowing it to support your intentions.
7. Light your candle: As you light the candle, say a prayer or affirmation to set your intentions.
8. Meditate: Close your eyes and spend a few minutes meditating on gratitude for the past year and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Fire Ceremony: Embrace Release and Rebirth
Since the Winter Solstice is associated with light, you can incorporate light into your ritual with fairy lights, candles or fire.  You can learn more about the Fire Ceremony on my Celebrant Blog


Embracing the New Year with Positivity
As we move into the new year, we must maintain a positive mindset and focus on turning our hopes and dreams into reality. 

Here are a few tips for staying positive and manifesting your intentions:

• Practice gratitude daily
• Surround yourself with positive influences.
• Break your goals down into manageable steps.
• Use affirmations and visualisation techniques
• Trust in the process and believe in yourself.

The Winter Solstice is a powerful and beautiful time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the year ahead. By honouring the Earth and Spirit, we can tap into the powerful energies of this time and use them to support our spiritual journey. 

I wish you a magical Winter Solstice and a bright, beautiful 'new year' filled with love, light, and abundance.

I would love to hear about your reflections or reflecions for the Winter Solstice! 
Love, Jade x

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