Winter Solstice is the darkest time of the year. Also known as midwinter, or Yule, this is an energetic shift that offers us a chance to rest, reset, and go inward for clarity.

You may find that your motivation levels are a little low. You may experience seasonal effects that ask you to rest more, and slow down . We are cyclical beings, just like the seasons of life. We feel the effects of these changes in our environment, because our inner environment is also adapting and changing.

When we are so used to the hustle of life, we forget to listen to the internal signals that our body is giving us. Like the bears, we too have the urge to hibernate and rest in order to prepare for a new season.

Winter Solstice represents the integration of dark and light. It marks the season of winter, a season full of death and endings. However, with these endings come new beginnings.

As we celebrate darkness and rest, we also celebrate days getting longer in this turning point toward a new year and season of Spring.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

1. Journaling

   1. What lessons have you learned this year?

   2. What shadows were present this year? How will you integrate them?

   3. What do you want to welcome in for the year ahead?

   4. What does sacred self-care and rest mean for you?

   5. If fear weren’t present, what would be possible?

2. Make a Yule Intention Jar

   1. Grab a mason jar, white candle, crystals (Aventurine or Moonstone are my favorites), paper, winter pine/ dried herbs or outdoor elements, cinnamon, rosemary for clarity, Oils: Eucalyptus , Rosemary, or Peppermint -the oils of rebirth and awakening

   2. Fill the jar with your ingredients one by one while you intentionally place and foster your intention. Write down your intention on a piece of paper and place it in the jar.

   3. Poke a hole in the top of the jar and place a white candle inside of the hole.

   4. Light the candle and meditate with your intention until the candle has gone out or when you feel it to be embodied and complete.

   5. Keep your jar on your altar in the winter season as a reminder of your intentions. Light the candle anytime to reawaken your spirit and vow.

3. Yin Yoga, Restorative, or Yoga Nidra

   1. This season of rest and grounding is a perfect opportunity to nourish your body. Take a grounding yin yoga practice to restore the meridian channels in your body. Grab your props, bolsters, and pillows for a Restorative yoga practice to encourage slowing down. Enjoy Yoga Nidra for better sleep and consciousness.

4. Vision Board

   1. Create a vision for the near year. Use Pinterest, magazine clippings, pictures, stickers, art…whatever inspires you to create a vision board for your manifestation. Use your intuition to inspire your heart’s desires in a fun way that reminds you of what you’d like to welcome in for the new year. This can be a holistic board of your career, health, spirituality, relationships, financials, and more. Or feel free to make multiple boards for each category in your life that you’d like to focus on. There are no rules! Become the creator and use your imagination to make dreams become reality.

5. Light a Candle

   1. In this time of darkness, light a candle and make a fire to balance out the light with the dark. Ignite the light within for hope, peace, and clarity.

Customize your rituals and ceremony for what you need to rest and restore.