A Winter Solstice Ritual
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
On the darkest day, we look to the light to come. Today is such a day, as it marks the winter solstice, the official start of winter and the celebration of Yule.
It’s a hopeful contrast, the winter solstice, with longer days of light coming only after this shortest and darkest day. Ushering in a return of light, Yule represents leaving the old year behind and starting anew. It’s one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world, and one of our most cherished.
Yule offers many rituals and celebrations – read our intro here from last year. One we are focusing on this year is the Fireside Setting of Intentions. Read on for how to create your own right at home.
✨ Happiest of Yules to you, Nellies ✨
Step 1 - Light a Fire
Yule, after all, is what gave the yule log its name. Each year on Yule, the Celts would light a single log for 12 days to conquer darkness, ward off dark spirits, and bring luck for the new year.
Step 2 - Set Your Supplies
Place scraps of small, loose paper in a basket along with pens.
Step 3 - Gather Your Thoughts
What you will write and burn is named your intention. It’s simply a sentence or word or thought of yours. It can be positive or negative. Oftentimes, people write their goals or hopes. Other times, they write a concern for the coming year. It’s entirely up to you and what energy you put into the intention.
Step 4 - Share
Once you’ve written your intention (or intentions), share it. This may be with yourself, or you may read it aloud among friends. This is not a mantra – it won’t lose its power by speaking it aloud. Instead, sharing with trusted ones can lend your intention further power to manifest.
Step 5 – Burn It
In turns, burn your intention symbolically in a fire. By burning your intention, you are letting into the atmosphere. You are releasing it from within you and physically putting it into the world.
A playlist by Abby Yemm, Nellie + teacher + artist + dj
Disclaimer: We love having these conversations. We hope you love them as well. As a peaceful reminder, all views, opinions, statements, feelings, and vibes posted on Nelle News are solely those of the beautiful individuals involved. They might not represent any other person, agency, organization, employer, or company’s views, opinions, statements, feelings, or vibes. Nelle profiles are meant to entertain and show a real-life conversation; nothing more or less.