Unveiling the Winter Solstice: Science, History and Magic of the Longest Night
Science Stuff
Winter is well and truly upon us now as you may have noticed by the chilly temps in recent days. This also means the Winter Solstice will be here in no time too. What exactly is the Winter Solstice, I hear you ask. And that my friend is a very good question! We’ll get the science stuff out of the way first and save the good stuff for last.
The Winter Solstice is simply the shortest day of the year, with the least amount of sunlight and the longest night. On this day, the sun appears to pause at its point on the horizon, reversing its path. Because we reside in Australia our Winter Solstice occurs each year in June (and in December in the Northern Hemispshere). It is usually on the 22nd of the month but it can also occur on the 21st or sometimes even the 23rd as well. This year the big day is Friday the 21st of June 2024 at 6:50am AEST.
From this day forward the days will begin to get longer and the nights shorter as the Earth continues to orbit the sun, getting closer and closer to it each day until it reaches the Summer Solstice in December – which is you guessed it – the longest day of the year in sunlight hours and the shortest night of the year.
The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin word sōlstitium, which breaks down to sōl, (meaning ‘sun’), and ‘sistere,’ (meaning ‘to stand still’). So sōlstitium basically translates to ‘the standing still of the sun.’
History Stuff
Meteorologically, we often associate the arrival of winter with colder days and darker evenings. However, astronomically, the season doesn’t officially begin until the Winter Solstice. The warmth and light the sun provides defines our days, months, and years. It’s no wonder that many legends and festivals have arisen in its honour.
There is evidence that the Winter Solstice was deemed important in the annual cycle for some cultures as far back as the New Stone Age (Neolithic times). Astronomical events were often used to guide farming activities such as the sowing of crops, the mating of animals and the monitoring of winter food reserves. The Winter Solstice was important because the people were economically dependent on monitoring the progress of the seasons.
Many cultures the world over have Winter Solstice celebrations. At their core, these ancient traditions stem from the fear that the dwindling light might never return unless humans take action, whether through anxious vigil or joyous celebrations. This time of year, is known as Yule to Pagans, a celebration that honours the Moon Goddess’ energy. During the solstice, it is believed that the moon gives birth to the sun, symbolizing a time of renewal and rebirth. In Egyptian mythology, it is said that the Great Mother Goddess Isis gave birth to her son Horus, the Sun God, on the Winter Solstice. In Greek lore, the Goddess Leta gave birth to the bright and shining Apollo. Mithra, the Persian God of Light and guardian against evil was also said to be born on the Winter Solstice.
Throughout history, many cultures have celebrated the Winter Solstice. Some of these traditions are still practiced today, while others have faded over time. Here are a few of the particularly fascinating ones:
The Feast of Juul (Yule)
Yule, with roots in ancient Norse traditions going back thousands of years, is one of the oldest Winter Solstice festivals. It marks the rebirth of the sun, revered as a symbol of resilience during dark, frigid days before the sun’s warm return. Even in the dark, barren time of winter, the promise of Spring’s vibrant life force, fertility and abundance brings a sense of faith and hope. It was a twelve-day mid-winter holiday centred around the Winter Solstice. Yule celebrations were all about enjoying tasty food, singing, and burning a Yule log to welcome the sun back to the world.
This pre-Christian festival originated in Scandinavia and was later incorporated, along with other Pagan traditions such as Saturnalia into the Christian Holiday of Christmas. Many of the Christmas traditions we know today like the Christmas tree, wreaths, and the Yule log, have their roots in Yule customs.
Soyal Ceremonies
Soyal is the Winter Solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians nestled in the serene landscapes of northern Arizona. It is a significant event that has been celebrated for thousands of years marking their hope to bring back the sun after it’s long Winter slumber. The ceremony begins when the Kachinas – the protective spirits of the Hopi and Zuni people come down from their home in the San Francisco Peaks to bring the sun back to the world. During the Soyal ceremony, the Kachinas send messages and prayers for rain, abundant harvests, and good health in the coming year. They also bring gifts, food and impart important lessons in good behaviour. Through their presence and rituals performed, the Hopi people reaffirm their connection to the natural world and their cultural heritage.
Inti Raymi
Did you know that the Winter Solstice celebration in Peru happens in June not December? Just like here in Australia, where winter occurs during June, the Incan festival honours the Sun God Inti. Originating from pre-Spanish times, this vibrant celebration includes feasts and in the past animal or even child sacrifices. Despite being banned by the Spanish, the festival was later revived in the 20th century with mock sacrifices, maintaining its cultural significance to this day.
Winter Solstice in Australia
It is said that the Aboriginal community here in Australia were the first ones to celebrate the change in seasons with the Winter Solstice. Wurdi Youang located in Victoria is an intriguing Aboriginal stone arrangement in the shape of a large oval, about fifty metres in diameter. While its exact age remains a mystery, it is believed to be between 2,500 and 11,000 years old. The arrangement appears to map the Sun’s movements throughout the year with three large stones at its apex, aligning with the positions of the setting sun at the Summer and Winter Solstices and Equinoxes. This remarkable feature suggests that Aboriginal Australians may have been the world’s earliest astronomers, perhaps even before the ancient Greeks.
In Australia, hundreds of Tasmanians take a refreshing dip in the chilly waters during the Nude Solstice Swim. This cheeky event at Long Beach, Sandy Bay marks the end of Hobart’s Dark Mofo Winter Festival with a communal skinny dip in the River Derwent. Meanwhile at Australia’s research stations in Antarctica and on Macquarie Island, adventurous expeditioners dive into even colder water, braving sub-zero temperatures for a truly invigorating swim.
What this Event Means for Us Spiritually
In Winter, everything quietly rests beneath the silent Earth. It is a sacred time for rest and reflection, a pause before the slow return to brighter days. Winter invites us to look within, embracing the fruitful darkness and stillness where our soul’s dreams and new ideas can emerge. By aligning our awareness with nature’s rhythms, we deepen our understanding of our own growth cycles.
In the peaceful and reflective time of the Winter Solstice, when the world seems to hold its breath in stillness, we often find ourselves confronting our own darkness. It is important to recognise that fearing this darkness can disconnect us from a vital source of our personal power. Instead of letting it overwhelm our lives and thoughts we can view darkness as a profound catalyst for growth and transformation, perhaps even a path to enlightenment. By embracing our emotions and experiencing our inner darkness, we can transform it into the cradle from which our inner light and new life emerge. Trust your feelings, for they are your truth. The Winter Solstice invites us to rest, reflect and honour this powerful process.
The Winter Solstice is a particularly sacred and special time for all. As the longest night of the year, it carries a unique power, for we know that the best magic always happens under the cover of night. Yet amidst this darkness, there is also light and warmth. The Winter Solstice marks the Sun’s journey back towards us, promising longer days and renewed energy, it is a time of reflection, celebration and anticipation of brighter days ahead.
The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It is the start of a fresh cycle of birth, growth and transformation in nature. What new beginnings will come to life for you this year? What will you nurture and grow? It’s hard to know for sure, but there is so much hope and anticipation wrapped up in the possibilities of what this new cycle might bring. This promise of a fresh start often inspires us to set goals and make plans for all we want to achieve and change. However, it is crucial not to put too much pressure on yourself right now. Winter is not a time for action, there is plenty of time for that later. Winter is a time for deep rest. We’re not meant to be chasing goals actively during this season. Our main job in Winter is to rest, reflect and recharge.
Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice
Stay up All Night
For those who are feeling deeply devoted, there is a tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice by staying awake through the night to welcome the sunrise. As the sun ascends and shadows recede, imagine shedding all burdens and outgrown elements of your life. Focus your thoughts on everything you want to bring into your life, embracing the dawn as a symbol of renewal and fresh starts.
Solstice Cleansing Bath Ceremony
Fill your bath with warm water, ensuring that it is comfortably warm and not too hot. Then, light some candles around the bath to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Add dried or fresh cleansing herbs such as sage, chamomile, basil, cinnamon, sandalwood, lavender, or rosemary to the bath or if you prefer essential oils work just as well.
As you sink into the warm water, visualise yourself being purified and cleansed from your feet all the way up to your head. Allow yourself to relax and let the water embrace you. Imagine old, unnecessary thoughts and feelings being washed away.
Once you are finished, drain the bathwater, and watch as it circles down the drain. As you do, imagine the water carrying away all the things that no longer serve you, washing them away and leaving you refreshed and renewed.
Solstice Meditation Ceremony: Darkness into Light
1. Prepare the Space:
Gather 5-10 candles and place them around the room.
Turn off all the lights and any technology that may distract you.
2. Create the Atmosphere:
Light one candle and sit in front of it.
Focus on the flame, observing its shape and the light it emits.
Pay attention to any sounds around you.
Remember to breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth.
3. Reflect:
Think deeply about yourself, your past what is no longer in your highest good and what you want for your future.
Avoid judgement; this is a time for letting go.
4. Transition:
Once you have had enough time for reflection, begin lighting the rest of the candles.
As you light each candle, either say a positive affirmation or visualise moving from darkness into light.
Solstice Fire Releasing Ceremony
Step outside and find a safe spot to perform this ritual.
Light a fire outdoors either using a fire pit or another safe method that ensures it is contained.
Take a piece of paper and jot down the things you wish to let go of.
Carefully toss the paper into the fire, symbolising your release.
Watch as the paper burns and the smoke drifts away, envisioning the burdens you have written down dispersing with the smoke.
No matter how you plan to spend this powerful day, I wish you a magical time full of love, joy, and new beginnings!
Happy Solstice!
Written by Bridget Sherlock.
Bridget is a heart-centred scryer that utilizes divination tools such as crystal balls, oracle cards & the tea leaves, to connect you with passed over loved ones and your spirit guides. She can assist with gaining clarity on matters of concern, finding your life path, and uncovering past lives that might be holding you back. Bridget is passionate about assisting others on their spiritual journeys no matter where they maybe in life.
