As I sit in my little Witches cottage on the hill today, contemplating a fire, I take a moment to allow my eyes to wander towards the open door leading to the outside. I notice the chill in the breeze that is gently blowing the sheer curtains framing my doorway back inside, and I see the trees dance against the backdrop of the mountain plateau. Its damn cold! And I am loving it! Winter is here! We have reached Midwinter or the Winter Solstice / Yule (June 20-23) in the Southern Hemisphere, we find ourselves in the heart of Winter, and perhaps yearning for the sun to warm the land and warm our bones. With the traditional date of the Solstice being the 21st, the longest night of the year has fallen upon use. Take this time to embrace the energies this turn of the wheel and turn of the seasons offers. Midwinter marks the time when the cold and darkness begins to recede to make way for the rebirth of the Sun and Sun God. After the Winter Solstice, we notice more light as the sun stays just a little longer in the sky each day, kissing the Earth Goddess with the warmth of his rays, nourishing growth and life once again.
So while you might find yourself wanting to snuggle under blankets or in front of the fire with a mug of mulled wine, a good book, a delish lover, or perhaps all three…. Yes please… It is also a time for thanking the Crone for her wisdom and gifts after we’ve traversed the underworld realms since Samhain, and after shedding and letting go, we now begin to feel a lightness in our spirits and a revitalized energy to continue with goals and ambitions we may have put on hold during the colder months.
The Winter Solstice represents the light gently transforming the darkness, and you may wish to honour this special time of hope and rebirth in many different ways. I will be lighting a candle to the God and the Goddess, making a Yule log for the fire, devouring YULE tea by the fire (Yeeessss!), and watching the first Suns rays rise over the ocean the morning following Solstice!
If you’d like to enjoy the Winter months sipping on my delicious Yule blend with its delicate Silver Needle White Tea, Hibiscus, Apple, Almond, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Hawthorn and Elderberry, head here! https://elementressbotanicals.com.au/product/yule-winter-solstice-tea/
Blessed Winter Solstice night, and may the light prevail!
Love & Lightning
Belle
