Preparing for the Winter Solstice
Sacred Paths to Light
Dave Winters, Celtic Alchemist and Teacher
Preparing for the Winter Solstice
Here is a simple ritual you can perform as you prepare for the return of longer days of light ahead.
Entering The Winter Solstice Portal
The Winter Solstice is a portal that can shift our energy, mood and focus towards a new dawn of ever increasing light. Additionally, you can engage in a simple meditation practice prior to the solstice to heighten your awareness of its meaning for you. Starting around two weeks before the solstice day, you can initiate what I call a countdown ritual or meditation. It is best to do this at dusk or sunset, but you can also plan this in the dark of early morning if that works better for you.
The Meditation
First, sit in a quiet, comfortable spot away from all distractions. Then, light a candle and start breathing into your heart space. Next, completely relax into your body while you focus your eyes on the light emanating from the candle. To emphasize, when I say relax into your body, I mean relax your gaze into the candle, relax your muscles, your joints, your head and neck, your arms and hands, legs and feet, and your chest and torso. The goal is to completely let go of any tension in your body.
Focus on Breath and Light
Also, keep in mind that your breathing should be slow and effortless, moving to the back of the heart on the IN breath, and to the front of the heart on the OUT breath. You can rest one hand lightly on your heart space if that helps you keep your focus there. The idea is to not be in your mind, but only present in your body and heart. If thoughts come up, take note of them, and then return your focus to the light and your body breathing. Keep the candle lit for approximately 13 minutes. The next night do the same thing, only keep the candle lit for 12 minutes. Continue to drop one minute off each night until you come down to burning the candle for only one minute the day before the Winter Solstice. Do not light the candle on the solstice.
Coming Into Your Own Awareness
Please make a note of what your are sensing/feeling over the course of these two weeks. Write your thoughts in a journal if you feel called. Honor whatever feelings come up, even those of sadness or loss. Also, honor your intuition about the coming shift in light and energy that will be happening during the solstice portal.
Next to Come
In my next post I will be sharing a meditation for the day of the Winter Solstice. Gladdest Tidings and Love and Blessings to you in this beautiful Winter Season.