The Winter Solstice, occurring between December 20th and 23rd, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
This astronomical event, celebrated in Pagan traditions as Yule, honours the return of the light and the start of a new cycle. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), as the Sun appears to pause in its journey across the sky before beginning its return.
Deepening our knowledge of Winter Solstice rituals through time
From ancient Roman Saturnalia to Nordic Yule log-burning traditions, communities have gathered for millennia to celebrate the Sun's return and the forthcoming renewal of nature.
In tribute to the sun’s return, fire has been a large part of Winter Solstice celebrations since around the 5th Century. The burning of the Yule log, lighting fires and burning candles are all popular rituals on the darkest days of the year.
For those who follow the astrological energies of the year, the Winter Solstice always marks the entry of the Sun into serious Capricorn as it leaves jovial Sagittarius. This marks the start of astrological winter - a wonderful time for us to mimic the slowness of nature and come to our own standstill, to assess our high points of the year and consider what we might meditate on before the new calendar year begins.
Looking for ways to celebrate and mark this significant moment in the natural rhythms of the Earth? Here are 9 Winter Solstice rituals to help you enjoy the slower pace, along with a specially curated Winter Solstice playlist to further deepen your connection with the season.
Winter solstice rituals to honour Yule at home and in nature
1. Create a Yule altar
A Yule altar is a sacred space to invite this cosmic change from dark to light into your home, somewhere to set intentions, reflect and connect to the energy of the season.
Going for winter walks can be wonderful for wellbeing, ensuring that the skin receives whatever sunlight is on offer and the body’s natural circadian rhythm is kept in check. While out walking, keep an eye out for sprigs of seasonal greenery or interesting architectural pieces of foliage like dried seed heads.
Never take more than you need and collect from different trees and plants so as not to cause damage.
Once your home, create your Yule altar with natural elements you’ve collected, such as:
- Pine cones ~ pine cones are in abundance at this time of year, but a pine cone gathered on Midsummer’s Day is considered a magical object (so bear that in mind come June!)
- Stems of pine ~ in the Celtic Tree Ogham, pine stands for seeing clearly and developing foresight; a powerful benefit before the start of January.
- Evergreens like fir and holly ~ symbolic of eternal life and the handing over of energy to the Oak which will come into full bloom at the Summer Solstice.
You might also add:
- Dried orange slices ~ oranges have traditionally been a symbol of the sun. Blood oranges will offer ruby red brightness to the colour palette.
- Cinnamon sticks tied with festive ribbon ~ cinnamon symbolises protection.
- Whole star anise ~ these symbolise healing and add texture with their beautiful natural star shapes.
Arrange your finds around a large candle - red, gold, or white - to represent the rebirth of the Sun. You can also add crystals like clear quartz for clarity or a small sun figurine to symbolise the Sun’s return.
As you arrange your altar, focus on setting your intentions for the coming months - what you wish to invite in, transform, and renew as the days grow longer. Your altar becomes a sacred space to connect with the energies of the Solstice and the promise of brighter days ahead.
2. Burn a Yule log
This is one of the oldest and most traditional Pagan rituals for the Winter Solstice, symbolising the burning away of the old year and the welcoming of new beginnings.
If you have an outdoor space, burning a log or creating a fire can be a deeply meditative and cleansing experience. If a traditional fire isn’t an option, you can still bring the spirit of this ritual to your home by creating a small fire inside, either with candles or a fireplace.
For those without outdoor space or a fireplace, you can create a symbolic Yule log by decorating a large branch or piece of wood with natural elements like dried orange and apple slices, holly berries, rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Surround it with candles and let the warmth and glow remind you of the light returning to the world.
3. Candle lighting
The ritual of lighting candles during the Winter Solstice is deeply tied to Pagan celebrations. Candles represent the return of the Sun, a symbolic act of inviting light into the darkest days of the year. This practice mirrors ancient Solstice customs where fire and light were used to honour the Sun's rebirth.
Start lighting a candle seven to twelve days before the Solstice, building up to the day itself. This practice allows you to gradually focus on the light it brings into your life and prepare for the shift toward brighter days.
Each evening, light your candle in a quiet space, taking a few moments to sit with the flame and absorb its warmth. Reflect on the light it represents, both in nature and within yourself. Consider what you wish to invite into your life in the months ahead - whether it’s healing, clarity, or new beginnings. You might even say a prayer, affirmation, or simply express gratitude for the blessings you’ve received.
The ritual of lighting candles during the Winter Solstice, leading up to the Solstice itself, is deeply tied to Pagan celebrations. Candles represent the return of the Sun, a symbolic act of inviting light into the darkest days of the year. This practice mirrors ancient Solstice customs where fire and light were used to honour the Sun's rebirth.
4. Draw an archetype card
Drawing an archetype card is a good way of seeing what energy you may need more of at this time of year and which might be the signature of the next six months.
Don’t forget that we all embody all twelve archetypes all the time ~ simply that each represents a varying percentage of the make-up of our Self. So the one that is drawn to you may be the one that requires a little more attention.
Do you need to be a bit more of a Rebel when it comes to your usual festive holiday plans? Or perhaps you’re the Lover, softening into the celebrations and smoothing out any family frustrations?
5. Meditate on gratitude
Spend a moment to sit in gratitude for the year you’ve had, and all that the natural world has brought into your life through the year’s seasons.
Being grateful has become something of a performative trend thanks to social media, but the scientific evidence links gratitude to a whole host of psychological benefits.
A 2003 randomised trial where people wrote about what they considered to be their blessings every week for 10 weeks reported feeling more optimistic about the week ahead. Following this, a 2005 study asked people to simply write down “Three Good Things” at the end of each day for a week. Those involved in the trial reported feeling increased happiness even six months after.
Consider starting a gratitude journal where you can write down at least three good things that happened each day ~ from the most delicious cup of tea or coffee you had in the morning to the beauty of the fading light in the evening, no detail is too small or insignificant.
Aim to keep up the practice until Spring Equinox (20th March) and assess your wellbeing levels then as we move into the new season and a shift in energy.
6. Indulge in a Winter Solstice beauty ritual
The winter can bring harsher conditions to the skin, and it’s not uncommon for skin to feel dry, sensitised or perhaps a little weather-worn.
Whether Winter Solstice finds you in the midst of a fully-booked social season or you’re slowing down and enjoying some Me time, the skin always welcomes a scheduled beauty ritual. le masque infini is packed full of active ingredients that not only deep cleanse but also hydrate, making it effective in just 10 to 12 minutes.
Because it contains Kaolin Clay and Activated Charcoal, renowned for their ability to absorb and remove impurities, we don’t recommend you keep it on for longer than that amount of time to avoid the possibility of drying the skin (especially if you have dry or combination skin).
However, we do love using our oil-to-milk cleanser, la lune de velours, as a follow-up treatment because although it’s exceptional for removing make-up, it can also be used as a leave-on mask. In fact, make-up artist Lisa Eldridge enjoys using it to carry out a “nice, long facial massage.” Simply leave the lightweight balm on for as long as you’d like and rinse off using the fina silk sea sponge that it comes with for gentle exfoliation and to reveal beautifully dewy, smooth skin.
If your skin is often drier in winter, treat it with the best face oils for dry skin.
7. Make a bright, nourishing soup
Cooking a nourishing meal with ingredients that encourage brightness is a wonderful way to honour the solstice. A delicious batch of soup with seasonal vegetables is just one idea, leaning towards ingredients in hues of orange and yellow to honour the light as the earth begins to invite it in once again.
Visit your local market and seek out ingredients like winter squash, carrots, pumpkins and turnips. Try a squeeze of orange, the fruit of the sun, to bring even more solstice energy, and spices like ginger to build a fire in the belly as it settles into the longest night and prepares for the sun’s warmth to come.
These vegetables are also high in beta-carotene, a compound that the body converts into Vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin. Add potatoes or celeriac to bulk the soup out if needed. Starting with a base of chopped onions (known for their anti-inflammatory power), you could also add fresh grated turmeric root to the mix, which will support the immune system in the depths of cold and flu season.
8. Plant flowering or edible bulbs
Planting bulbs is a wonderful way of creating something to look forward to during the shortest days.
Bulbs commonly planted at this time of year include tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses, and irises. The rule of thumb is to try and plant 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost so your bulbs can settle and establish roots. However, bulbs are hardy little things, and some even thrive in harsh conditions, so can be planted up until the first frost in December.
If edibles are more your thing, shallots and garlic are actually traditionally planted on the Winter Solstice (and harvested at the Summer Solstice). You can plant in pots indoors until they’ve established themselves before planting out, or push them directly into an outdoor bed with good drainage, and which receives sunlight as the days get longer.
9. Read a wintery, cosy book
Reading can become a wonderful Winter Solstice ritual, allowing you to slow down and connect with the quiet energy of the season. Seek out books that evoke the cosy, introspective nature of winter. Choose stories that take you to snowy landscapes or invite you to spend time with characters that nurture the soul.
Some recommendations for soft, wintery reads include:
- "Saltwater" by Jessica Andrews - A coming-of-age novel that captures the mood of winter with its quiet reflection on personal identity, family, and growth.
- "The Anthropologist" by Ayşegül Savaş - A poignant exploration of love, loss, and change, with a meditative quality perfect for the winter months.
- "Wintering" by Katherine May - A beautifully written memoir about embracing winter and finding solace during life’s darker times, making it the perfect winter companion.
Books like these can help you tap into the seasonal energies of reflection, rest, and renewal, while encouraging a deeper connection to your inner world.
Finding a resonant Winter Solstice playlist
Allow music to enhance your rituals and deepen your connection with the season's themes of darkness, renewal, and the return of light. The right music can create a sacred atmosphere, supporting your meditation, candle lighting, and intention-setting as you honour the longest night and welcome the sun’s return. Whether you seek calm and introspection or uplifting energy to celebrate the rebirth of light, music can help you align with the transformative energy of the Solstice.
To accompany your ritual, we've curated a special Winter Solstice Playlist, designed to reflect the season’s deep rhythms and bring you into harmony with nature's cycles.
