Winter Solstice 2022 Rituals: 6 Ways To Make Your Own Light Today

Once again, it is time to enter a sacred cosmic gateway: the winter solstice! Amid the chaos of 2022, we can all use some much-needed quiet, solitude, and nourishment right about now. The solstice on Wednesday, December 21, invites us to go inward, reflect, and reset.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. The opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere…it is the longest day. Both are powerful threshold moments to honor.

Around this time, many cultures believe that the archetypal Great Mother gave birth to a sun child. The Egyptian deity Isis gave birth to Horus, the sun god. The Greek Leto gave birth to a shining Apollo. In matriarchal religions, the goddess herself (Besana, Amaterasu, and Sun Woman) experiences a rebirth.

In keeping with the theme of reinvention and lighting yourself up from within, here are some of my favorite rituals to do during this time of year:

Nothing new can emerge while you are frantically running around. You need silence and solitude to hear your inner guidance. I often think of it as pushing a talk button to communicate with God, our higher self, and the world. We are constantly asking for information and feedback. Yet, without pushing the "listen button," we miss the answers.

Use the solstice as an opportunity to unplug from all devices and give yourself some alone time. Spend time journaling on anything that comes to you.

I once heard someone describe holding on to past stories as carrying around old suitcases on your shoulders. At different stages of our lives, some beliefs are necessary for our development. You wouldn't give a 2-year-old a box of matches or let them walk across a crowded city street alone. However, there comes a time when you can safely light a match and cross the street by yourself.

Holding on to the old patterns that sabotage your success makes no sense. Playing it small has no place in this new season. Everyone's light counts.

In the days ahead, take the time to physically clear out the old (i.e., declutter your home and clean up your electronics) and release the energy that doesn't serve you, too. Write down everything that you have created or taken on that does not support you. Safely burn the paper in a fireproof bowl or fireplace. When the ashes are cool, give them to the earth.

On sunrise the day of the solstice, go outside and acknowledge the illuminating power of the sun. Ask that it illuminate your heart and mind. Then blow the bubbles or ring a bell to release regrets, worries, or concerns.

The winter solstice gives us the promise of new life. How can you shine your light out into the world? A small amount of light can illuminate a lot of darkness. In that spirit, do some random acts of kindness this week.

 You can also rub a drop or two on your money before you use it to enhance prosperity.