Winter solstice sunrise over Lake Tyrell, Mallee, Victoria, Australia
Each season has its innate beauty and magic and winter is no different. For people all over the world, from the ancient Egyptians and Celts to the Hopi—midwinter has always been a time of ritual, reflection, and renewal. A time to feed the spirit and nurture the soul. A time to pause and rest before moving forward again with renewed faith and hope for the future.
This year's winter solstice (shortest day) was on 21st June but the midwinter energy lingers long into July.
Instead of retreating from the cold and complaining about the weather, consider how a meaningful celebration of midwinter and its place in the eternal cycle of life could help you reconnect with nature, family, friends and the things that matter most.
Seven Top Tips for Embracing Winter
1) Prepare a simple meal from organic winter produce and invite family and friends to share.
2) Watch the winter sunset while meditating and taking deep breaths. Give thanks for both darkness and light.
3) Visit a place in nature that has special meaning for you. Lie down, close your eyes and listen to the sounds all around you. Feel the strength of the earth supporting your body and tune into the slower, quiet rhythms of the season.
4) Choose ten words that embody the best parts of winter then write a poem or song celebrating the season.
5) Silence is another beautiful way to mark the wintertime. Consider an hour of meditative silence or create a circle of candlelight and meditate with others.
6) Take a walk through the bush or your local neighbourhood and collect winter evergreens, feathers, pebbles or other found objects. Make a wreath for your front door or create an altar in your home or back yard.
7) Pick a tarot card or rune and write down your dreams for the months ahead. As the poet Shelley said 'If winter comes, can spring be far behind?'