Represents the solstice an important turning point, which offers us a wonderful opportunity for connection and grounding. This low-key seasonal milestone is definitely worth taking time out for!
In this blog we want to share some of our favorite ways to celebrate the winter solstice alone or with your loved ones!
What is the winter solstice?
In the Northern Hemisphere the winter solstice is a annual celebration of the longest and darkest night of the year with traditions dating back to 10,200 BC
The winter solstice is the point of the year when the sun’s path in the sky is farthest south. This means that the sun takes the shortest path across the sky, giving us the shortest day of the year with the least sunlight and then the longest night. One of the most magical things about this special day is that the winter darkness is at its deepestthat was celebrated as a promise of better days ahead.
At the time of the solstice, Earth’s north pole points away from the sun (which is why it is much colder in the Northern Hemisphere). On the other spectrum, the South Pole points towards the sun for people living in the Southern Hemisphere, making it summer ‘down under’ and celebrating the summer solstice.
The winter solstice is an important turning point, a moment of silence causing the balance of the seasonal scales to begin to tilt back towards the light. People from all cultures and continents are aware of this important day and have celebrated the Longest Night as a sign of new life and the return of warmth. It is important to remember that this also marks the beginning of the increase in daylight hours until the summer solstice arrives and darkness rises again.
Originating from Roman, Scandinavian and many other traditions, a range of rituals have been observed, from feasting to fasting to the burning of ceremonial logs. There are many ways in which communities have come together to celebrate the return of the sun. What these traditions all have in common is a shared tribute to the darkness from which light will emerge.
When is the winter solstice?
This year the winter solstice falls on Friday, December 22and after the shortest day the succeeding days become longer and the nights shorter.
An interesting fact is that the word “solstice” comes from the Latin “solstitium,” which means “the sun stands still,” because the apparent motion of the sun’s path (north or south) stops before changing direction. During the winter solstice, the Sun’s apparent position reaches its southernmost point relative to the background stars.
Our favorite ways to celebrate the winter solstice
Although the darkness of the solstice can make us feel more sluggish and unmotivated than the rest of the year, starting a tradition to celebrate the winter solstice will help us make the most of this important time.
So let’s see 3 simple ways to honor and celebrate the winter solstice from the comfort of our homes, while giving ourselves some time to weave small rituals into our day to create space to connect with the season, ourselves and those we love.
1. Organize a sound bath
Sound baths are a truly beautiful tradition for celebrating the winter solstice.
This is a time to encourage healing for yourself and others, while also sharing the power of healing sounds with friends and family who may not be familiar with healing sounds. Using Tibetan singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, and gongs is especially helpful because these instruments can connect to lunar energy.
As you lead your sound bath, encourage your customers to focus on the gratitude of the season, I’m looking forward to longer, warmer days with the return of the sun. With the metamorphosis from dark to light, we can also embrace new opportunities and growth areas for the coming year. You may want to light some candles to represent the rising light.
2. Facilitate a sound circle
Gathering with friends and family is a great way to celebrate the solstice!
What better way to express connection with others than through sound. Find a place where you and your loved ones can sit in a circle – around a fire, under the moonlight, in a cozy room – and place percussion instruments around the circle.
Start by having one person use his/her voice (or a singing bowl) to share one long note. As time progresses, allow each member of the circle to add his or her voice to the mix as you sound together, creating a powerful resonance as you connect.
Then, using the percussion instruments, establish a strong, steady rhythm and begin building from that rhythm together. Let this be a creative space as you laugh and experiment. Let any stress or negativity flow out of you as you rest firmly in the present moment.
You may even find or create a short mantra to welcome the light and celebrate the longer days ahead!
3. Reset your energy for the coming year
Sound healing can provide an opportunity to find deep, restorative restto withdraw from doing during these busy holidays, and instead journey into the embodiment of being.
Silence, connection and grounding can all be found through breath and sound so we can pause and turn inward as we tap into our innate healing potential.
Find a quiet place in your home or outside where you can sit on a blanket and place your instruments around you. Place your right hand on your heart and your left hand on your stomach. As you feel the beating of your heart and the rise and fall of your breathing, take a moment to reflect on all that you have accomplished over the past year.
After a few minutes, start playing your instruments. If you have a… weighted tuning fork, this is a good time to perform a chakra balancing. If you are using crystals or Tibetan singing bowls, start with a C note at the base of your body and continue raising the vibrations from your root chakra all the way up to your crown chakra.
For those of you who have drums, percussion instruments or wind instruments, hold your instrument close to your body and play soft rhythms/melodies and concentrate on the vibration you feel through the instrument.
At the end of your self-healing session, focus on your intentions for the coming year. Visualize the future you want to experience, believing it is already yours, and play a final note on the instrument of your choice. Once the vibration stops, slowly open your eyes, cry out for joy and embrace the beauty that the new year brings.
Final thoughts
However you celebrate this year, we wish you all a magical and joyful Winter Solstice! May we all shine brightly in the coming year, while also taking some much-needed time to rest and reset in the darkness of midwinter.
We encourage you to welcome the festive spirit into your life, home and heart as often as possible!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can unlock the power of healing sounds in your life, try one of ours online or personal sound healing courses and follow us on social media.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!