Not all of our members can attend our public ceremonies, and so we have created a simple ceremony that you can hold at home yourself. And if you are not a member, you can of course do it too, but remember that membership helps us to hold ceremonies and write these articles.
The winter solstice can be marked simply at home with candles, food and a small ritual to let go of the old and welcome the light back. Below is a short introduction and a ceremony that can be done both indoors and outdoors, alone or together with others.
About the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, when the northern hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, and after this the days slowly begin to grow lighter. In many pagan and shamanic traditions this symbolises the rebirth of the sun, a new start, self-reflection, renewal and spiritual contact.
All over the world people gather for food and fellowship at the winter solstice, as at Stonehenge in England where modern druids celebrate the sun's return, and in Iran with the Yalda night, where family and friends keep watch through the year's longest night with food and poetry.
Preparations at Home
Choose a place: A table indoors or a small area outside where you can have candles and perhaps a fire or a lantern.
Gather symbols: Candles (white or red are good), something green (spruce, juniper, a houseplant), a bowl of water, and perhaps a stone or object that symbolises what you want to let go of.
Food and drink: Prepare simple food or snacks for afterwards (fruit, nuts, soup, tea or something you associate with winter and cosiness).
A Simple Winter Solstice Ceremony
Opening and Lighting the Candles
Sit down calmly by the altar or table and breathe calmly a few times.
Say, for example:
"Now we stand in winter's deepest darkness. Today the sun turns, and the light slowly begins to return."
Light a main candle that symbolises the sun, and perhaps several small candles around it that symbolise hope, fellowship and warmth.
Reflection on the Year That Has Passed
Sit in silence for 2–5 minutes and think about the year that has been: what do you want to give thanks for, and what are you ready to let go of.
You can write keywords on a note (e.g. "stress", "self-criticism", "old patterns") or let a stone or object symbolise this.
Letting Go of the Old
Hold the note, the stone or the object in your hands and say:
"I let go of what I no longer need to carry with me into the new solar cycle."
If you are outside with a fire: Burn the note safely in the flames, or place a twig on the fire as a symbol of what you are releasing.
Indoors you can tear up the note and throw it away afterwards, or place the stone in a bowl to clear it away the next day.
Inviting the New Light
Focus on what you wish to cultivate in the time to come: more calm, clarity, courage, love, fellowship or spiritual deepening.
Say aloud (or within yourself):
"With the rebirth of the sun, I invite in … [say your own words, e.g. 'more light, truth and love in my life']."
Place your hand on your heart for a few moments and feel yourself receiving this light.
End with a simple thanks:
"Thank you to the sun, the darkness, the earth and life. May the light grow in us and around us."
Extinguish the candles slowly, or let some of them keep burning as a reminder of the light that is returning.
Feel free to share food and drink afterwards, with conversation, silence, song or drumming if you have one, as a simple "midwinter feast" at home.
Key Points to Take with You
The winter solstice can be a yearly occasion to practise patience, meet your own dark sides, rest and listen inward, while at the same time celebrating change and the sun's slow return. Even a very simple observance with a single candle and a few minutes of silence can be a powerful ceremony when the intention is clear.
