As winter approaches, the Northern Hemisphere prepares for the solstice on December 21 at 10:03 a.m. EST — the exact moment the Earth's axis tilts farthest from the Sun.
This event marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
On this day, known as the winter solstice, the Sun in the sky is the farthest south and travels the shortest path through the sky. Therefore the day has the least daylight and the longest night.
Darkness lasts longer than any other night, making it a powerful moment in Earth's yearly journey around our star
Contemporary pagan and communities observe the Winter Solstice as Yule, emphasizing themes of rebirth, renewal, and the return of light. Rituals involve lighting candles, meditation, and acknowledging the cycles of nature.
Embrace deep jewel tones such as sapphires, and dark colours such as navy and black, which are reminiscent of the night sky that is the canvas for the glowing stars.
Winter solstice rituals focus on welcoming back light and renewal through traditions like lighting candles or bonfires, feasting, decorating with evergreens, creating altars, and practicing reflection or gratitude for the turning of the season from darkness towards longer days, with many pagan, Yule, Dongzhi, and Shab-e Yalda-inspired customs. Common practices involve bonfires, Yule logs, lantern walks, and symbolic release rituals, such as burning intentions for the new year
The Winter Solstice spiritually signifies the rebirth of the sun, a turning point from darkness to increasing light, symbolizing death, rebirth, and renewal, making it a powerful time for deep reflection, letting go of the old, and setting gentle intentions for the future's growth, honoring cycles of rest and resilience. It's a cosmic pause for introspection, honoring the Earth's rhythms, and welcoming new beginnings with hope, often marked by light rituals
Midwinter is the middle of the winter. The term is attested in the early Germanic calendars where it was a period or a day which may have been determined by a lunisolar calendar before it was adapted into the Gregorian calendar.
In the Norse tradition, the Winter Solstice celebrated the rebirth of Sol (the sun god) with offerings to Freyr (the god of fertility)
To celebrate the Pagan Winter Solstice (Yule), focus on welcoming the returning light with warmth, reflection, and nature, through activities like lighting a Yule log/candles, feasting on seasonal foods, decorating with evergreens (holly, ivy, mistletoe), creating an altar, setting intentions for the new year, and connecting with ancient traditions like honouring ancestors or nature spirits
